Mumbai: City of Seven Islands

Mumbai is India’s melting pot, a cosmopolitan hub that attracts hordes of people from across the country. Mumbai has always been a conglomeration of several cultures, in keeping with its origin itself – the city was formed out of seven islands. The seven islands include Mahim, Old Woman’s Island, Worli, Mazagaon, Parel, Colaba, and Bombay Island.  

If you are visiting the city on business or on a holiday, it is a great idea for you to make time for a heritage walk, which will give you an insight into the rich history of the city.

• Bombay Island was the island that was the main harbour during the time of the British Raj. It stretched till Malabar Hill region from Dongri. This original stretch that went by the name Isle of Bombay was a small one, only 24 km long.
• Mahim is at the westernmost part of today’s Mumbai. The island was part of the other group of islands that were given to King Charles as dowry. There are many landmarks in today’s Mahim, from the Bandra-Worli Sealink to the Sitladevi Temple and St. Michael’s Church.

  

  Bandra-Worli Sealink Mumbai(Photo Courtesy: http://www.flickriver.com)

• Colaba in today’s Mumbai is all about museums and galleries, and the iconic Gateway of India, Sassoon Docks, and the Taj Mahal Palace ad Tower Hotel among others. Back then, the island went by the name Candil by the Portuguese. Colaba is called the Kolis’ territory. The Kolis are the local fishermen.

  

  Gateway of India (Photo Courtesy: http://www.indiaunimagined.com)

• Parel is known as an upmarket area, with a slew of high-end apartments and hotels. There are places such as the Planetarium, the Palladium and Nehru Centre Art Gallery you can visit. Parel is also known for its cotton mills.
• Mazagaon was a fishing village in the southern part of Mumbai. However, it is now a suburb on the outskirts. There are many churches and temples in the area, some dating back to the time of the Portuguese and the British.
• Haven’t we all heard of Haji Ali? Well, the famous dargah is located on a rock on the island of Worli. Today’s Worli is a bustling locality and is home to major businesses and companies.

  

  Haji Ali (Photo Courtesy: https://www.pinterest.com)

• Old Woman’s Island is the tiniest land mass of Mumbai, and is often called Little Colaba. 

Enjoy the greenery and flowers at the Hanging Gardens or go for a stroll along the beach, be it Juhu or Chowpatty and relish a bhel puri or pani puri. If you are inclined to visit temples, you could visit the Mahalaxmi Temple or Siddhivinayak, which gets hordes of devotees, from film stars to other well-known personalities from varied fields.

When to visit

If you plan to make a trip to Mumbai, the idea time would be between September and April. It is best to avoid the rainy season that starts around June.

In terms of accommodation, there are plenty of hotels in Mumbai to choose from. There are budget options, home stays, luxury resorts and 5-star hotels in Mumbai, so you really are spoilt for choice. A relaxing stay in a 5-star hotel on a holiday with family – who wouldn’t want that!

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Maharashtra: Rich in Culture and Tradition

Maharashtra is a state which represents rich culture, prosperity, spirituality and tradition. This Indian state has preserved its traditions amidst advancing industrialization and has gained its rightful place as a global tourist destination. Today, airlines operate flights to Mumbai from almost every corner of the world as well as other parts of India. Maharashtra is home to Marathas, who contributed immensely towards India’s rich heritage and culture. The state is renowned for its quality of education, and of course, Bollywood, the dream merchants of the country. Here are some facts which Maharastra which make Maharashtra unique.

Art and craft: Maharashtra is famous for Paithani sarees, Warli paintings, kolhapuri jewelery, etc. Hand-made sandals and chappals made of leather are known for their quality, design and style, known as Kolhapuri chappals. Kolhapur jewelery is one of Maharashtra’s famous exports, particularly the necklace known as the Kolhapur saaj.

Warli paintings art of Maharastra (Photo Courtesy: http://www.nazarmagazine.com)

Dance culture: Various dance forms are performed on festivals and special occasions in the state. Dhangari Gaja is performed by Sholapur Dhangars to honor their God Biruba. Another popular dance form is the Lavani, which interprets romance and passion at its best. Povadas is equivalent to Ballad, which aims at explaining the life and times of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Lavani interpretation of romance and passion (Photo Courtesy: http://mumbai-eyed.blogspot.in)

Religions: Though 80% of the state’s population is Hindu, Maharashtra is a secular state and several religious co-exist here peacefully. Hindus pray to Lord Krishna and Ganesha, and Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi are the popular festivals in Maharashtra. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Jews and Buddhists co-exist happily in this vast Indian state.

Cuisine: Pani puri and vada paav of are some of the most popular Maharashtrian snacks. Fish and meat are poplar, especially the Bombil fish. Bharlivangi is a popular vegetarian dish prepared by filling spicy coconut stuffing into brinjals. Pachadi is a mix of vegetables in a sauce of green mangoes and coconuts. Shreekhand, puran poli and modak are Maharashtra’s favorite sweet dishes.

Popular Bombil fish fry (Photo Courtesy: http://sanjivkhamgaonkar.wordpress.com)

Fairs and festivals: Apart from Ganesh Chaturthi and Janmashtmi, Diwali is also celebrated with great show and pomp. The state also celebrates Narali Poornima, Dusshera, Bakari Eid, Ramzan Eid, Gudi Padawa, Moharram, Mahashivratri, Holi, Shree Datta Jayanti, Vata Poornima, etc. Ellora Ajanta festival is held every January in Aurangabad, and the Elephanta Festival in March.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Photo Courtesy: http://www.journeymart.com)

Breaking Dahi Handi at Janmashtmi (Photo Courtesy: http://www.boston.com)

People of Maharashtra are kind hearted, and welcome guests with warmth and love. If you would love to experience the rich culture and tradition of this unique Indian state, check for Mumbai flights today. Plan a holiday and experience Maharashtra in all its hues.

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Monsoon Getaways in Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra is the most populated city of India and the fourth most populous city in the world. It also happens to be the richest city in India, and has a natural harbour. Mumbai has always maintained its reputation as the commercial and entertainment capital of the country. In fact, older movies in Bollywood also reflect this - they constantly portray Mumbai as the city to migrate to for a good job, and Mumbai has a high number of migrants from within the country and outside. Mumbai is also the home of Bollywood and most Bollywood actors live in this city.

The quaint Karnala Fort Village (Photo Courtesy: topbesttouristplaces.blogspot.in)

Incredibly scenic views adorn Kamala Fort (Photo Courtesy: rkmenon)

Monsoons in Mumbai are the time of the year when there is love in the air and a skip in everyone’s step. Between June and September, the weather is cooler though still humid and the city takes on a new avatar. The best thing about the season though, is the possibilities that open up in terms of monsoon getaways to visit around Mumbai. You should visit:

The Mulshi backwaters are a picturesque destination (Photo Courtesy: trekearth)

The Mulshi Dam. Calm, serene, and beautiful.(Photo Courtesy: indianaturewatch)

Be at one with nature at the Malshej ghat. (Photo Courtesy: ebharatdarshan)

 1. Karnala Fort: For a view of the Sahyadris lush green with rain, streams and waterfalls, and the Karnala fort.

2. Mulshi: Get a lovely view of the Mulshi dam, boating at Mulshi lake and trekking in the Hattihant and Pagota hill ranges. 

3. Malshej ghat: Here’s where you can see the biodiversity around Mumbai at its best. Trek on the Sahyadri mountains for sights of rabbits, peacocks, flamingos and maybe even a tiger or a leopard!

4. Lohgad fort: Trek up to the fort for a fantastic view of the Tung and Tikona hills, Duke’s nose and Pavana dam. You can also check out the Karla and Bhaje caves and fulfill your need for picturesque sights.

5. Kashid: Spending a lazy, rainy day by the beach while indulging in a good seafood dish is one of the best ways to relax.

Lohgad fort - a trekker's paradise.(Photo Courtesy: hemanthkatta)

Lohgad fort - incredible views as far as the eye can see.(Photo Courtesy: imgur.com)

Everything you need to unwind at the Kashid beach.(Photo Courtesy: Jittu)

Mumbai alone has a lot in store, but these places are something else altogether. A Mumbai flight and a short drive are the only two things that will keep you from enjoying Mumbai and its surroundings in the monsoons! 

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Matheran: Weekend getaway near Mumbai

One of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai is Matheran. Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in May 1850. It is one of the smallest hill stations of India. About a hundred kilometres away from the bustling, busy city of Mumbai, Matheran offers a peaceful quiet that’s very rare today.

A weekend getaway to Matheran (Photo Courtesy: gypsiesatheart)

You can take a train to Neral from Mumbai and then take a local train to Matheran. Enjoy spectacular views along the way. You can also drive up till Dastiru Naka which is the last point until which public vehicles are allowed, and then take local transport to Matheran. The fact is, vehicles aren’t allowed in Matheran, so there’s no scope for pollution from this source. The main mode of transport here is by horseback or single seater hand pulled rickshaws.

The train ride to Neral is one for the memories. (Photo Courtesy: Lonely Planet)

Enjoy some quiet long walks by the lakes, and have your breath taken away by the views of gorgeous green hills 360 degrees around you, whether in the monsoons or the dry season. Perched on the western ghats, Matheran has been declared an eco sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry. You can enjoy the beautiful British style architecture and the fabulous weather which makes this place a great summer getaway.

The picturesque Charlotte Lake (Photo Courtesy: Touristlink )

Matheran is a haven for people who like trekking. Other attractions include Mount Berry, from where you can get a view of the town Neral below. Charolette lake, a very pristine spot, is another tourist attraction where you can expect to see waterfalls in the monsoons. There are also of course the many lookout points for most picturesque views of Matheran. If you’re adventurous, you may also want to try the valley crossing on a rope.

A trek up the hill promises fun (Photo Courtesy: trekmatesindia)

Some of the sights to see or view points you can visit in Matheran are Alexander point, Rambag point, Little Chowk point, Big Chowk point, One Tree Hill point, Belvedere point, Olympia race course, Lords point, Charlotte lake, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir, Celia point, Echo point, Porcupine point, Panorama point, Khandala point, Madhavji garden and point, Louisa point and Mayra point. The Matheran Railway station itself is also beautiful in it’s quaintness.

Closer to the Nature, Louisa Point, Matheran (Photo Courtesy: heyitsmariel.tumblr.com)

Take the ropeway to swing across the valley.(Photo Courtesy: SachinkGupta)

While there’s not too much shopping opportunity in Matheran, the main road is lined with many little shops that sell sweets, snacks and trinkets.One can stay in Matheran within a relatively low budget and make the best of it with a good amount of hiking and eating good food.

Horses are preferred to horsepower in Matheran (Photo Courtesy:Virtual Tourist)

It’s a great place to visit as a couple, as a family or even with a group of friends. For those in Mumbai, this is a must visit. The closest airport to Matheran is the Mumbai airport. Take a flight to Mumbai and make your way to Matheran for a great getaway.

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