INDIA MUMBAI

INDIA MUMBAI

The capital city of Maharashtra on the western coast of India, Mumbai is India’s giant commercial and institutional hub, fashion capital, a virtual melting pot of cultures, communities and historic legacies. It is home to the world’s most prolific film industry, Asia’s largest slum, fabulous colonial –era architecture, fascinating markets, temples, churches, mosques galore, world class hotels, superb restaurants and a furious nightlife!

The tiny western state of Goa is located on the Konkan Coast, fringed by the Western Ghats Mountain Range. Goa’s magnificent natural beauty and its architectural splendors have shaped it into one of the most unique travel destinations in India and the world.

The Portuguese, who arrived here in the 16^th century, gave Goa its extraordinary legacy and its distinctive heritage- seen in the baroque architecture, whitewashed churches, old forts, vibrant festivals and ceremonies and superb Indo-Portuguese cuisine.

1.       THE PORTUGUESE IMPRESSION AT MAHARPACADY VILLAGE

The village of Matharpacady of Mazgaon feels like a place out of a fairy tale. It was originally one of the seven islands of Mumbai and was an ancient Portuguese township. The name of the village comes from the Sanskrit word mathara which means “wise one “The most distinctive feature of the remarkable village is the Portuguese inspired bungalows. It is said that when the Portuguese ruled Mumbai, many East Indian Villages began to be established and since many of them belonged to the fisherman community, they were built in the style of Portuguese architecture. These old style bungalows have been beautifully preserved and remain a living example of the unique Indo –Portuguese legacy of Mumbai. Don’t forget to try the delicious coconut cake on a visit here!

2.       MAHARASHTRACHA CUISINE

Maharastracha Cuisine still remains unexplored and unheard of after so many years. The legacy of Maharashtra goes back a long way and brings with it am authentic relishing cuisine, culture and customs.

3.       MUMBAI IN AN ARTISTIC FRAME

The city of Mumbai is special, not only for its incredibly addictive film industry but also for its huge collection of art galleries. If you are the kind of person who greatly appreciates art and would love the chance to browse through galleries, understanding artists and soaking up all of that creative ambience, this would be a great opportunity to go on a tour of the different art galleries in the city. Visit some of the most electric and modern art space in Mumbai such as the NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) , Jehangir Art Gallery, Volte , Tasveer , Chemound Prescott and Chatterjee and Lal, among many others. The works inside each of these galleries have been carefully collected and preserved by artists, curators and collectors from all over the world.

4.       MUMBAI WITH A HIGH

If you get bored of travelling by road, you can always take a helicopter ride above the city of Mumbai to experience it from a completely different perspective. The view not only leaves you mesmerized but also with fabulous memories that will last you a lifetime. From the helicopter, you can see the beautiful coastline of the Arabian Sea and the blue houses lining the way. The experience gets better as the pilot provides his expert commentary on the sights that can be viewed from the 1000 feet height. After you have finished your helicopter tour of the city, revisit history as you visit the Victoria Terminus Station or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus- a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

5.       MUMBAI BY DAWN  - THEY CITY AWAKENS

Mumbai has an extraordinary, restless, vibrant, unforgettable energy that envelopes the city – you feel it as soon as you set foot here! The city is constantly on the move and is often seen as the place where dreams and aspirations are fulfilled. You can visit the docks of the Koli fisher folk and listen to their stories amidst all the early morning chaos. You also get to see a one of its kind fish auction here. Another remarkable sight is that of thousands s of newspaper vendors sorting out newspaper in several different languages in the middle of the road. You would be surprised to know that many of these vendors are illiterate. The all herb mandi (market) spreads itself across a bridge, where innumerable hawkers sell leafy vegetables even as milk men drive past with milk canisters and freshly baked bread.

6.       INTO THE CAVES

The Kanheri Caves are a group of rock cut monuments that reflect beautiful examples of the influence of Buddishism on the art and the culture of India. Carved out of Basalt, these 109 caves were actually chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping. Of these caves, many were used as Buddhisy viharas. The Sanskrit and Pali term for Buddhist monasteries , viharas were secluded dwellings for the monks  meant for living , studying end even meditation. The viharas , studying and even meditation. The viharas here consists of beautiful intricately carved Buddhist scriptures , pillars , reliefs  and also display rock cut stupas ( ancient Buddhist dome shaped structures , erected as shrines usually containing the relics of monks and nuns; also used as places of meditation ), that are worshiped here by many people.

7.       BOLLYWOOD ‘ING IN MUMBAI

The Bollywood city of Mumbai is a big dream for many. Inspired by Bollywood, this tour is full of experiences as the concept is Bollywood, this tour is full of experiences as the concept is Bollywood oriented and designed for tourists from all over. Dance and sound recording workshops are a few fascinating aspects of the experience, where you get to live the dream and perhaps even do what you might have never done before. Capturing videos and clicking photographs here is the most wonderful way to keep alive these fantastic memories and share them with other long after you rdenormous sets to watch all the live action!

8.       SATISFYING PARSI TASTE BUDS – HOME COOKING WORKSHOP

The centuries old Parsi community of Mumbai is known for their flavourful and wonderful cuisine which is a perfect blend of Persian delicacies and Indian spices. A Parsi meal has an array of flavours ranging from sweet to sour to spicy. You will experience Lagan Nu Bhonu- a meal traditionally served at the weddings. The dessert that follows, “Lagan Nu Custard” is India’s answer to Crème Brulee. The Community has an amazing treasure trove of traditional recipes handed down generations, giving you an unforgettable coastal culinary experience.

9.       UNPARALLELED GYMKHANA

Located in the posh area of South Mumbai (earlier South Bombay), the Bombay Gymkhana offers the finest sporting facilities to its members, since its establishment in 1875. The Colonial era Gymkhana (sports arena) was originally built as a British only club, designed by the English architect, Claude Batley . Today, it is one of the most premiere gymkhanas of the city and also, one of the exclusive places –making it extremely tough to get a membership here! Enjoy the exclusivity of this famous club with us as we take you in for a meal or a Hi Tea to make the elite experience come alive!

10.   PEDAL ‘IN MUMBAI

Explore the art precinct of Mumbai’s British Heritage district as you pedal your way through the area admiring the city’s architectural blends Victorian, Neo Gothic, Indo Saracenic, Art Deco, Renaissance Revival and Edwardian Neo Classical styles.

Ride along the Marine Drive‘s seaside promenade which houses the largest collection of Art Deco buildings. Ride through the busy roads of Mumbai to arrive at the Horniman Circle Gardens.

Continue on to ride past Kala Ghoda, a crescent shaped precinct that has developed into a prominent, cultural centre in Mumbai. Also, you will across numerous art galleries, museums, pavement galleries, and the Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue and designer boutiques. Later, cycle past some of the prominent buildings of Mumbai the Gateway of India High Court and Victoria Terminus.

11.   DABBAWALLAHS OF MUMBAI

The supremely reliable and efficient “ Dabbawallahs’ are actually about 5000 semi-literate members of the 120 year old Bombay Union of Tiffin Box Carriers. Each morning, they call on suburban housewives who pack freshly cooked lunches into dabbas (small circular aluminium or stainless steel containers) .Typically, each dabbawallah collect 3040 dabbas (over 100000 lunches daily) and cycles to the nearest station. Here, the dabbas are handed over to be transported into the city for delivery to the customer. You will begin your morning by accompanying a dabbawallah to a customer’s home. Here, you will observe firsthand how it’s all done you can add your own bit to this by placing a special message for the customer at the other end! Once the meal is ready to go, you will then follow the trail with the other dabbawallahs till it reaches its intended destination. The customer will read your message once they open their dabba and you will also have the chance to enjoy a traditional home cooked meal with them.

12.   ENTREPRENEUR’S ENTOURAGE  THE REAL DHARAVI SLUMS

Dharavi narrates stories of success with the truth behind Mumbai’s rapid economic growth, where you do not find suit clad businessmen but people belonging to Asia‘s largest slum. It seems like a poor man’s land but there exist thousands of small scale industries bustling in an area of absolute importance to India’s financial capital. The slums are filled with potters from Saurashtra , tanners from Tamil Nadu and artisans from Uttar Pradesh. Dharavi is about aspirations, opportunities and rising above your struggles to make your dreams come true.