After 2 years in this Monstrocity, I finally completed my list of all scenic spots / experiences / activities in Mumbai. Below are my 22 favorite recommendations from the list.
1. Prithvi Theatre
Starting with a cliché. But clichés exist for a reason. I don't think anyone exits Prithvi Theatre as the same person as they went in after watching a play there. This place is yet to disappoint me in in terms of the quality of the plays they stage there.
Bonus tip: Go on a weekday and you'll probably find some great actor or musician from our times. If you're lucky, they'll be sitting in the cafeteria and performing for the crowd.
2. Drive an auto
Try it out in Bandra. Even the autowallas are cool in Bandra. Because if Salman Khan can do it, so can I (though I admit my driving skills are slightly better).
3. Drive on the Sea Link
I cannot explain the feeling of driving in Mumbai on a road without traffic. But if there was a highway to heaven, it'd have the sea link on it.
4. Breakfast at Taj Lands End
The finest spread of breakfast in Mumbai. Their Breakfast Lounge offers a view of an exquisite lobby and the most elaborate breakfast in the city. What better way to start the day?
Bonus tip: Try making a salad in a bowl.
5. Belapur Fort
Most of the fort is in ruins now. The only feature of interest is a long plank which goes a distance into the sea. Not for the faint hearted, try if you dare.
6. Kanheri Caves
It's not the destination that matters. It's the journey. Go through a single mountain cut by an ancient Buddhist civilization long before Mumbai was Mumbai. Built in the heart of a forest which in turn is in the heart of Mumbai, this never disappoints.
7. Global Vipassana Pagoda
If you've stayed in the city for too long, at some point you will want to get "away from it all". The Pagoda is the only place that offers a solace that is the very opposite of the nature of this city.
Bonus tip: They have 10 minute Vipassana sessions through the day. Try it out. Gives you a calm seldom bestowed upon a Mumbaikar.
8. Stay at Taj Mahal Palace
Unarguably the finest hotel in Mumbai. This hotel boasts not only of the guests of the highest order, but Sea Lounge which offers a view of the rising Sun in Mumbai, a carriage-parking-space converted to a swimming pool, and quite literally anything you can ask for will be delivered. They live to serve.
Bonus tip: Ask for the Indonesian rice at the Shamiana. You're welcome.
9. Film City
They conduct tours for the public but you need to book fast as there are limited spots everyday. The booking system is effective though not too professional or transparent. But they won't cheat you.
Bonus tip: Hang around the gates for a while. You're not allowed to smoke inside so you're likely to find your favorite actors coming out for a whiff.
10. UFO Revolving Restaurant
It's just a restaurant with a revolving floor. Not much novelty there. But if the concept excites you as it did me, you're going to make a trip to Kandivali. Though that might be the only thing you'd ever goto Kandivali for. #NeverNorthOfAndheriAgain
11. Kharghar Hills
They open it only for 2 hours in the morning between 5 - 7. And its completely worth the early morning trip to Kharghar. The most bautiful view of the city awaits you infront of a Sun rising from behind the mountains. If happiness had an image, it'd be there. At sunrise.
Bonus tip: Take the right from the diversion and walk. You'll know where to stop.
12. Esselworld
No. Not Imagica. Esselworld. 3 reasons. (1) It's every 90s kids dream. (2) It has "Top Spin". Imagica doesn't. (3) Esselworld mein rahunga main. Ghar nahi jaunga main.
13. Get Wet in the Rain
You haven't embraced Mumbai if she hasn't drenched you in her rains. At some point you need to let go and embrace her love and that day, you become a true Mumbaikar. I did it by Powai lake. Can't imagine a more appropriate place.
14. Trendy Taste
If you haven't gone to college in Vile Parle, then you are probably unaware of this place. Its a shop that promises to bring back memories for the 90s kids. And yes, there's a new discovery of twisty potatoes waiting for you that makes you say - French Fries, but better.
15. Mumbai Marathon
It's a one-of-a-kind unique experience in Mumbai. I admit I have only thought of running it and the mere thought has made me lose a pound of weight. I have since then tried to ride it on a bicycle but only managed half the distance. Then I just drove it.
16. Stand Up Comedy
No it's not going to a stand-up comedy show. Mumbai offers more. You can goto an open mike event and perform. Try it out. It'll be one of the most self-discovering experiences you ever have.
17. Comic Con
Presently the only city in India that offers Comic Con. The only place where geeks can hope to get laid. But don't let that be your only incentive. The energy at Comic Con is unlike any other.
Bonus tip: Get the VIP pass. It's worth the money.
18. Shadow Dabbawallahs for a day
By far the most challenging of my tasks. But to get a feel of the spirit of the city, shadow a dabbawallah for a day to understand a day in their life. It'll teach you a lot about respect, Mumbai, and ethic. A record of consistency takes sacrifices, discipline, and rigor. And no one does it better than a Mumbai dabbawalla.
19. DDLJ at Maratha Mandir
Every day at 10:30 AM DDLJ screens at Maratha Mandir. And every day scores of fans fill up the auditorium and whistle when Raj appears playing basketball in what is too short to be shorts. The fans still cheer when Simran catches the train and sing along with "na jaane mere dil ko kya ho gaya". The magic continues.
Bonus tip: Get the dress circle. Always get the dress circle.
20. Khotachiwadi
It's Mumbai's Diagon Alley. You won't find it if you're not looking for it. Hidden in a small alley at Grant Road, it's the remnants of about 26 bungalows from Portuguese times. They're slowly being torn down to give way to sky scrapers. So try it out while it lasts.
21. Vasai Fort
Some people find ruined forts haunted. Some find them romantic. It's definitely Mumbai's most preferred pre-wedding shoot location. But if walls could tell a story, you'd find them shouting in Vasai Fort.
22. Nehru Science Center
There's nothing too special about the overall place. It's a science museum, if such a thing interests you. But there's a "giant heart" which you can step into. Now what can be better to kiss someone inside a giant heart?
13. Get Wet in the Rain
You haven't embraced Mumbai if she hasn't drenched you in her rains. At some point you need to let go and embrace her love and that day, you become a true Mumbaikar. I did it by Powai lake. Can't imagine a more appropriate place.
14. Trendy Taste
If you haven't gone to college in Vile Parle, then you are probably unaware of this place. Its a shop that promises to bring back memories for the 90s kids. And yes, there's a new discovery of twisty potatoes waiting for you that makes you say - French Fries, but better.
15. Mumbai Marathon
It's a one-of-a-kind unique experience in Mumbai. I admit I have only thought of running it and the mere thought has made me lose a pound of weight. I have since then tried to ride it on a bicycle but only managed half the distance. Then I just drove it.
16. Stand Up Comedy
No it's not going to a stand-up comedy show. Mumbai offers more. You can goto an open mike event and perform. Try it out. It'll be one of the most self-discovering experiences you ever have.
17. Comic Con
Presently the only city in India that offers Comic Con. The only place where geeks can hope to get laid. But don't let that be your only incentive. The energy at Comic Con is unlike any other.
Bonus tip: Get the VIP pass. It's worth the money.
18. Shadow Dabbawallahs for a day
By far the most challenging of my tasks. But to get a feel of the spirit of the city, shadow a dabbawallah for a day to understand a day in their life. It'll teach you a lot about respect, Mumbai, and ethic. A record of consistency takes sacrifices, discipline, and rigor. And no one does it better than a Mumbai dabbawalla.
19. DDLJ at Maratha Mandir
Every day at 10:30 AM DDLJ screens at Maratha Mandir. And every day scores of fans fill up the auditorium and whistle when Raj appears playing basketball in what is too short to be shorts. The fans still cheer when Simran catches the train and sing along with "na jaane mere dil ko kya ho gaya". The magic continues.
Bonus tip: Get the dress circle. Always get the dress circle.
20. Khotachiwadi
It's Mumbai's Diagon Alley. You won't find it if you're not looking for it. Hidden in a small alley at Grant Road, it's the remnants of about 26 bungalows from Portuguese times. They're slowly being torn down to give way to sky scrapers. So try it out while it lasts.
21. Vasai Fort
Some people find ruined forts haunted. Some find them romantic. It's definitely Mumbai's most preferred pre-wedding shoot location. But if walls could tell a story, you'd find them shouting in Vasai Fort.
22. Nehru Science Center
There's nothing too special about the overall place. It's a science museum, if such a thing interests you. But there's a "giant heart" which you can step into. Now what can be better to kiss someone inside a giant heart?
No pictures for this one. Go see it for yourself.
