"The City Within" Mumbai by wrldtravler

Mumbai Travel Guide: 1,971 reviews and 3,890 photos

My Heart Beats to a Bombay Tune

Growing up in Bombay is an experience worthy of a novella (and many have been written on just this).
I cannot speak for others but my life has been greatly influenced by my early experiences of Bombay. Bombay is one of those cities that is never known to any one person. As you grow you find a new Bombay a Bombay you weren't aware of earlier. Almost like a Bombay which had been waiting for just you to turn that certain age before it would bestow upon you it's treasures.
Living by the sea (Versova) and growing up by the sea (Juhu - Maneckji Cooper School) has made me a beach bum for life. I am classically conditioned to associate the beach with fond memories of my childhood. Bombay's Monsoon Breeze fills me with a calm feeling the likes of which I have yet to sense elsewhere.
Bombay's Film Industry has painted my childhood with color and imagination. I come from a filmy background (My Grandfather was a renowned Poet and Lyricist for Hindi Films) as we say in Bombay.
It has been the single most influencial nurturing stimulus in my life.

Bombay for the not-so-faint of heart

Mahalaxmi Derby

Then there is the Bombay of my Youth.
Late Night Drives. Sitting on Carter's and sharing drinks , dum and da-tales with friends. Bade's for Late night snacks. Parties at Madh. Sitting on gaddi having Bachelor's ki Ice Cream.
Ramzan Nights at Muhhammad Ali Road with Khichda at char nal, Mal Pooa at Bori Mullah and Roti/Shorbah at Kasai Mullah. Snacks at Hersch Bakery and Andorra's. Mid Night visits to Noor Mohammedi and Delhi Darbar. Spur-of-the-moment trips to Lonavala or Goa. Exploring Bombay's dingy By-lanes and it's grand bazaars. Lonavala and Matheran during the Monsoon's. Pune during the summer. Goa and Alibagh during the winter. Realizing there's more to Bombay than the western line. Rock Climbing at Powai. Random Ganapati processions. Dancing Nights away at Hip-N-Swanky Bombay joints. Hitting Up Club Nine, Athena, Insomnia, Avalon, Circus Circus and NL all in one night. Doing Yoga with Bombay's Hottest.
Going to the Derby and Siddhivinayak. It's a dillema of massive proportions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Cuisine, People, Culture, Religion
Cons:Pollution, Population, Traffic
In a nutshell:Bombay will leave you with fond memories and warm fuzzy feelings once you look beyond the surface and open youself to the city within

Last visit to Mumbai: Jul 2002
Intro Updated Aug 5, 2008
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Reviews (55)

Don't Spill Nightlife (18)

A concept lounge where everything's white. from the sofa's to the staff (just kidding) but it is all white. Great drinks... more travel advice

celebs at aurus 1st anniversary bash - Mumbai

Where else, Aurus! Nightlife (18)

The best thing to happen to the bombay night life since electrolosis. Aurus is located on juhu tara road close to vie... more travel advice

Beach Beat Nightlife (18)

A favorite is the Vie Lounge in Juhu. Located right on the beach Vie is gaining a reputation for being the best place in... more travel advice

Kiddie Nightlife (18)

Situated above Khyber restaurant in Kala Ghoda, Red light is a favorite for the 16-20 year olds. Playing trance /... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Matheran
Restaurants (21)
See All Far From the Madenning Crowd
Shopping (5)
See All Bargains Galore II
Local Customs (1)
Inspirational Bombay

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (22)

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Donna_in_India Jun 13, 2011 at 6:38 PM

Great info and photos! I love gola!
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joelsaldanha Jun 21, 2009 at 7:25 AM

the fort area in south mumbai is the best place to do street shopping and u'll get evrything that u want for ur home, office and for ur personal needs. so enjoy shopping all u shoppers and make south mumbai rock.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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alycat Jul 7, 2008 at 7:50 AM

Im hungry already!
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zlatiq Apr 7, 2006 at 7:19 AM

great page:)indian movies were very very very popular long time ago back home in bulgaria;now its the american movies...hehehe:)
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navinkurian2002 Nov 7, 2005 at 7:28 AM

Great info kabir. Keep up the good work .And yeah MECT was fun ;) lots of memories :) .
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husain Jul 8, 2005 at 11:41 PM

great mumbai page
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Salek Jun 16, 2005 at 11:08 AM

I leave for Mumbai in just 2 weeks - monsoon season - thanks for preparing me!
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Polly74 Feb 10, 2005 at 6:29 AM

very interesting restaurant tips!!!! congrats!! :-) Paola
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Ash&Kay Nov 3, 2004 at 9:50 PM

we live in bombay now, and I must say seeing it your way makes it even better. I agree Mondes rox
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Tijavi Oct 11, 2004 at 1:39 AM

Your pages make me miss Bombay. And I will try to sample the nightlife next time I'm there. Dhanya vad!