Morning to Moonlight - Mumbai in a Day

Quote of the Post: "The place where every place is renowned and famous landmark for one or the other reason." - Quote about 'Mumbai (Bombay)' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Be ready to soak in the trendy yet traditional and colorful vibes of Mumbai. Continuing from my last MumbaiDiary post, This time we started from Pune around 6:30 by car and started with famous MumbaDeviTemple to visit in Mumbai, then #MarineDrive #GirgaonChowpatty #HaziAli #SidhivinayakTemple #JuhuBeach #MumbaiFood #SaintMaryChurch #BandraWorliSeaLink #TheGatewayOfIndia #TheTajHotel and #MuchMoreMumbai during our visit. It is always a clever choice to visit The Gateway Of India and nearby areas during sunset till night, as it has its own charm, visibility and no time constraint. If you are coming by train or air and want to make the most of a single day, it would be best to hire a cab or taxi for full day for lifetime memories and experiences. 

To cover best places of Mumbai in a day is not possible, You must have minimum 3 days to visit the places (even those would be less), but what If you have just one day, and want to explore the best places of mumbai (like my brother Tanuj) from morning to moonlight. Each place require 30 mins to 45 mins stay to enjoy, and further travel time and waiting time depends on your luck. 

If you are coming from outside Mumbai after 2-3 hours of drive. Based on your liking, interest and time availability, your can choose or skip the places. You can follow below tentative timeline map to visit best wonders of Mumbai (Bombay) in a day, and ask driver to keep telling landmarks and famous buildings on your way. 

#MumbaDeviTemple (10 AM)

#MarineDrive (Walk one side to another) and park your car other side of the road. (10:30 AM)

#GirgaonChowpatty (11 AM)

#HaziAli (Haji Ali Dargah) (11:30 AM)

#MahaLaxmi Temple (1 PM)

#Dhobi Ghat (laundry) which is visible from the bridge over Mahalakshmi station.

#SidhivinayakTemple (2 PM)

#HangingGarden on Malabar Hills

#JuhuBeach (4 PM)

#MumbaiFood 

#SaintMaryChurch (5:30 PM)

#BandraWorliSeaLink (6:00 PM)

#SunsetPhotography 

#TheGatewayOfIndia #TheTajHotel (6:30 PM) 

#MumbaiDrive #MuchMoreMumbai

Best Street Food to Try in Mumbai: Don't forget to eat and taste Mumbaiya food. If you wish you can walk down to the Marine Drive promenade and take a long walk towards Chowpatty beach for a snack of Bhelpuri, Pav Bhaji and also some Indian icecream called Kulfi and another sweet dish called Rabdi. We had Pav Bhaji at Juhu Chowpatty. Below is the list of food to taste, if you are in Mumbai. 

• Pav Bhaji
• Bombay Sandwidth
• Bhel Puri
• Misal Pao
• Vada Pav (Bombay Burger)
• Tibbs Frankie
• Pani Puri
• Mumbai Samosa
• Anda (egg) Bhurji

Shopping In Mumbai: If you or your family members are interested in shopping then depending on what you want to shop for, there are many specific markets. Zaveri Bazaar is famous for gold and silver jewelry, Mangaldas Market for clothes, Chor Bazaar (Thief Market) for antiques, Bandra Linking Road for lots of designer shops. Lots of other shopping arcades and malls have recently opened up in many areas so you can just roam around based on the timings for a quick look and buy as per our choice. 

Being most popular destination of India, Mumbai hosts lot many national and international events throughout the year in almost every field. Keep enjoying My Mumbai Diary ... 

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Jungle on Top - Matheran - Part2

Quote of the Post: "Matheran is just the perfect place to find peace away from the hustle-bustle lifestyle, and take a break to relax, enjoy the poetic nature all around." - Quote about Matheran - Sachin Kumar Gupta

No honking, just calm! calm! calm! Read the last post of ways to reach Matheran, and one of the best toy train journey not to be missed "Matheran Toy Train". This post is all about the lookup points to visit in Matheran, and some important notes while visiting Matheran as per my experiences to Matheran. Below album has more number of snaps taken at these points.

Points in Matheran [*Recommended Point] [Important sites to visit in Matheran]: As soon as you park your vehicle at Dasturi naka, and enter to Matheran, you will be welcomed by the army of horses around you. Riding as per choice of Black, Brown, White, Tall or Short horse and the muddy slopes of Matheran is amazing to experience. There are altogether 36 points, 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and a race-course to visit inside Matheran. 

There are a lots of lookout ''points'' that provide long walking tracks, spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover, lush greenery, waterfalls and the lake full with water. Being a hill station it is pleasant almost throughout the year though the nights can get a bit chilly. All the points give a unique view experience and you can’t miss that. The following is a list of some major places of interest, I listed as per my experiences in Matheran. "Day 1 starts"

*Khandala Point: The point is very close to the Matheran Market Place, you have to step down some scrumbled stairs to reach the place. Adore the Garbut Point in front of it and at the right side of it, Khandala Hills, Bhivpuri Power House and Karjat town can be seen. 

*Alexander Point: During the Mansoon, the view of water fall will delight the hearts.  

Rambaug Point

Little Chowk Point

Chowk Point

*One tree Hill: On the top of hill there is one solitary Jambhul Tree that marks the spot. If you want to skip this point, you can directly traverse from Alexander to Charlotte lake.

Olympia Race Course

*Charlotte Lake: Lake is 1.5 kms away from the main market. Matheran receives water from this lake. Charlotte Lake has dam at one end and main Hindu holy temple (Pisarnath Temple) at the other. A spectacular waterfall overflows from the lake during and shortly after the monsoons. This is a popular picnic spot, it looks splendid in the monsoon, but dries up in the summer. We experienced lake crossing. 

*Lord's Point: It is just near the Charlotte lake, and must visit place. It is said "The journey wouldn't be complete till you visit this splendid point."

*Echo Point: which really does have an echo, Valley crossing activity is operated by experienced people, we enjoyed the adventure as well. Love birds used to express their feeling not by flower or down on the knees but they shout it out at top of their voice. 

*Honeymoon Point: There is 30 seconds adreline valley crossing (approx 900 feet, 1000 feet deep) activity started that leaves you to Louisa point. Feel free to scream loud at the point and hear the echo coming from distant places through the valleys. Simply awesome!!!

*Louisa Point: The place is essentially a plateau with views of the ruined forts Prabal and Vishalgarh. On the right side, one can see a shaped like a ’’Lion’s Head’’. 

*Sunset Point (Porcupine Point): It is about 5 kms. from main market. It is well known for the magnificent sight of Sunset from here at dusk. 'Prabalgad' fort can also be viewed from this point. Deep forest surrounds this place. 

Malet Spring: During whole year passers by and tourists can drink the cool water of this spring. 

Back to market and have dinner and chillax there. "Day 2 starts"

*Sunrise Point (Panorama Point): Almost 5.5 kms away from the market place. Early risers should head to Panorama Point to take in a spectacular sunrise. This point commands one of the widest views of the hill, both of Matheran and other side of it. While going to this place one meets with a wonderful alliance of sky with the horizon. 

Mount Berry: A splendid view of train coming up the hill and perfect aerial view of Neral Town can be seen from here. Mount berry is one of the highest points in Matheran with its splendid views.

*Heart point: On clear nights, This point offers a view of the lights of Mumbai at night! 

Monkey Point: It is about 3 kms from the Post Office and so named because there were monkeys abounding on that side formerly. 

The Marketplace: A very common sight, You can enjoy numbers of monkeys leaping from tree to tree or climbing the housetops. The market area is the bulk of the activities, where you will find good quality Shoes, Slippers, Sandals and other leather goods at good bargains here. You also get various flavors of Chikki, local honey, fudge's ice gola's and various drinks.

You can explore the points as per your longivity of stay in Matheran. If you still have some energy to trek, you can follow the train trek from Matheran station to Dasturi Naka while enjoying valley views by foot. While returning we all opted for horse riding from Matheran market point to Dasturi naka on the red-mud road. 

Some important notes while visiting Matheran: 

- Don't plan to come or cover the place in a day.  If you would like to see all of them then you may need to manage 2–3 days on your feet from your busy schedule.

- Please carry enough cash with you, as many place don't accept cash and there is only 1 ATM nearby railway station, that even sometime doesn't work. 

- Carry flashlight as it becomes dark early near the forest areas.

- Don't carry eatable open, else monkeys wouldn't leave you. As soon as you enter, You will get to know.

- Don't book hotels in advance if you are not sure, as sometime that can be at a unwanted remote location away from market area.

- The area is subject to frequent power outages, so try to have a stay where you get a generator to supply backup power.

- If you want to travel with toy train, it is advisable to book the tickets in advance, as the train fills up very quickly. 

- I suggest you to take horse ride of only one hour to experience horse ride, rest of sight seeing will be easily manage by your foot only that gives a unique view experience. 

- Carry proper trek shoes with thick soles as Matheran is quite dusty and there is red soil everywhere. 

- Carry extra pair of clothes, as it rains heavily during monsoons. 

- You can trek right down from Matheran station to Dasturi naka then further to Neral station, either following the ghat roads or the toy train tracks. The best would be to combine both the routes for the spectacular views. This trek will take around 3 hour. 

- Avoid carrying too much baggage with you, but carry ample amount of water with you.

Matheran is really such an amazing place where nature is playing active role with you and where you can enjoy every breath with nature. Many couple spends there life precious time of honeymoon here in Matheran. Disconnected from the outside world, walk and make a stay in Matheran to get a totally different experience in itself...  

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Mumbai Magic - "A Conglomeration of Seven Islands"

Quote of the Post: "The place where every place is renowned and famous landmark for one or the other reason." - Quote about 'Mumbai (Bombay)' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Welcome to the Gateway of India, Hollywood of India, most electrical city of India - Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Searching for the best places to visit in Mumbai or a day experience in Mumbai. Here you have my experience with family. Starting the journey from CST railway station, to the most visited places like religious Siddhivinayak temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Mahalaxmi temple. Then going to "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill, following amazing Ganesh visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty and Marine Drive sunset point kept our mouth open. At the end of the day we spend some time near the Taj hotel and splendid Gateway of India, the most popular destination in Mumbai. 

The capital city of India, Mumbai, where all were set to bid farewell to its favorite god Lord Ganesha idols on Saturday, I just visited with family. We reach Mumbai CST railway station, and booked the cab for the whole day. The below road-map was covered by the expert drivers in Mumbai, who helped us covering major landmarks in a day.

Mumbai Visit Map

Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the most popular temples of Mumbai city. It is located in Dadar and you can easily get a taxi to go to the temple from the Dadar railway station. No photography is allowed inside the temple premises. 

We paused for sometime at Bollywood's favorite actor's home - Mannat (SRK's home). Cab driver stopped at this place for a while, and as per the tendency of the place people slow down their vehicle here.

Bandra-Worli sea-link bridge which links Mumbai’s suburbs to South Mumbai. It’s a very prestigious bridge which was opened in 2009.

Haji Ali: In the waters of the Worli bay, The Haji Ali Dargah, located in a small island in the big island city of Mumbai is the most popular tourist destination and more importantly a pilgrim site for people from all over the world. 15 minutes of small walkway, which connects the sandy shore to the holy shrine. The rocks exposed during low tide at the rare end of the mosque are a favourable spot to catch some cool sea breeze. In spite of being a Muslim shrine, people of all beliefs, religions and coming from all strata of society are found here. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to see and hear the kawali sunged by the professionals. I hear that during my last visit. It is the faith of these people that bring them here. Some new construction also going on at this place. 

Mahalakshmi Temple: This temple located on Bhulabhai Desai Road is a very famous temple of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The idols of Goddesses Mahakali and Mahasaraswati are also enshrined at this temple. You have to walk 5 mins off the road to reach this holy place. 

I will call it "The Heaven for Dating Couples". The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. Another interesting feature comprises of its several hedges that have been fashioned into different shapes of animals. From the park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and the Chowpatty beach.

Chowpatty Beach is known not only as a beach for Mumbai but it is heart of the city. Though the beach is not for sunbathing or swimming, But It is always pleasure to watch sun-rise or sun-set. There are delicious snacks available at the various food stalls on the beach. You can enjoy having some delicious Chaats, Bhel Puri or Pav Bhaji, the choice is ultimately yours! Some people may remember the bollywood song "Chowpatty Jayenge Bhel Puri Khayenge". 

Marine Drive, a popular promenade of the city, is also referred to as the Queen’s Necklace. Also, Marine Drive is home to many celebrities, mostly bollywood stars. The place has become so popular among the local as well as the international travelers that people love visiting this place again and again. We enjoyed the road full of Ganpati Visargan, and walk across the sea during wonderful sunset.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: India's most beautiful railway station is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with stained-glass windows, towering spires, domed arches and buttresses and pillars with animal images carved into them.

Gateway of India: The symbol of Tourism in Mumbai. This famous landmark attracts all of us like a magnet. At the backside, There are steps in this monument which will lead you to the sea. Many people used to travel to Elephanta Caves from this point and view the skyline of the city from the sea. Another landmark Taj Mahal hotel is situated across the road from the Gateway of India which is very beautiful.

It was an superb but tiring day with Meenal, Saloni, Manish, Anmol, and other family members. Some places still to visit in my list are: Elephanta Caves, Essel World, Water Kingdom. Keep enjoying My Mumbai Diary ...

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Natural potholes near Takli Haji in the River Kukdi

Quote about the Post: "As every picture is worth a thousand words, so are these - chock-a-block potholes near Takali Haji" - Quote about Potholes near Shirur in Maharashtra

If you are searching for a unique but less visited places around Pune, Pothole near Takali Haji is a good option. Google maps reflect this place as 'Nighoj Potholes in Maharashtra'. It is only recommended to go if you want to go some unusual place in Maharashtra, and trek down to some blunt, rough, cliff shaped potholes. To be true, This place seems to be quite interesting and one can go down the chock-a-block pothole cliffs with courage and high care.

Natural Potholes near Takali Haji:

After visiting Ramling, we proceeded to the less visited but unique place to visit near Shirur, natural potholes (Kund) in the River Kukdi near Takli Haji. We followed the route as we covered Ranjangaon Mahaganpati and Ramling in the same day:

Pune - Lonikand - Koregaon Bhima - "Sanaswadi" - Shikrapur - "Ranjangaon" - Shirur - "Ramling" Old Shirur - Annapur - Takli Haji - "Potholes" in Nighoj village - Malthan - Chincholi Morachi - Ganegaon - Shikrapur - Pune

You can directly follow below from Pune, if you want to visit only this place: Pune - Lonikand - Koregaon Bhima - "Sanaswadi" - Shikrapur - "Ranjangaon" - Ganegaon - Malthan - Takli Haji - "Nighoj Potholes" - Ganegaon - Shikrapur - Pune

Pune - Ranjangaon - Ramling - Potholes Route Map

You have to keep asking about the "Kund" (nearby people know by this name) to reach the destination. With the clear road and green fields, it was pleasant drizzle which welcomed us to 'kund'. The rains made the rocks slippery and we decided to stand still at a safe place before proceeding towards the trek. We got good time for some pics. There is recently constructed "Malganga Suspension bridge" and It seems like the smaller version of "Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh". 

There is also a small temple named "Shree Malganga devasthan". Soon the rain stopped, and we were all ready to explore the potholes. One has to be very careful while going down the potholes, but still quite interesting. We spent sometime climbing up and down to the potholes. This place was shows-topper in the entire journey. Thanks to Tarachand Bhawnani for suggesting this unexplored place. 

Note: Come with proper trek shoes. Children should not go at the edges and panic station points, and should be in guidance with elders all the time. On our way back to Pune we stopped by at Cauliflower, Pomegranate and other fields at time to time. On request we got a pair of fresh Cauliflower, free-of-cost from the farmers. Meenal gave the chocolates to farmer's baby. We also had the bullock-cart ride on request just for pose, and Tara gave some tip for this hospitality. 

One very peculiar thing we noticed on the way, the way onions were stored (ref to album). Next we landed at the peacock village - Chincholi Morachi, but time didn't allow us to stay longer. Peacocks can be seen only during early morning or late evening i.e in pleasant and cool weather. Now we had our much needed late lunch and headed back to Pune. 

Our day long drive make the proverb true: "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers". 

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