A paradox of chaos and regularity, Mumbai is a mesmerizing city that never fails to surprise one in every blink of an eye!
History
This cosmopolitan city named ‘Mumbai’ is an eponym; it has been derived from the name of Goddess Mumbadevi. The city’s history goes back to the formation of seven islands namely: Colaba, Mazgaon, Mahim, Parel, Bombay Island, Worli, and Old Woman’s Island.
The ownership of these islands was passed on after the death of King Ashoka (who formerly owned these islands) to later get colonized by various rulers.
Formerly known as ‘Bombay’ the city has gone under massive changes since the 19th century. And post-independence it expanded radically, numerous towns were incorporated within the city limits and further developed to be the financial capital of the country
One of the most populated cities in India with a fusion of art, culture, and religion. ‘Mumbaikars’ as the world calls the indomitable people of Mumbai, is the astounding factor of this city.
People from all walks of life struggle hard in this fast-paced city to live their dreams. And hence, Mumbai is also known as ‘The City of Dreams’.
When in Mumbai, make sure you:
Visit: Places that represent rich culture and art like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralay a museum which displays the history of India and has over 50,000 objects, texts and antique collection to wonder how beautiful all of these are!
In the evening take a stroll at the Marine Drive while admiring the vibrant sunset. It is the city’s most famous road to travel through overlooking the Arabian Sea. One can visit the Haji Ali Dargah Mosque in the middle of Worli Bay, it’s connected to the coast by a narrow path that gets covered with seawater during high tides.
A definite visit should be paid to the only surviving Royal Opera House of Indi, a special place to enjoy mesmerizing performances in the evenings. The grandeur of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Station lights up in the evening making a dazzling view and gives a tint of the fun-filled nightlife here.
Eat to heart’s content:
One can find street food almost at every corner of Mumbai and that too in numbers!
Vada Pav being the staple snack of Mumbaikars was invented in Dadar by a local man called Ashok Vaidya in 1966, his food stall is still serving vada pavs with love in Dadar in front of Kirti College. Another delicacy of this city is Pav Bhaji; a mashed steamed vegetable thick curry, a bit spicy, and a dollop of butter on top is had with pav.
Bun Maska is another iconic union of just a bun and some butter but makes a delicious snack or breakfast which is mostly found in Irani restaurants in South Mumbai. There is a chaat family which consists of Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, and Ragda Pattice that tastes tangy, sweet, spicy, and sour, all at the same time!
Apart from street food Mumbai homes to some fine dining restaurants, cafes, and bars to have luxurious meals. Trésind Mumbai in BKC, Bay route Cuffe Parade has classy interiors and equally enticing food. Estella- an Australian Restaurant in Juhu offers the view of coastal beauty of Mumbai while dining.
Shopaholic’s fun begins here!
Entertainment, glitz and glamour is what offered at the ‘bazaars’ as the locals call the markets of Mumbai. Crawford Market, named after Arthur Crawford the first municipal commissioner of Mumbai covers 22,471 square metres of city
One can find everything and anything at this humongous market. A shopaholic’s wonderland would be the Colaba Causeway; handicrafts, party wears, books, bags, junk jewelry, shoes, you get it all here.
Linking Road in Bandra is heaven for fashionistas. Chor bazaar literally means thieves market’ doesn’t sell stolen items but has very unique objects. It is an antique lover’s Disney world. Bargaining is a skill to be mastered to survive in these markets.
Concluding it…
It is accurately said that Mumbai is a ‘City of Dreams’ as Mumbaikars either work hard to live their dreams at night or they party hard to shed all the stress off their mind.
Everyone lives with a dream in their eyes and walks with a “never say die” spirit. This city has something to offer to everyone residing in and visiting it with regard to every aspect of one’s life; it is truly a Magical City!
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