Mumbai #2

Underrated places in Mumbai one MUST visit ⭐

1. Bhuleshwar Market & Mangaldas Market: I visited this connected market just after the rainy season and Mumba Devi Temple’s floor mat almost stripped off my feet that day, FYI this is near the entrance of the market so people do indulge visiting it, owing to its six centuries old history and popularity. This market is the biggest wholesale clothes market in Mumbai although tourists seldom hear about these(considering about Colaba Causeway and Fashion Street). You will find great collection of sarees and dress materials here and that too in affordable prices(okay honestly, its cheap…very cheap). I bought two cotton thread-embroidered dress materials for 1100, can’t imagine right? The jewelry set (Jhumka earrings, necklace and maang tikka) costed around 300 and was really beautiful. You will find various options of sarees as well with least price around 350 and are of quality material too.

2. Khau Gally of Mohammed Ali Road: This is the one-stop for you if you are a foodie. If you are in Mumbai and taking too long to plan for a visit to Khau Gally, rest assured your appetite will be questioned by Mumbaikars 😛 .Mughlai to milk cakes, Chinese to Jalebi, Raan Biryani to Rabri Malpua, Shawarma to Firni, Masala milk to lamb pav, you will get them all. It is also called the heaven for meat lovers. 😉

3. Alibaug Beach: This isn’t exactly in Mumbai but around 100kms away. Its one for the sudden mood swing outings or lazy unplanned leaves, for its near, has a historic importance and obviously perfect(fortunately you will find it much cleaner than Versova beach). It’s surrounding villages are considered to be the historic hinterland of Israeli Jews and from one of them’s garden, the name ‘Alibaug’ ! There is a fort too, nearby.

4. Ranichi Baug / Jijamata Udyan: This zoo is home to 24 species of birds and various wild animals like elephants, deer etc. It has acres of land with variety of plants(it is also a botanical garden) and therefore is perfect for a weekend visit with kids! Few years back some penguins joined the bird family here and have added to the authority’s revenue . It’s a must visit if you are in Mumbai, just take a train to Byculla and then cab.

5. NCPA Mumbai: National centre for performing arts is there in other cities too, but it isn’t there in Kolkata(well till 2017 there was none at-least). So this place near Nariman Point is very special to me. Almost every weekend you can book tickets online on Book My Show and attend any of the shows/theaters/workshops/meetups here, except that if you are going alone, make sure you return early because generally the shows end around 10 pm and then you would only get vacant trains in weekend. You can watch Hindi, English and Marathi theaters here, sometimes if you are lucky enough you will be able to attend dance performances as well.

6. Madh Island: I love the discussion on this, I will tell you why. This is considered to be the most haunted place around Mumbai. You will find strange ghost stories on youTube and maybe documentaries too and am not gonna clarify or contradict the saying. We can have a debate on this later on if someone instigates. It is well connected to the ‘city of dreams’ with a road, Madh-Marve road(well, that’s where the haunted story begins). One who needs a break for few days can rest here in a bungalow, have sun-dried fish and enjoy the calmness. Madh Fort made by the Portuguese near Madh village is also an attraction, although entry is forbidden here.

7. Bhaucha Dhakka: Its a wharf beyond which you find fish lovers and fishermen. One where both the groups unite 😉 Thousands of fresh catch allows one to choose from a wide range of fish. Such a place is common yet uncommon in many Indian states. It is considered to be the biggest fish market in Mumbai. It’s in Mazgaon.

8. Saifee Hospital, Marine Drive: This is not a place to visit, I just added because I want people to really give it some importance, I feel it’s a breathtaking establishment! Firstly, if you are going to marine drive, the sight of this will come gratis. Secondly its too beautiful to take your eyes off it, first when I saw this I thought its a palace ! or maybe someone from UAE(I mean very Dubai formulated structure) has constructed this but I had no idea that is a hospital !

9. Fort Bassein, Vasai: It is of historic importance though I know you have wikipedia to tell you that. Moving forward, this was build by the Portuguese and was later taken back by the Peshwa Baji Rao empire. This place is significant for the Anglo-Maratha war, Indo-Portuguese history and the Portuguese buildings and church inside(which are almost ruins now). One can get down at Vasai Road railway station and visit the fort.

10. Pandavkada Falls: This is in Navi Mumbai’s Khargarh. Most underrated though, this is also CIDCO’s most dangerous spot for visitors as many people died while taking bath in the falls. It’s basically a picnic spot but the Pandavkada hills with its abundant greenery and waterfalls is a must visit for all during the monsoon.

P.S.: Why didn’t I post for a long time? I know that’s your question…the answer is, I don’t know…maybe it was a writer’s block or that I was not well for skin allergies etc, but trust me these are all excuses. I know I am supposed to be regular..and I will try harder this time, promise. Happy reading 😀

Picture Courtesy: TripHobo, Youtube, TripAdvidor, NCPA, The Asian Age, Saifee Mumbai, steemkr.com.