Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai
Slide Nr 1Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is lovingly called the City of Dreams – and for all the right reasons. To Indians, Mumbai is synonymous with opportunity and hope. As a tourist, your first impression of the city might be one of total chaos, but as you travel through and visit the iconic eateries, historical monuments, impressive skyscrapers and bustling bazaars, you begin to realise that there’s a beautiful method to this madness, inspired by a halo of rich cultural history.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 27am, Breakfast At Kyani & Co. – Start your morning at Mumbai’s oldest surviving Iranian café. This coffee house, set up by Iranian immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries, is one of the city’s oldest eateries, making you feel as if you’ve travelled back in time. The traditional bun maska (bread rolls slathered with butter) and chai is my go-to order at any point of the day. Note: Due to the long distances and travel times in Mumbai, I have focused on exploring the oldest and most exciting southern parts of Mumbai only. [Photo: Anoopb15/Wikimedia Commons]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 38:30am, Meandering Around The Mosque – Walk along the narrow winding pathway that takes you to the Haji Ali Dargah mosque, located in the middle of the Arabian Sea, 500 metres from the Mumbai coastline. Originally constructed in the 15th century, the mosque is a historic monument as much as it is a religious one, and even if you’re not there to pray, the sights and sounds inside the mosque and around it are worth experiencing. After you step out of the mosque, be sure to taste the city’s most delicious fruit creams and fresh juices at the Haji Ali Juice Centre. [Photo: Patrick Findeiss/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 410:30am, A Bustling Bazaar – The Chor Bazaar “thieves’ market” on Mutton Street has always been one of my favourite places in Mumbai – not just because of its curious and mysterious name, but also because it’s one of the oldest markets in the city, and houses the quirkiest and most beautiful pieces of art you’ll ever find! It’s a truly charming and enchanting place, with stores selling magnificent antiques, furniture, art and old toys at great deals. Bring your best bargaining skills. [Photo: Glenna Barlow/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 612pm, Seafood Extravaganza – Now that the ice cream has whet your whistle, you’ll want to grab lunch. Hail a cab and head to Trishna Restaurant in the artsy Kala Ghoda area. One of Mumbai’s best seafood restaurants, it may be slightly pricey, but the food is definitely worth it, and the green masala prawns are to die for.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 71:30pm, Kala Ghoda And The Blue Synagogue – Just across the road from the restaurant is the gorgeous Knesset Eliyahoo, or “Blue Synagogue”. The 135-year-old structure – restored after the terrorist attacks of 26 November 2008, and renovated again this past year – was recently reopened to public; for the first time ever, non-Jews can actually participate in the prayer service. Apart from the synagogue, Kala Ghoda itself is one of the city’s art hubs and home to some of Mumbai’s most creative designer boutiques. (Must visit: Artisans’, Ogaan, Nicobar) However, unless you want to spend the rest of the day shopping, I’d suggest simply strolling around to get a feel of the place, then head on foot to our next destination… [Photo: Reuben Strayer/Wikimedia Commons]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 82:30pm, Jehangir Art Gallery – Established in 1952, Jehangir Art Gallery is Mumbai’s prime art exhibition space, hosting works by painters, sculptors, printmakers, handcrafters, ceramicists, photographers and weavers. Whether you’re an art lover or not, do spend some time here – it will give you a wonderful insight into the creative scene of Mumbai. And it has a great coffee shop, too! [Photo: zachary jean paradis/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 93:30pm, Set Sail On The Arabian Sea – One of the most stunning views of The Gateway of India and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (not to be confused with the famous mausoleum in Agra) is to be had from the Arabian Sea at sunset. You can pre-book a jetty or a yacht, or join an organised sailing, and board your ride from the Gateway of India. It’s a beautiful sight and a lovely time on the sea – and it’s how I would personally love for everyone to remember Mumbai, forever.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 129:30pm, Dinner At The Taj – An unmissable itinerary item, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a historical landmark and luxurious destination in Mumbai – and it’s home to some fabulous restaurants, not to mention outposts of some of the biggest global luxury brands. I suggest experiencing a delicious dinner at Masala Kraft, a specialty Indian restaurant at The Taj.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 1311pm, After-Dinner Drinks At Asilo – There’s nothing like following up a great meal with a gorgeous view and some fancy cocktails at one of Mumbai’s best rooftop lounges, located on the 37th Floor of the St. Regis Hotel. Don’t forget to treat yourself to their chocolate volcano before you leave!
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 141:30am, Marine Drive – The aerial view of Marine Drive – the southernmost coastline of Mumbai City, where the urban landscape meets the Arabian Sea – is the iconic skyline image for which Mumbai is known. Believe me, taking a post-midnight stroll here is a serene and fulfilling experience. Make sure you’re not up to any hanky-panky though – the Mumbai police are always watching…
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 153am, Binge At Bayview Restaurant – Usually after walking on Marine Drive long enough, I head over to the 24/7 Bayview Restaurant at Hotel Marine Plaza for a coffee and some munchies. It’s one of the many hotels located on Marine Drive, on the opposite side of the road, where you can sit for hours and enjoy the stunning view of the sea.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 17Read Before You Go – Gregory David Roberts’ Shantaram. This book brings the Mumbai of the 1980s and ‘90s to life, and will make you hate it and fall in love with it all at the same time.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Mumbai.
Slide Nr 19Sonal Agrawal is the fashion, travel and lifestyle writer behind the blog pinkpeppercorn.in, where she creates fashion and lifestyle content inspired by the culture, art and sociocultural insights gained from her many travels. Follow her on Instagram at @pinkpeppercorn_sonal.
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