Are you the typical seasoned Mumbai traveller who ends up visiting the Elephanta Caves and The Gateway of India each time? Or a Mumbaikar who’s so busy that there’s no time left to appreciate the marvels of your home city? Well, nothing particularly wrong with that. But we think taking a tour of some of the places that we mention below will give you a different and a very exciting view of this bustling metropolis.
The Afghan Church
A lovely Presbyterian church in the heart of Colaba in Navy Nagar, this Gothic structure was built as a tribute to the people who died in the Afghan War in 1838. Imagine how much history this church carries with it. It’s located in such a serene area, you would never believe you were in Mumbai. We get the feeling that it’s straight out a European village. A pity it isn’t visited often.
Khotachiwadi
Imagine a small cluster of Indo-Portuguese settlements in the heart of bustling South Mumbai? Seems impossible isn’t it? Yes, Kotachiwadi is literally like an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. Catholic families live in a relaxed atmosphere in their quaint houses and latticed balconies bearing art deco influences. It feels like you’ve stepped into a port town of Portugal. Khotachiwadi is currently under the radar of conservationists so that this community doesn’t get wiped out by some ugly skyscraper monstrosity.
Banganga
Ever heard of the Banganga Music Festival? Imagine maestros of Indian Classical Music performing on the steps of an ancient sacred tank surrounded by temples. Reconstructed in the 1700s, Banganga is located in the Walkeshwar temple area. Tucked away in the innards of Malabar Hill, the posh residences of this area wouldn’t ever let you realise you were passing by this exotic place. If you are a tourist with free time looking for peace in the city of Mumbai, sit on the steps of the Banganga, waiting for the sun to set. Pure bliss, we say!
Bhuleshwar
For anything and everything related to beads, borders, clips, fake jewellery, bangles, sarees, this place is haven for the smallest of things that you could ever need. Originally famous for the Mumbadevi temple, it is now commonly known as the crowded, busy, not-so-clean market where you could get ‘anything’. Surprisingly, this place is also listed in Lonely Planet, but we haven’t heard of many dropping by. Mumbaikars, show some love!
Bhau Daji Lad Museum
This lovely museum in Byculla had undergone a massive restoration recently. The red double decker tourist bus of Mumbai will surely stop at the Prince of Wales Museum but not at the BDL. We find that pretty annoying. Not only is BDL the oldest museum in Mumbai but also but a treasure trove of archaeological maps, beautiful historical photos of Mumbai and decorative arts and crafts.
As we always say, Mumbai can be seen through multiple prisms – each time a unique colour combination popping up in front of your eyes. We would have also added Dhobi Ghat, Chor Bazaar and Dharavi to this list but then you would have accused of us of portraying poor exotic India. Hence, we rest our case.
