Swine Flu Helpline numbers in Mumbai

Important Information for Swine Flu Treatment in Mumbai

The Union Government has identified the Kasturba Hospital,as the facility at Mumbai, for testing and isolation of suspected swine flu patients. The government has set up a screening facility at the Chatrapati Shivaji International airport for all the inbound passengers to prevent the spread of H1N1. Doctors from the Hospital are round the clock screening the passengers at the Airport.

Kasturba Hospital
Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg,
Mumbai 400011
Ph: 022- 23083901 / 23092458 / 23000889,

The Government has also identified the following hospitals as the facilities for Swine Flu testing

Sir JJ Hospital
J J Marg, Byculla,
Mumbai – 08
Ph- 91-22- 23735555, 23739031, 23760943,23768400
/ 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366

Haffkine Institute
Acharya Donde Marg,
Parel, Mumbai – 12
Ph- 91-22- 24160947, 24160961, 24160962

Some FAQS regarding Swine Flu
Swine Flu Helpline numbers in India
Swine Flu Helpline numbers in Mumbai
Basic Precautions to Protect from Swine Flu

Following are the screening centres in Mumbai for treating H1N1 cases: (Source)

1. Kasturba Hospital
Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg, Mahalaxmi
Jacob Circle, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra 400011, India
022-23083901, 23083902, 23083903, 23083904

2. Cooper Hospital
Vile Parle West, West
Mumbai, Maharastra 400056, India
022 26207254‎ / 022-22605892 / 022-22605897

3. VN Desai Municipal Hospital
11th, Golibar Road
Opposite Santa Cruz Gymkhana, Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400055, India
+91 22 26182081

4. SK Patil Hospital
Daftarri Road, Malad (E), Mumbai, Mumbai
022 28894381

5. Kurla Bhabha Hospital
Near Kurla Rlwy Station
Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070, India
+91 22 26500241

6. Shatabdi Hospital
Dock Labour Board Colony, Govandi, Mumbai
022 25564070 / 25563289

7. Mahatma Phule Hospital
Kannamvar Nagar 2, Vikhroli (east), Opposite Samaj Kalyan, Mumbai – 400083
022 25782253 / 25782283

8. Bhabha Hospital
K B Bhaba Hospital Building, Bandra (West), Mumbai - +91 22 26422775

9. Rajawadi Hospital
Ghatkopar (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077, India
022 25094149

10. Bhagwati Hospital
Ground Floor, Bhagwati Hospital, Mandapeshwar Road, Mandapeshwar, Borivali (west), Mumbai
022 28932461

11. M T Agarwal Hospital
Dr. R P Road, Mulund West, Mumbai
022 25640767

12. Siddharth Hospital
Opposite Motilalnagar Post Office
Motilal Nagar, Goregaon, Mumbai
022 28766886

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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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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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Mumbai Magic Continues...

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

Mumbaiii, Here I go again with family!!! Continuing from my last MumbaiDiary post, This time we started from Pune around 8:00 am by car and started with famous ISKCON Temple Juhu to visit in Mumbai, then #Juhu Beach #BandraWorliSeaLink #NehruPlanetarium #SwamiNarayan Temple #Mahalaxmi Temple #MarineDrive #GirgaonChowpatty during the first day. We had lunch at ISKCON Juhu itself, which was simply amazing with lots of varities. 

Next day morning, we visited #TheGatewayOfIndia #TheTajHotel #SidhivinayakTemple and #MuchMoreMumbai. During the first half of the second day, We also took short 90 minutes cruise trip from Gateway of India and back. We enjoyed the Mumbai skylines from sea and got to know many known unknown stories from cruise guide. You can enjoy Taj hotel old & new, Gateway of India and many more in the same frame, as soon as your boat/cruise moves away from shore. 

It would be best to hire a cab or taxi for full or 2-days for lifetime memories and experiences while Mumbai visit, as you will save lots of time without searching for parking etc. Even if you have your own car, I would recommend to hire a driver, like we did, to enjoy the trip fullest. 

Enjoy previous posts for more details about Mumbai Diary - Part1, Part2. So, I am just sharing these photographs during this Mumbai trip with family. 

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A raining day trek to Lohagad Fort

After trek to Bhaja caves, we continued to trek to Lohagad - The Iron Fort. One can reach the foothill of the fort by walk approx 3 hours from Bhaje village to Lohagadwadi village. If you are coming by road from Pune, you have to follow below route:

Pune - NH4 - Khamshet - Lonavala - Lohagadwadi village

If you are travelling by road from Mumbai, you have to follow below route:

Mumbai - Navi Mumbai - Follow Pune Mumbai expressway - Khandala - Lonavala - Lohagadwadi village

Lohagad Fort Map

Train transport is cheaper either coming from Pune or Mumbai. Pune to Lonavala local train time table can be checked here. Lonavala to Pune local train time table can be checked here. If you are not interested in trek, you can take the cab 50 INR per person from Lonavala and reach the base village of Lohagad Fort. In that case you just have to climb approximately 500 steps. 

Though the trek from Bhaje village to Visapur and Lohagad fort is famous among tourists and trekkers prefer monsoon season for reaching the heights. We found many groups trekking on the same route. Being Saturday, it was fully crowded. The same trek can be enjoyed in summers during early morning. Prefer to cover the fort first (5-7 am so that you can adore the sunrise at the fort top.), then trek to Bhaja caves (7-9:30 am), so that you will get this historical caves gate open as per timings. 

The fort has been declared as a protected moument by the government of India. It is built on the same plateau as Visapur fort and is a part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. It is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris, and most of Lohagad fort is still intact. It has four large gates in good condition, and other structures as big tank and a step-well. It also has famous Scorpian tail shaped long and narrow wall-like fortified spur which is visible during a clean day. 

One can enjoy the picturesque hills, lush green fields, tranquil and serene climate. On the trek route, you can get water, nimbu paani, soft-drinks, poha, maggi and some other snacks during peak monsoon season. Don't expect much! We had the maggi break at one place. We enjoyed the trek with all our gang and stopped at a greener place for some Facebook profile pictures. Just near the foothills of the Lohagadwadi village, it started raining heavily, and we had some snacks with tea-coffee.

By the time we reached the top of the fort, it was fully covered with mist and clouds started pouring. At the apex point, there is a small tea stall which is being seen majorly in monsoon season. We just said "We conquered the fort". We all got drenched and enjoyed the moments there. During this trek my camera screen got wet, and then no further clicks from my cam. Luckily I had Tara and Phani's cam to have some random clicks. 

While returning back, just near the Lohagadwadi, we had some quick snaps of "Nine Planets" place. At the dawn time, we moved back to Lonavala railway station to catchup our train to Pune. We enjoyed the full day and played UNO playing cards game in the train. I will rate this fort higher as compare to other forts in Maharashtra, I have visited so far. 

So, Pack-up your shoes to start with Pune monsoon express.

Other Forts nearby Pune-Mumbai:

Kashid and Murud Janjira Fort

Sinhgad - The lion Fort

Purandar Fort in Western ghats near Pune

Kolaba Fort - Alibaag, A sea fort in Konkan region at Raigad

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Trip To Tarkarli - Malvan

Quote of the Post: "Trip to Tarkarli is not complete without visiting Sindhudurg Fort and deep dive in the sea. " - Quote about 'Tarkarli' in Malvan, Maharashtra - Sachin Kumar Gupta

It was a nice trip to remember with Meenal, Pooja and Pankaj. We saw many bikers and groups travelling to Goa and other travel destinations over the long weekend. We travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri, and now was the time to move to the next destination --- Tarkarli in Sindhudurg district.

Tarkarli: If you are coming from Pune or Mumbai, you have to reach Kankavli. Below map will help you reaching from Mumbai and Pune. 

Mumbai - Pune - Satara - Kolhapur - Radhanagari - Phonda - Kankavali - Kasal - (Malvan - Kasal Road) - Tarkarli Road - Turn to Tarkarli Beach.

Tarkarli - Rock Garden - Chiwla - Malvan Map

We paused at a bridge near Phonda, where many birds were flocking together. It was nice photography point to stop by. As soon as we reached Tarkarli, Kingfisher bird welcomed us, and let me click some photographs quickly.

Things to do at Tarkarli, Malvan: Magnificent Tarkarli is well known for its natural beauty, and there are many prime places to visit in and around Tarkarli that attracts visitors:

Here, It is an experience to see the auction of fish catch in the evening when all the trawlers return after day’s fishing. The catch is then sold to the highest bidder. You will love to see many colorful fish. 

Go Snorkling and Scuba near Sindhudurg Fort - 05 KM 

Sindhudurg Fort - 05 KM

Devbag Sangam - 06 KM

Rock Garden, Malvan - 06 KM

Chiwala Beach - 07 KM

Kunkeshwar Temple - 40 KM

Goa - 75 KM

Tarkarli Beach: On a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea-bed up to a depth of 20 feet, This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas. At Tarkarli beach, we also saw some sea-birds flocking around. We found the birds flying at the seashores at many places at Tarkarli. There are newly built M.T.D.C. cottages with accommodation and recreation facilities nearby, which you'll have to book well in advance. Now a days, MTDC also has luxury houseboat facility available at Tarkarli. There are 2 famous houseboats, named- Hiranyakeshi (a deluxe houseboat) and Karli (a standard houseboat). We will plan for the same sometime later in Jan or Feb.  

Sunset at Rock Garden: This is no doubt to enjoy the sunset at Rock Garden point, if you are at Tarkarli. The Rock garden is situated near the Arase Mahal and on the Rocky Shore of Malvan. As soon as sun goes down, you will see the crowd increasing to enjoy the sunset glimpse. Many couples pick-up their rock stones to enjoy their loving moments. There is also a toy train, which runs till 7 pm. It is kind of 16 seaters which takes small round charging 10 INR per person. 

Chiwla Beach (Chivla Beach): If you really want to enjoy more cleaner beach, move Chiwla beach, which is just 1 KM away from Rock Garden. You will feel like being at cleaner Marine Drive of Mumbai. There are many cone shaped stones are being placed at the beach side for longer stretch. Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool waters add to the beauty of this beach. 

The best time to visit Tarkarli is Dec and Jan, Though it is magnificent most of the months other than monsoon season. It is also a seafood lovers place. Coconut, Rice and Fish assume prime significance in the Malavani cuisine. Seafood containing fish, especially Bangada (Soloman) Paplet (Pomfret), Prawns, Bombil (Bombay Duck) and Tisrya (Mussels) is very popular. Sol Kadhi (A preparation made of Sol (Kokum) and coconut milk) is famous drink, We enjoyed it many times. Varieties of Alphonso Mango (Hapus Aam) are particularly popular here. We took approx 2 boxes (5 KG) of Hapus mangoes in quite reasonable rates while returning back to Pune. 

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