7 Days in South Mumbai: Colaba, Fort, Nariman Point, Mahalaxmi, Byculla

Marked by incredible Victorian Neo-Gothic style architectural masterpieces from the Colonial British era, South Mumbai is undoubtedly amazing, and an affluent district of Mumbai.

 

7 days in South Mumbai~ a blog

  

Suggested read- Bombay (Mumbai) Gothic city

Getting here : The suburban local train from Bandra to Churchgate or CST terminus is the fastest way to South Mumbai - OR- take an Ola/ Uber to drive down the sea link to South Mumbai.

1, 2) Colaba & Fort area

THINGS TO DO IN FORT

Horniman Circle is a busy part of Mumbai, located in the Fort area. It was built during the British period, there are many important buildings around it, such as : The Asiatic Society Library and Town hall. This 1804 Greco-Roman style building is absolutely elegant to look at. Only members are allowed to enter the library. The membership cost 1500 rs per annum. There is also the RBI building, Customs house and Flora fountain in the vicinity. Walk down (northwards) and lookout for those stately Parsi buildings with their dramatic facades and continue walking until the GPO- yet another relic from the colonial days.

THINGS TO DO IN COLABA

Cafe Churchill, Cafe Mondegar, Leopold cafe and Bade Miyan are a few names- places you can hangout at Colaba Causeway. Have a beer or two and a meal from their well-reviewed menu. 

Colaba causeway is otherwise quite frequented by shoppers, and you find anything from trendy garments to shades and junk jewelry- do bargain. If you love art; then do check out the Jehangir art gallery at Kala ghoda. 

By evening, take a tour to Elephanta caves. Ferry services to Elephanta caves leave from Gateway of India. On your return, if you have time and energy, do check out the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum right opp. Regal cinema.

 

Tip- Both Fort and Colaba can be done in a day, but if it gets too hectic add an extra day.

3. A shoppers paradise

An experience similar to that of a treasure hunt is what you can find at Chor bazar. Literally meaning Thieves market, this place is where you can bargain for antiques. Then onto Mohammed Ali road in Khau Galli- Mumbai's famous street food zones, especially popular for its Mughlai non-veg dishes. Delicious and reasonably priced mutton khiri kebab, nalli nihari, biryanis, mutton keema pav and phirni. And after the delicious meal take a walk along the labyrinth bustling streets of Zaveri bazar- which is lined with jewelry shops. Within the by lanes of Zaveri bazar is Mumba devi temple (4 AM to 9 PM every day except Mondays).

 

 

Move down the streets to the historic Crawford market- This market is huge and has everything under the sun from flowers, pets and vegetables to clothing, spices, fruits and nuts. It's not too clean though.

4. History and culture scene

Start the day by visiting the Banganga tank at Walkeshwar. There are events organized at this sacred site during festivals such as Diwali. 

Then, spend some time at Hanging Gardens (Kamala Nehru Park) in Malabar Hills. 

Babulnath temple around Chowpatty is one of the oldest Shiva temples. It is located at a height, and can be reached by a flight of stair & a lift. Evening aarti daily around 5:45-6pm.

Pay a visit to Mani bhavan. Mahatma Gandhi once lived in this simple, two-story building from 1917-1934, which is now a museum, library and research center depicting Gandhi's life and struggles. Worth soaking in a few hours of history. 

Later, you can join the masses to try street food on Chowpatty Beach at sunset, followed by going down Marine drive which looks beautiful all lit up at night.

5. Byculla Area

Although rarely visited by tourists, Byculla around the south-central part of Mumbai has a few gems such; Bhau Daji Lad museum (Byculla museum). This beautiful historical building has a fascinating and exquisite collection of exhibits. https://www.bdlmuseum.org/ to visit their site for timings and more info. The next place here is The Byculla zoo. 

Gloria church built in 1912 in English Gothic style is located right opposite the Byculla Railway Station and is hard to miss. And finally there is the Magen David Synagogue; that is one of the 7 Jewish synagogues. 

6) Mahalaxmi area

Mahalaxmi-Worli is a bit farther from the Colaba-Fort area, but still worth getting there. The Nehru Planetarium & Nehru Center (Art gallery) is an immersive and awe-inspiring experience. that will easily take about 4 hours. Next is Dhobi ghat- a 140 years old open-air traditional Laundromat. A good viewing point is from the bridge just outside Mahalaxmi station. Mahalaxmi race course- The track is worth a visit during the racing season for the experience, even if you don't intend to play at the races and on non-racing days, a good walk of around 2 km inside the Race Course.

And lastly, If the cause is dry and the tide is not too high, pay a visit to Haji Ali dargah.

7) Nariman point area

Is home to some of India's largest multinationals. Being the main financial district of Mumbai, it is one of the most expensive business real estate. The skyline and buildings make amazing phone ops. 

When in Nariman Point- NCPA National Centre for the Performing Arts is a premier institute that stages high quality dramas and other performing arts. It is located close to the Trident Hotel. They have 5 theatres in all, with ample cafes that serve reasonably priced food. Do check their site for more info https://www.ncpamumbai.com/

Later, spend some leisure time at Marine Drive and watch the waves hit shore.