This winter break, we visited Mumbai after an unprecedented turn of events. Our motive was just to be together and come out of our loss.
The financial capital of India/the city of dreams/the maximum city, beckons people from across the country. To beat the northern morning fog, we boarded the early morning flight and landed in the warm, humid environment. From Chhatrapati Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, to my sister’s home in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, we were glued to the window as our cab sped across the expressway and freeway, bypass and underpass, through the architectural marvel sea link connecting seaports amid towering skyscrapers and squalid chawls.
The best way to explore Mumbai is to book a Mumbai Darshan tour. Our short trip and sombre mood restricted our itinerary. As age catches up and vagaries of life knock you, you draw solace through faith only. On day one, we paid obeisance at the famous Shree Sidhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi; Mahalakshmi Temple, South Mumbai by the Arabian Sea and the Haji Ali Dargah on a little islet off the coast, Worli. The cab driver pointed to some iconic places en route: the Antilla, the Breach Candy, Leelawati Hospital and my niece’s office, the NSE. We enjoyed the distinct flavour of his local language.
The next day, we went to Chembur, a lively eastern suburb of Mumbai, known for its blend of tradition and modernity. The famous R K Studio stood on our left as we entered the famous market. We savoured some authentic Mumbai cuisine and bought cotton fabrics. While travelling during peak hours of ‘bumper to bumper’ rush, we observed vehicles ply in discipline unlike our north traffic. Honking and lane switching are minimal; consequently, vehicles are minus bumps and scratches.
My sister resides in Navi Mumbai. Her sea-facing apartment on the famous Palm Beach Road offers breath taking view of the Atal Setu and the Mumbai Harbour. The Vashi creek and mangroves are within walking distance. We explored the local area extensively on foot. We basked in the tropical ambience as we exercised our limbs on the well-maintained green space on the wide promenades and dedicated tracks each morning.
We were privy to the epithet: ‘the city that never sleeps’. As night descends, bikes broom across Palm Beach Road. Each night, we converged on the balcony as sport bikes vroomed loudly, carrying Bollywood hotties and their bouncers. The area pulsates with vibrancy past midnight.
Our trip also included a visit to the modern musts: Seawood Grand Central Mall and the Inorbit Mall, Vashi. As you jostle through the crowd, famous brand outlets entice you in the premier shopping destination, besides a multi-cuisine food court. Our sister took us on a quick car ride to various landmarks: the Flamingo area behind DPS, the impressive Navi Mumbai Mahanagarpalika office, Belapur Fort and the DY Patil Stadium.
The short trip was unique in itself. The focus was on family time, sharing our culinary expertise and catching up. The key takeaway: plan a trip with your siblings and unwind.
Suruchi Kalra Choudhary
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