5 free things to do in marvelous and mesmerizing Mumbai
By Heng Yi Ling |
May 4, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
Mumbai is India's business and entertainment center. The architecture in the city is eclectic due to its colonial past. Mumbai has the second largest number of Art Deco buildings in the world and many can be found on Marine Drive and the western part of Oval Maidan. Mumbai teems with culture. Do participate in festival celebrations if you see one. Here are five venues to visit in the most developed city in India, which is outshining the capital, New Delhi.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Marvel at the magnificence of India's most beautiful railway station - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a colonial-era building now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand building is the result of blending Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with traditional Indian buildings. The overlapping of the two cultures makes CST unique. It boasts an elaborate exterior and a luxurious palace-like interior. Observe the Dali-esque structure of buttresses, domes, arches, turrets, towering spires, stained-glass windows and, of course, pillars with detailed carvings of animals. It is the busiest railway station in Asia today; so you definitely won't be alone when you walk around.
Gateway of India
The name alone suggests this is the place to start a Mumbai journey.
The iconic monument, built to commemorate the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, is a highlight for many visitors.
Mahatma Gandhi walked through the arch upon his return from South Africa and it also saw the departure of the last British regiment when India gained independence.
Walk along the Colaba waterfront for spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
Across the road is the Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower Hotel, which are also worth a look.
Bluefrog
With DJs and musicians from India and other parts of the world performing here, Bluefrog curbs the craving for a happening nightlife and is one of the top clubs in Mumbai. Live music runs six nights a week, with genres ranging from jazz, blues, funk, soul and afro/latin to electronic, club, rock, folk and more. Check out its website for a schedule during your stay, you may just catch one of your favorite artists.
The spacious venue is unlike typical crowded clubs and customers can enjoy their personal space. The club offers free entry before 9pm. Fridays, Saturdays or during events are recommended. Closed on Monday.
Local Markets and Bazaars
Mumbai's bazaars and markets are fun places to visit whether you buy something or not. The markets will give you a sense of local life and they are amazing for photographs. Colaba Causeway opens daily from morning until night and is famous for handicrafts, books, jewelry, crystal, brass items, incense and clothing. The Linking Road market opens daily from 10am to 10pm and is a good place for traditional Indian clothes. Chor Bazaar opens daily from 11am to 7:30pm, except Fridays.
Crawford Market is open every day except Sunday and is the place to go for fruit, vegetables, food, flowers, birds, fish and other pets.
Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach
Join the locals for a breath of fresh air while waiting to see the beautiful sunset.
The palm-tree dotted promenade along the road is the highlight of Marine Drive. Following the sunset, street lights light up the drive, resembling a string of pearls when seen from a higher vantage point. Locals call this the Queen's necklace. Walk north on Marine Drive to Chowpatty Beach. It's not fit for sunbathing or swimming, but it is litter free.
The place comes to life at night. Take a stroll and visit the beach-side stalls and you may just be tempted to try a head massage.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Marvel at the magnificence of India's most beautiful railway station - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a colonial-era building now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand building is the result of blending Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with traditional Indian buildings. The overlapping of the two cultures makes CST unique. It boasts an elaborate exterior and a luxurious palace-like interior. Observe the Dali-esque structure of buttresses, domes, arches, turrets, towering spires, stained-glass windows and, of course, pillars with detailed carvings of animals. It is the busiest railway station in Asia today; so you definitely won't be alone when you walk around.
Gateway of India
The name alone suggests this is the place to start a Mumbai journey.
The iconic monument, built to commemorate the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, is a highlight for many visitors.
Mahatma Gandhi walked through the arch upon his return from South Africa and it also saw the departure of the last British regiment when India gained independence.
Walk along the Colaba waterfront for spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
Across the road is the Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower Hotel, which are also worth a look.
Bluefrog
With DJs and musicians from India and other parts of the world performing here, Bluefrog curbs the craving for a happening nightlife and is one of the top clubs in Mumbai. Live music runs six nights a week, with genres ranging from jazz, blues, funk, soul and afro/latin to electronic, club, rock, folk and more. Check out its website for a schedule during your stay, you may just catch one of your favorite artists.
The spacious venue is unlike typical crowded clubs and customers can enjoy their personal space. The club offers free entry before 9pm. Fridays, Saturdays or during events are recommended. Closed on Monday.
Local Markets and Bazaars
Mumbai's bazaars and markets are fun places to visit whether you buy something or not. The markets will give you a sense of local life and they are amazing for photographs. Colaba Causeway opens daily from morning until night and is famous for handicrafts, books, jewelry, crystal, brass items, incense and clothing. The Linking Road market opens daily from 10am to 10pm and is a good place for traditional Indian clothes. Chor Bazaar opens daily from 11am to 7:30pm, except Fridays.
Crawford Market is open every day except Sunday and is the place to go for fruit, vegetables, food, flowers, birds, fish and other pets.
Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach
Join the locals for a breath of fresh air while waiting to see the beautiful sunset.
The palm-tree dotted promenade along the road is the highlight of Marine Drive. Following the sunset, street lights light up the drive, resembling a string of pearls when seen from a higher vantage point. Locals call this the Queen's necklace. Walk north on Marine Drive to Chowpatty Beach. It's not fit for sunbathing or swimming, but it is litter free.
The place comes to life at night. Take a stroll and visit the beach-side stalls and you may just be tempted to try a head massage.
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