bombay
india Bamboozling. There’s simply no other word that convincingly captures the enigma that is India. With its in-your-face diversity - from snow-dusted mountains to sun-washed beaches, tranquil temples to feisty festivals, lanternlit villages to software-supremo cities - it’s hardly surpresing that this country has been dubbed the world’s most multidimensional. Love it or loathe it - and most visitors see-saw between the two - India promises to jostle your entire being, and no matter where you go or what you do, it’s a place that you’ll never forget. So, what is it that’s drawing more and more people to India? While the reasons vary intimately from person to person, for many it’s the challenge of getting up close and personal with one of the planet’s most intriguing countries... and quite possiby unrevelling oneself along the way. But in all its chaotic glory, you’ll soon discover that India is an eternal work in progress. Indeed,
population 1.2 billion
for many visitors, this is precisely what makes her so deeply rewarding, so
area 3.287.590 sq km
surprisingly addictive. Ultimately, it’s all about taking a leap of faith and sur-
capital Delhi
rendering to the unknown: this is the India that nothing can ever prepare you
main languages Hindi, English
for because its very essence - its elusive soul - lies cradled in its mystery.
and 21 more national lenguages
population 112.3 million area 307.690 sq km capital Mumbai (Bombay) main languages Marathi, Hindi, English
maharashtra Stretching from the unspoilt greens of the sleepy Konkan Coast, all the way into the parched innards of India’s heartland, Maharasthra packs in enough wonders to satisfy even the pickiest of travellers. Being India’s second most populous state (and third largest by area), its gigantic canvas is painted with a smattering of lazy beaches, lofty mountains, virgin forests and historical hot spots, complemented by the famed sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of this wonderful country. Up north, there’s Nasik, where ritous colorus blend with timeless Hindu ritual. Down south, modern India comes of age in Pune, a city as famous for its sex guru as its food-and-beverage circuit. Further south still, in Kalhapur, cameras action in the wrestiling pits. And located in the midst of it all are the architectural and artistic wonders of the state, topped by the World Heritage-listed cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta. Witchever way you look at it, Maharasthra is truly one of the most vibrand and rewarding corners of India.
highlights
work overtime to capture overwhelming temples, extravagant palaces and grimy
Explore cave temples and gasp in wonder at Ellora and Ajanta Lose yourself in a holy confluence of colors and faith in Nasik Run away from Bombay madness to Konkan serene beaches Learn how to make friend with snakes in Pune
SUburban bombay Measure out: one part Hollywood; six parts traffic; a bunch of rich powermoguls; stir in half a dozen colonial relics (use big ones); pour in six heaped cups of poverty; add a smattering of swish bars and restaurants (don’t skimp on quality here for best results); equal parts of mayhem and order; as many ancient bazaars as you have lying around; a handful of Hinduism; a dash of Islam; fold in your mixture with equal parts India; throw it all in a blender on high (adding generous helpings of pollution to taste) and presto: Mumbai. An inebriating mix of all the above and more, this mass of humanity is a frantic melange of India’s extremes. It is the country’s financial powerhouse and its
south
vogue centre of fashion, film and after-dark frolics. Glistening skyscrapers and malls mushroom amid slums and grinding poverty, and Mumbai slowly marches towards a brave new (air-conditioned) world. But not everyone made the
population 12.4 million
guest list: more than half of the population lives in slums, and religious-based
area 603 sq km
social unrest tugs at the skirt of Mumbai’s financial excess.
density 20.6 / sq km
Once the initial shell shock of Mumbai’s chaos subsides, one can start to appreciate the city’s allure: a wealth of Art Deco and grand colonial relics;
districts Mumbai City (south)
cacophonic temples; warrens of bazaars; and the odd spiritual tranquillity.
Mumbai Suburban
SUBURBS
w. suburb bandra khar santa cruz juhu vile parle andheri
s.v. road m.v. road w. hwy linking road bbh
santacruz
station road
north avenue
linking road
main avenue
d th r
35th
rd
s.v. road
waterfield rd
st. martin rd
rk patkar marg
7th rd alameda park
d s.v. roa
n.l.
rd
hill road
l rd pe cha
aya
bandra
bha
i rd
arg
.m
k.c
rebelion
peter dias rd
carmel church
n. d
rd
ess hwy
rd
western expr reclamation
rd
alive.
13
3rd rd
st. leo rd
st. cyrill rd
bai st. john b aptist
don’t forget to
d g roa
rd
st. dominic rd
1st rd
chim
band stand
experience, you
linkin
14th rd
16th rd
rews
28th rd
st. peter church
dining top the
khar
patwardhan park
29th rd
st. andrews church
can be sure to delight your taste buds in Bandra. Oh, and
14th rd
21th rd 33th rd
30th rd
st and
st. pauls rd
ss rd
reminiscent of Goa.
7th rd
a road
pali mala road
perr y cro
jogger’s park
bungalows peppered trhough leaf by lanes, plenty of bakeries and delis, and a rustic old village or two peeking out of corners and charmingly
back, easy on
madhu park khar west
road
16th rd
ambedkar road
carter road
Once occupied by the Portuguese, Bandra West still has the largest Catholic population in Mumbai. It’s Catholic influences is a part of the
8th rd
gurushetr
nargis dutt rd
sherley rd
its huge popularity, while Bandra East has the more commercial areas.
Starr y resdents and pretty bungalows aside, shopping and
ahinsa marg 15th rd
18th rd
19th rd 20th rd
13th
pali hill
western parts. Bandra west is adjacent to the sea, one of the reasons for
come here at nightime, that’s when Bandra really comes
d
chuim village
Like most Suburban in Mumbai Bandra is divided into the eastern and
the pocket al fresco dining or a more refined, up market
a roa
5
Bollywood, including the King of Bolliwood; Sharukh Khan.
list of reasons to vistit Bandra. Whether you’re into laid
dand
4
road
yet quaint spot. It is the home of many rich famous faces that reign over
road 3
union park da dan
road
carter road
The sort of place that dismiss introductions, Bandra is north Mumbai asnwer to Colaba. The “Queen Of The Suburbs”, as it is known, is a hip
charm of Bandra, who houses in the largest number of Roman Catholic churches anywhere in the world (that’s what they say!) - picturesque old
khar
illage rd
16th rd
chuim v
s.v. road
south avenue
orli
ba
w ndra
sea
link
road
mt. mary church
s.v.
taj land’s end
Global Fusion
food Here you can find it all, Bandra is well knonw for its restaurants e pubs that go up untill late (1h 1h30am).
Te gusta sushi? Global Fusion is inside Link Square Mall, on the 3rd floor. Linking Square Mall, Liking Road with 33rd road, Bandra (w)
I’ve listed some of them but I suggest you go for a walk on Bandstand, Turner rd, Pali Naka, Union Park and discover yourself your favorite spot!
Candies
Don’t forget to write down the adress, it can be tricky to get back.
A must go once you’re here. Cheap food and a cool enviroment. Pali Hill, St. Andrews Road, Bandra (w), near Learners Academy
Gostana A small little burguer place near Da Vinci coffee, amazing burgers and free wi-fi. Not into meat? you can go for the veg burguer, is delicious. 29th road, Pali Naka, Bandra (w)
Eat around the Corner A good and chilling atmosphere on this make-your-sandwich restaurant. Pretty good salad and chicken also. Junction of 14th & 30th Road, Opposite St Theresa School, Bandra (w)
Shree Krishna Whant some really really good and cheap indian food? here’s the place try some ice cream for desert.
The Shwarma corner.
1st Road, behind S.V. rd, Khar (w)
Before Morosh, a hidden corner, it’s treasure. Go to Frankies. Carter road, Bandra (w) Steak House
If you’re not so much into vegetarian food and just miss a good old steak you’ll be happy in here. Lourdes Heaven, Pali Naka, Bandra (w), next to Toto’s
Street food That’s the real deal, don’t worry, you won’t die. Paani Puri, boost, chai e coffee.
The Bagel Shop A charming place with a LOT of bagel options. If it is available try the
ice cream
lychee iced tea.
Bombay is one hot place, cool down with some cooold ice cream.
Pali Mala Road, Bandra (w)
Fellas Cafe Yumm and healthy, don’t forget to try the juices, it doesn’t matter wich one.
Natural Ice Cream Cheap and really good fruit ice cream, perhaps the best you can find.
Ahimsa Marg, Khar (w)
Hill rd, Bandra (w), next to Moccha Mojo
Yogurtbay Whant some froozen yogurt? head to Carter road, here you can also find a Baskin and Robbins and some really good donuts.
Deliciae - The Dessert Cafe Out of the world ferrerro roche cakes and cheesecakes. great to just sit by yourself and sip a quite coffee with a nice slice of heaven. Hotel Le Sutra, Union Park, Khar (w)
Baskin n’ Robbins Old but gold, the closest one is on Linking road. Linking road, Bandra (w), after the McDonald’s and the KFC
shopping Bandra is the perfect place to go shopping, you can find anything you want here, you just need to look for it.
coffee wi-fi Working all the time at the agency can get pretty boring and non productive, sometimes is good to go around just to clear up your mind. Never forget that you are in India, this should be your Mantra.
Linking road for shoes and branded apparel. Turner road for precious jewellery. Hill road for street-shopping ant ethnic wear. Waterfield road for smaller, independent boutiques with imported goods. Khar Danda road for linen and drapes
one day in Bandra yoga Are you into Yoga? your body is your temple, only in a balanced body rests a peaceful mind.
The Yoga House in Chimbai road (Bandstand) is a good and charming place owned by a french girl and her indian husband. They hold diferents Yoga modalities clases everyday, (such as Ashtanga, Pranayam, Iyengar, Hatha and also Kundalini). A nice place to eat some healthy food and just chill out with free wi-fi. Sunday clases are free, so just drop by, usually they start at 16h30.
9am Start with breakfast at Salt Water Cafe if you’re looking for scrumptious Eggs Benedict or fabulous continental fare 11am Stop by at the famous Mont Mary Church and St. Andrew’s Church to get a flavour of Bandra. Drive through Chimbai Village to get a feel of old Bandra noon Head to Linking road if you’re in the mood for shopping. For those who prefer reading, Crossword at Turner road is a good option 1pm A long lunch at Out of the Blue with a couple of martinis will recharge your batteries 3pm Up for more shopping? then look smaller independent stores in the quiet suburban lanes 5pm Catch a coffee at Cafe Coffee Day on Carter road, followed by a leisurely walk down the Carter road promenade right before sunset 8pm Get a glimpse of Bombay nightlife at Bonobo.
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute This is serious business, one of the most renowned Yoga institutes of the world. A must-visit place for any serious yoga practitioner. Give a call before droping by. Elmac House, 126 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (+91) 22 24948416
must do Admire old cottages while driving down Turner Road Sample yummy biscuits amd buns at the old bakeries on Hill Road Take a walk on the Carter Road promenade, top it off with coconut water
nightlife Bandra is reborn at night, go for a walk on the promenade, carter road or pali naka. Most of the cafe’s only closes after midnight, and if you’re up for some dancing a good idea is to check Blue Frog’s, they always bring good internacional djs and bands. Juhu also have some famous clubs.
Visit Mount Mary and St. Andrew;s churches
Enjoy a kingfisher, the king of indian beers, at one of the bars Try some spice Indian snacks (like pani puri) at Punjab Sweet House Go hunting for curious and funky clothes to the small shops at Khar and
Waterfield road
Head to the end of Carter Road for a snacky bite
my india You’re here to discover this fascinating country, take your time and also take some notes!
safety tips By traveling around Asia for sometime, and also living in Bombay for 3 months, i came to gather some info that can help you around, hope they’re useful. Don’t forget to right down and to share your on tips. Shout rikshaw when you see an empty one When going around on a rikshaw or a cab first say the neighboorhood you want to go (Santacruz, Khar, Bandra), and after that the name of the street I suggest you always go with taximeter, don’t fix prices Do not go to south Bombay on rush hour unless ir inevitable When crossing the street do a calm down sign with your hand, cars will stop for you If you shake your hands sideways (as we do for more or less) people will understand that you mean no. Try it out with beggers. Avoid eye contact if you do not wish them to be insistent Always remember that children are only children Smile at people that stare at you, most probably they’ll smile back Drink sugar cane, boost and chai Try to go to Goa for a weekend, i suggest a beach called Palolem Let your free soul enjoy this magical place, i hope you have a good time