Authentic Experiences in Mumbai

On India's East coast in the state of Maharashtra lies India's largest city - a city of contrasts. Known for the Gateway to India and Elephanta caves, Mumbai is fully of historical sites. Here's how to navigate the metropolis of India's largest city and get the best sites under your belt.

Introduction to Mumbai, India

Mumbai is the largest city in India with 13 million habitants. As of 2018, according to United Nations, It is the second-most populous city in India. Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city attracts visitors from all over the globe for it's food, diversity and sites. But let's be clear on one thing - don't visit Mumbai if you're not a fan of crowds...

Crowds and Commuters of Mumbai

In Mumbai, every day 200 local trains make 2000 trips along 300 kilometers of track. Mumbai’s local train carry 6 million passengers per day, which is equivalent to the entire population of Israel. Many people commute to work but you might see that almost everybody use the train. Mothers drop and pick up their kids by train. Local vendors sell earrings, necklace and even stationary in the Ladies compartment. 

Poverty and Wealth in India

Mumbai is a city of contrasts, and contrasting wealth is no exception. Over 50% of the population live in slums and Mumbai is home to one of the world's largest slum - Dharavi. Yet Mumbai is the wealthiest city of India and has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires. Famous and successful cricket player Sachin Tendulkar lives in Mumbai. Bollywood actors like Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bacchan also live in this city. 

People from all over India come to Mumbai to make a living. Be it an actor, Chaat wala, Rickshaw driver, engineer, and even Business owners. There are opportunities for everybody in Mumbai.

History of Mumbai

Mumbai has a deep rooted British history as the city was undee the British Colonial government from 1661–1947, when India gained independence. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as the capital.

Beaches of Mumbai

Mumbai is surrounded by beaches. So if you decide to visit a beach on a weekend, be ready to see big families enjoying their evening there. Juhu Beach, Marine drive, Versova Beach and Aksa beach to name a few are the most visited ones. 

Places to Visit and Authentic Experiences in Mumbai

Mumbai is filled to the brim with culture - there are many historical places in Mumbai and amazing authentic food. If you are visiting Mumbai be sure to visit these places for a raw experience:

Crawford Market

You will be amazed to see the size of the shop and the number of customers they serve at a time. It is a fun place to explore and buy unique things. You might also want to try some chaat or Mughlai delicacy from around the market. 

There is Mullaji in the lane opposite to Crawford market who sells amazing fried chicken, he opens his stall after 5:30 and all snacks from his stall are almost over by 9. Nearby workers, shoppers, and visitors all enjoy his homemade snacks.

Gateway of India

We know Mumbai is a city of people, but if you want to experience serenity and peace watch the sunrise at the Gateway of India. Marvel as the sun rises from the sea and wakes the city.

Take a Rickshaw ride

Uber and Ola Taxis are everywhere in Mumbai and so are the rickshaws. You might see a celebrity enjoying a rickshaw ride and chatting away with the driver. Be sure to ask the driver to start the meter after you board the rickshaw or agree a price beforehand!

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

The Kala Ghoda Art Festival is India’s Largest multicultural festival. It takes place in the month of February every year. It is held for nine days, from the first Saturday of the month.

The festival sections are visual arts, dance, music, theatre, cinema, literature including children's literature as a subsection, workshops, heritage walks, urban design and architecture (2014), food, a dedicated section for children, and a vibrant street section including stalls selling eco friendly, hand made arts and crafts wares.

Entry is free for all. 

Sabyasachi Store

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a famous Indian designer from Kolkata. He has designed wedding dresses for Indian celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, etc. Visit the Sabyasachi store to marvel at Indian Lehengas, Saris and jewelry. 

Bohri Kitchen

If you are a foodie and you are visiting Mumbai, You should definitely try the Bohri Kitchen. Served up in a family home, this weekend-only pop-up dining experience was cooked up by former Google employee Munaf Kapadia. It showcases both the spectacular home cooking of his mother, Nafisa and the unique cuisine of the Bohra Muslim community, which draws on influences from as far afield as Yemen and Gujarat. 

You can book a place by messaging them and reserving a spot. It is a great opportunity to eat and make new friends. 

7 Top Tourist Places In Chandigarh

Chandigarh AKA ‘City Beautiful’ is a city and Union Territory in India that serves as the capital of two neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. It was formed as the first planned city after Indian independence and is internationally known for its architecture and urban design. 

Although many people backpacking India bypass Chandigarh in favour of more popular destinations such as Agra and Jaipur, it’s actually a haven for expats and digital nomads. 

Located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in northwest India, Chandigarh boasts of its highly urban planning, low crime rate and great weather conditions. The plethora of gardens and picnic spots, along with the clean and cool surroundings make Chandigarh a a great destination for a weekend or even longer. Here’re the top tourist places in Chandigarh: 

Rock Garden

5.6 Kilometres to City Centre 

Address: Rock Garden, Sector-1, Chandigarh

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Tips:

1. Avoid weekends and public holidays

2. Carry sun-protection and water

The Rock Garden (created by Nek Chand) is the most unique places to visit in Chandigarh. This beautiful garden is a maze of walkways that connect numerous displays of art objects, fashioned out of industrial and urban waste. More than 2000 figures have been built in about 40 acres of land over a period of 20 years, making this site quirky as well as an elemental lesson in recycling.

Rose Garden

2.4 Kilometres to City Centre

Address: Track, 16B, Sector 16, Chandigarh

Timings: Summer mornings and evenings, all day in winter

Tips

Avoid weekends and public holidays

Carry sun protection and water 

Built in 30 acres of area, Rose Garden is plotted with 50,000 rose bushes of over 1600 different species. If you want to enjoy the beauty of flowers and feel the perfect blend of nature’s colors, this is a place for you! 

There are a wide variety of trees of medicinal value and some unique species of trees to enhance the beauty of the garden. 

The ‘Festival of Garden’ is held annually in the Rose Garden in the month of February and is listed in the ‘National Calendar of Events’. 

Sukhna Lake

5.6 Kilometres to City Centre

Address: Sukhna Lake, Sector-1, Chandigarh

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tips

Avoid weekends and public holidays

Carry sun protection and water 

Located at the foot of the Shivalik Hills is one of the top tourist places in Chandigarh - Sukhna Lake. Sukhna Lake is a beautiful man-made lake that was created in 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna stream that cascades down these hills. The lake compliments the greenery in the city and serves as a great spot for relaxation and recreation. 

Sukhna Lake is also a favorite spot for bird watchers as the migratory birds like Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes come there. You can engage yourself in a spot of boating, or just sit on the banks to enjoy the shimmering water with mystic mountains in the backdrop. 

4. Mansa Devi Temple

13.1 Kilometres to City Centre

Address: Mansa Devi Temple Complex, Panchkula 

Timings: Summer – 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Winter - 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Tips: 

1. Temple offerings can be purchased from shops outside the temple

2. Visit early to avoid the rush, avoid weekends and public holidays

3. A permanent langar is held in the temple, by the Chandigarh Grain Market Association, where a free delicious meal is served to all visitors

Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, this temple is an important shrine for worshipping Shakti (Goddess Mansa), the divine feminine incarnation of the innate cosmic energy. A tree, around which devotees tie sacred threads to get their prayers answered, forms the main attraction of this temple. 

The temple place is spread over 100 acres with remarkably clean premises and is set against a scenic backdrop amidst some beautiful, lush green lawns, which is a must-visit for peace lovers. 

This temple is now maintained as a heritage site by the government.

5. Japanese Garden 

6.5 Kilometres to City Centre

Address: Japanese Garden, Sector 31A, Chandigarh

Timings: 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM

Tips: 

Carry sun-protection and water

The Japanese Garden is a beautiful, serene garden, which houses a park, waterfalls, pagoda towers, meditation centers, Buddha idol and several other structures. The garden is spread over 13 acres and has an interconnected underground tunnel, which is decorated with beautiful Japanese paintings. 

Built in 2014, this garden has recently been added in the list of best places to see in Chandigarh. 

6. Butterfly Park

5.7 Kilometres to City Centre

Address: Butterfly Park, Sector 26, Chandigarh 

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tips:

Visit between March and October 

Carry sun protection and water 

This 7-acre park is home to 35+ species of butterflies with beautiful landscaping. Special care has been taken to create a good habitat for butterflies and their breeding. A few prominent species among these are Commander, Angled Castor, Blue Mormon, Common Blue Bottle, Ape Fly, Common Grass Yellow, Chocolate pansy and more. Special silence zones have been created for beautiful tiny creatures so that they do not get disturbed when they walk on trails of nature. 

7. ISCKON Temple Chandigarh 

2.4 Kilometres to City Centre

Address: Sector-36B, Chandigarh

Timings: 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM (worship timings are fixed) 

Tips: 

1. Special feast is organized for the visitors on Sundays

2. Visit early to avoid the rush, avoid public holidays

ISKCON is a prominent religious centre in India. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and a place of worship for the followers of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) (aka Hare Krishna Movement). 

The temple can be visited on all days between temple timings and contains beautiful deities of Lord Krishna and Radha. The melodious hymns resound throughout the complex. Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated every year with great joy and innumerable devotees come to pay their offerings. A beautiful garden is at the back of the temple and people can be seen strolling there.

Sundays are special as spiritual lectures, hymns are organized and devotees participate in chanting, dancing and feasting.