Most of
these are budget friendly and show you a different side of the city that you
perhaps have never even seen.
Of course,
there is no pride in the fact of exploring the slums of Mumbai, but then the
walk down this impoverished Mumbai neighbourhood, which is also considered to
be the world’s largest slums, gives you a lot of insight into the life of a local.
Mumbai is
well known for being the financial, entertainment and Bollywood capital of the
country and has a population of over 21 million people. Yet sadly a whopping
62% (i.e. 13 million people are living in the slums around the city!)
The type of
lives these people have to live: working for long hours under the blistering
sun, making use of the river as a toilet, using the sidewalks as a place to
sleep and finding shelter beneath bridges. This is the life of the ‘glorious’
Mumbai we all proudly talk about.
1) Dharavi Tour in Mumbai (Private or with
Group)
Personally,
I yet haven’t been on one of these tours but have just read so much about them.
You can take small group tours or private walking tours of Dharavi Slum. This
tour is a 2.5/3 hour-long tour and you can explore the narrow lanes, shops and
industries of Dharavi with a guide.
You can learn how this diverse group of people
co-exists in such tight spaces, visit a local community center and also get an
overview of the slum’s commercial areas.
You will also see where the residents recycle aluminum, plastic, oil,
tin cans, paint and cardboard. There are also bakeries, workshops for leather
and cloth dying and also soap-manufacturing to see. All these tours all meet at
Mahim Junction Railway Station.
2) Go for a village tour:
Mumbai is known to be a bustling
city but it does have a rustic feel to it. On the outskirts of this city there
lies the ‘Adivasi’ village’s way out on the suburbs where you can experience
and witness the simple life of the locals. There is something about their
(tribals) rustic style of living that will memorise you. You can forget city
life for a while and just indulge yourself in the activities such as fishing,
farming and ploughing.
3) Go on a Parsi Snack Trail:
Berry Pulao to Dhansak buffets, there are only a few ways to experience an
authentic Parsi bhonu (meal). You can
go for your very own Parsi snack trail in Mumbai! Perzen Patel, a Parsi food blogger who has her own
Parsi food catering service, takes people who sign up for the Snack Trail
following all of the aromas of the area begin from Sethna Agiary, which is a
fire temple of the community on Grant Road.
She goes on to tell people storied they tell
about the community and its history and also some well kept secrets like places
where the Parsis buy their traditional snacks, which are not available in most
Parsi restaurants in the city.
Details: This walk begins at
Bhatia Hospital and costs INR 1,000. It is conducted by Rahul Patil, who is the founder of Wander
Foodie and end the walk at the old bakery, B. Merwan (outside Grant Road
Station). Some other places included are a 50-year-old vendor and an iconic
Parsi spice store.
4) Explore South Mumbai Markets and
Temples
Colaba Market, Crawford
Market & Mangaldas Market: South Mumbai has a lot to offer in terms of its
vibrant markets. With a local guide, it is easy to navigate your way through
these markets. Your tour will also include a visit to the Mumba Devi Mandir (a
Hindu temple) and a visit to an unusual animal shelter inside of Bhuleshwar
market.
Starting at Colaba (in
the afternoon), you will set off through the different allerways and streets to
Crawford market. This market, which was founded in 1871 , has a Gothic and
Romanesque feature to it. It has the most defining architectural style in South
Mumbai. It is truly a sight to see the display of colourful homemade
chocolates, colourful vegatables, meats, imported cheeses and household goods.
You will then get a
glimpse of the vibrant Bhuleshwar and Kalbadevi markets. Just the scents and
sights are enough to make this area stimulating enough. Stop for a
complimentary cup of tea or even soda before you head on further to your next
stop. A market that was
opened in 1893 , Mangaldas Market is well known for the number of tailors and
clothing vendors that it has. Interestingly it is also known to celebrated
fashion designers for the fabrics that it offers.
You can then take a break from shopping and
visit the oasis of the lovely Mumbadevi temple. It is within this temple that
you may catch a glimpse of devotees being blessed by Hindu priests or praying.
Your guide will explain the basics of Hinduism the dominant religion of India.
Now, close to the
temple there is a flower alley which you can visit. It is known for its
reknowned garlands of saffron-coloured red roses and marigolds.
Founded in 1834, you
will also come across an animal shelter – Bombay Panjrapole which is situated
on a quiet two-acre parcel within the busy Bhuleshwar market. The shelter is
known for primarily taking care of cows – ‘HUNDREDS’ and these animals are
considered sacred by Hindus.
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