Some Things Not To Miss In Mumbai

Three years of staying in Mumbai formed do list listicle, which travellers shouldn’t miss visiting. Mumbai previously known as Bombay is a city of seven islands. History says it was the home of Koli people which was first ruled by Maurya empire. With tropical wet and dry climate this city has lots to explore.

Let me start with

1) MUMBA DEVI TEMPLE

Mumbadevi Temple

Decicated to Devi Mata, the very name Mumbai was derived from Goddess Mumba devi. She is also called as Maa Amba, who is ardently worshipped by Aagris and Koli clan. She is a personification of Mother Earth that original temple was built at Boribunder. Today the temple is located in Kalbadevi. Navarathri is very grandly celebrated here.

2) WORLI SEA FACE -

Worli Sea Face

The unique part of this spot is driving 3.5kms. As you cross the entry gate, you get to see lovely skyscrapers, beautiful calm waters of Arabian Sea, small boats and while crossing the bridge you enter Worli part of Mumbai. Sunset offers picturesque views, that at the brink of sunset the whole place glows. Be how many times you drive, each time you end up discovering something beautiful.

3) KANDA POHA

Mee Marathi

Poha is the staple breakfast dish of Maharashtra. Been any part till 9am you get to see lot of shops selling, and people buying. History of poha is from Mahabaratha era Sudhama, offered this dish to Lord Krishna. When Holkars, Scindia rulers came to Maharashtra they left poha and shrikhand here that it became this states staple food. Kanda poha is a thick variety, of poha added to crunchy peanuts, fried onions and fried sev. One such must eat dish at Mee Marathi Vile Parle.

4) GLOBAL VIPASSANA PAGODA

Global Vipassana Pagoda

Located near Gorai creek this pagoda is built to honour sayagyi ubakhin who was a teacher and a chartered accountant too. Following Buddhism this pagoda is divided into three domes. There is a mediation hall, museum and library. Gold paint is seen on the pagoda top that floors are wooden and hand carved in Myanmar. Towards Borivali, Pune highway this pagoda is visible.

5) POWAI LAKE

Powai Lake

An artificial lake facing the Powai valley with a history from British era. This lake has water from Mithi river. From Mumbai via Santa Cruz you could view this lovely lake. Crocodiles are a part of this lake besides kingfisher and lovely ducks. Sunset is amazing here, that you could walk or jog around the lake. Nightlife is full of fun around this lake, while it is a picnic spot too.

6) GANESH CHATHURTHI

Mumbai

It’s a 10 day celebrations which starts with installation of the idol followed by lot of cultural programmes and daily Pooja rituals, that on 10th day with dhole instrument accompaning, Lord Ganesha is immersed. Started by Sri Tilakji in 1882, till date the festival is celebrated in a pompous manner.

7) DABELI

Little Bite Dabeli

A street food made out of two pavs, stuffed with potatoes then garnished by cheese, onions, some bhujia and served hot with variety chutneys. Each area of Mumbai is full of dabeli centre. Though it is a Gujarati dish, it made its entry century back and become staple street food of Mumbai. Little bite of dabeli in Kalyan is one such must place to bite this dish.

8) LONAVALA DRIVE

Lonavla

A very popular weekend getaway on Sahyadri ranges, surrounded by dense forest. From Mumbai 2 hours away is this mesmerising hill station. Derived from Sanskrit word - Leni + Avali meaning stone carved place, this spot is tagged as Misty weekend getaway. Best time is just after rains. The drive is so beautiful that your eyes, can’t and won’t miss the lush green ranges following you.

9) MUMBAI RAINS -

Mumbai

If you happen to travel during monsoon time, here are a few things to know about Mumbai rains. Rains start from heavy and goes up till heaviest rains. Three months from June mumbai is more of rains than sun. Downpours turns the atmosphere chill, making travel easy but you have to compulsorily carry an umbrella and raincoat in time. Unless you love monsoons, Mumbai rains gives you great unique experience of travel. Sipping chai, biting hot dabeli or pav bhaji if you look at the sky, the black clouds cover indicating immediate downpour. Beaches are some ideal spots to visit during rains, the cool air goes very well with drizzle and first raindrops.

10) VADA PAV -

Also known as Wada pav, filled with potatoe dumpling stuffed in between two this street food is also popularly called as Bombay burger. History says this food started from Dadar station that it was known as Khidki vada pav meaning Vadapav was sold via a big window. A lovely tasty potato fritter. This street food is seen in many parts of Mumbai that it is a must dish to taste especially near Vile Parle, Colaba and Juhu beach.

11) EXPRESS HIGHWAYS -

Mumbai is full of wide roads, that driving is a pleasure of course traffic is on the high always. As you drive so you pass by express ways. So far I have driven via eastern expressway which is via Marine drive, while Western Express Highway is my favourite. Covered by palm trees, huge road which joins the way towards vile Parle. These express highways are something’s not to be missed.

12) SKY SCRAPERS -

These three years each time I go out my eyes wont be without scanning, without craning my neck up and looking at the sky scraper buildings in Mumbai with awe. The architecture is something to look into. Each building is a beauty on its own. Night view of the buildings are totally different from the morning views. The above pic is Worli buildings while crossing Worli sea face link.

Mumbai known as fashion capital of India, has lots and lots to explore. The more you travel within the city, more you get to know about unique, offbeat things. These three years of exploring showed me very little parts of Mumbai, I personally feel I should explore more and start writing part 2 of this article.