Mumbai : The City of Magic and Madness

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Mumbai is a stunning paradox of hope and chaos, magic and madness. Where the changing modernity of India has been experienced most intensely. From Gandhi’s arrival from England in 1915 to the protests against the Simon Commission in 1928, Bombay, now Mumbai, has been home to many key events of the freedom struggle. 

The City: Then and Now

Mumbai has a long colonial past—handed down from Dutch imperialists to British. There existed a time when public statements, singing of songs, playing of music, the exhibition of pictures and placards were considered a crime by law. The colonial authorities would invoke their commodious powers to swing lathis and point their guns at innocent crowd. 

Today, Mumbai is a melting pot of lifestyles. It soaks everything in its fabric and makes it its own. From Portuguese and European dwellers who migrated to the city years ago to struggling actors hoping to make it big; from Bollywood superstars and big industrialists to slum dwellers and tribes of fishermen—the city boasts of stories from all walks of human existence. Mumbai is one of the main centers of culture, art, theater, dance and music in India all driven by the indomitable spirit of Mumbaikars.

Don’t leave Mumbai Before You:

Do

Stroll down Marine Drive: Walk down the promenade at night to soak in the hundreds of glittering street lights that form the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ or sit by the waterfront to hear the rumbling sea.

Take a walking tour around the city: The city is rich in heritage and architecture, with some of the most awe inspiring buildings dotting the quaint lanes. Lose yourself in this charming world as you walk through the pages of history!

Experience the night life: From hole-in-the-wall beer bars, debonair lounges, happening nightclubs to in-vogue theaters, live-music spaces and art galleries—Mumbai is the hub of India’s nightlife.

Eat 

The Street Food: Pav bhaji, Vada Pav, Bhajias, Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Dahi Puri, Kala Khatta – Mumbai is a connoisseur’s delight. Experience layers of colours, textures, flavors melt in your mouth in dishes that are very light on your pocket!

A Quintessential Maharashtrian Meal : Make sure you pamper your taste buds with Thaali Peeth (a multigrain tangy pancake), Kandha Pohe (flattened rice nibbles), Sabudana Vada (sago and potato fritter flecked with roasted peanuts), Misal Paav (a spicy curry made of pulses served with bun) and Kothimbir Vadi (coriander leaf and gram flour fritters).

Buy

Colaba Causeway: Junk jewellery, posters, artifacts, knick-knacks and anything else you can imagine is sold here.

Linking Road, Bandra : Shoes, junk jewellery, bags and clothes. From fancy designer brands to A-grade imitations off the street—Linking Road has it all.

Getting There

Mumbai is easily accessible through flights and railways.