Our experience in Mumbai
We all were super excited to go to Mumbai ! Since it was a sudden plan, air tickets were pricey for 4 of us including kids.
Mumbai, The Gateway of India is a vast city with well connected transport and tourist friendly environment. Since I had never seen Mumbai earlier, I was eager to be there as soon as possible.
We went by Spice Jet which was a nice and comfortable flight. Smallest need of kids was being attended to. Flight had a nice staff.
Spicejet aircraft at Mumbai Airport
We reached Mumbai at 8pm. Weather in April was pleasant. Our accommodation at Hotel Residency was not that far from airport. It was a nice hotel with well equipped rooms and friendly staff.
Reception at Hotel Residency
Our plans were already laid out. Since my husband had lived in Mumbai for many years, he was our expert guide. He had already shortlisted places to be visited. Meanwhile my kids were enjoying the room and view from its window.
Hotel room
Room at Hotel Residency
Next day morning, as we got up, busy Mumbai from our room’s window was running with speed. Kids got very excited to see frequent flights from our room. Flyover was busy handling traffic.
View of flyover and metro track from our room
We were all set to explore the city in all kinds of transport.
After having sumptous breakfast at hotel our expedition started from Worli Sea Face via Worli Sea Link.
Road to Worli Sea Link
On the way to Worli sea Link
As I said that Mumbai is very well connected, we got a cab within two seconds and reached Worli Sea Face comfortably.
Worli Sea link , another view
On Worli Sea Link
It was a nice view and benches were there to gaze at the majestic sea. Although the water seamed dirty but the view was nice.
Worli Sea Face
View of sea from Worli Sea Face
Earlier , my little one was scared to see the sea and its noice disturbed him. Later, he was comfortable and started playing with crows. We spent some time there and took another cab for the famous Siddhivinayak Temple.
We bought some prasad from small shops outside the temple, took off our shoes and headed for the temple. It was not so crowded as we had thought. Soon our turn came. Standing time in the main temple was only 2 seconds. Then, there were famous mice statues. It is believed that if you whisper your wish in the ear of mice, it is granted by Lord Ganesha. Many people were doing that. Even I did!
After Siddhivinayak Temple, we reached Marine drive. At Marine drive, we walked for half an hour and saw the Queen’s necklace. There is a small shop named Crystal at Marine drive. College students frequent that shop mainly for snacks and drinks.
After Marine Drive, Gateway of India was our next destination. It was a nice view from there.
Gateway of India
Another view of Gateway of India
After taking some snaps, we took a ferry for an hour. The view was just amazing. Specially for people who stay in plains like Delhi.
View from ferry
Another view from ferry
Refreshing view
Vast sea
After the refreshing ferry ride, we thought to try another Mumbai transport- bus. It was less crowded. People in the bus were courteous. Caution – People with kids should get in bus from front. This way the driver knows when to start.
During this day excurtion, we were able to see Linking road, Pedder road and other famous roads and streets.
In the evening, we first went to Juhu Chaupati and strolled there for an hour. Some men and women on the beach were selling small toys for kids. Few were selling snacks. We bought some toys for kids which they broke in 10 minutes. However, we didn’t buy any snacks thinking it might not suit our digestive systems. We enjoyed the breeze and noice of sea. Waves were coming and going as if they were leaving a message. Wanted to be there for some time and relax.
Then we went to see Bandra Bandstand, a famous place where Bollywood celebrities stay. In the night, the place looked very good. Cool breeze by the sea was very soothing.
Our dinner was at a restaurant named as ‘Lucky’ at Bandra crossing. It was a decent restaurant with good food.
We then closed our day.
Next day, we decided to do a flying visit to Lonavla Khandala early morning. There were no plans to stay overnight. It was a crash drive to and fro. We came back in the evening.
Since Mumbai has night life, we decided to be out till late night. Juhu Chaupati again lured us to visit it. Kids enjoyed swings. Very nice time spent. Later, we again went to Bandra Bandstand. We first tasted the South Indian dosa which had an amazing taste. I still miss it. Interestingly, in Mumbai, we did not find Sambhar with dosa on streets. Just dosas were there which were really good. Had kabab rolls followed by famous ‘ Aam rus’ near famous Dargah Haaji Ali.
View of Haaji Ali
Near Haaji Ali
After taking a long walk, it was time for some ice creams. Gokul ice cream near Juhu beach are very popular.
Gokul ice cream, Mumbai
As Indian food never ends without a mouth freshner, some tastiest ‘paan’, I have ever had in my life was at ‘Mishra Paan Bhandar’.
Mishra Pan Bhandar, Mumbai
Third day my husband suggested to have some street food breakfast. I readily agreed as I had heard alot about it. Mainly was missal pao, vada pao, nariyal paani and ragra patti.
Rest of the day was spent in Boriwali National Park. After Boriwali National Park, it was time to get ready for our flight in the evening.
Overall, nice trip, good transport connectivity, courteous people, good food, nice places, nice sea view. People have better traffic sense.
Staying Options in Mumbai
There are umpteen staying options in Mumbai to cater to all needs.
5* accommodation starting approximately Rs. 5,700 till Rs. 12,000 like The Taj Mahal Palace, Ramada Plaza Palm Grove, Novotel, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Grand Sarovar Premiere, Vivanta, Trident etc.
4* accommodation starting approximately Rs. 5,500 till Fariyas Hotel Mumbai, Ramee Guest line hotel, Holiday Inn, The Mirador Hotel, Peninsula Grand Hotel etc.
3 * accommodation starting approximately Rs. 3,500 per night till Rs.5,000 Hotels like Sai Palace Hotel, Bawa International, Hotel Fortune, Chateau Windsor Hotel etc.
2* accommodation starting approximately Rs.1500 per night. Hotels like Uni continental, Hotel Galaxy Residency, Hotel Samraj, Hotel New Bengal, Host inn International etc.
There are cheaper accommodations as well.
How to reach Mumbai
By train
By Air
Very well connected as international as well as domestic airport.
By road
Delhi–>Gurgaon–>Kukrola–>Dharuhera–>Bawal–>Kotputli–>Paota–>Shahpura–>Achrol–>Jaipur–>Phagi–>Dudu–>Kishangarh–>Ajmer–>Mangliawas–>Beawar–>Bali–>Bhim–>Devgarh–>Minnkiawas–>Kelwa–>Rajsamand–>Nathdwara–>Delwara–>Udaipur–>Barapal–>Paduna–>Kanuwara–>Sanjaria–>Shamalaji–>Himatnagar–>Prantij–>Gandhinagar–>Naroda–>Ahmadbad–>Kheda–>Nadiad–>Valsad–>Vadodara–>Por–>Karjan–>Bharuch–>Ankleshwar–>Kim–>Khadana–>Palsana–>Kaliawada–>Chikhli–>Valsad–>Pardi–>Vapi–>Talsari–>Kasa Khurd–>Manor–>Mandai–>Rajavali–>Bandra–>Mumbai/Bombay
Source – Maps of India
Where to eat in Mumbai
South Indian food in Mumbai is mouthwatering in Mumbai. Even our hotel Residency had great South Indian food. Other places to eat are ‘He said she said’ in Andheri West famous for Chinese, European, North Indian, Mexican etc.;Candies in Pali Hill, Bandra west famous for deserts, fast food etc; Masala Library in Bandra Kurla complex popular for North and South Indian food.
Source – Zomato
Where to shop
Colaba Causeway in Colaba , South Mumbai;
Chor Bazaar- Mutton street near Muhammad Ali road in South Mumbai;
Linking road in Bandra
Crawford Market- Lokmanya Tilak Marg , Fort Area, South Mumbai
Fashion street- MG road, South Mumbai
Source – Goindia
Nidhi KM
Viharin.com
Leave A Comment