With all the travel reviews Khaleejesque has been boasting on various Indian cities, you would not be wrong for thinking that we will soon be publishing a travel guide on the country! This week, we look at Bombay (or Mumbai, for anyone PC reading this), a city famous for its contradictions and paradoxes. From glamorous Bollywood stars to homeless people, this is a city that has so many different extremes which makes it a place like no other.
The city definitely gets two thumbs up. It is probably best to go in the cooler months, such as in December. Four days is probably enough time to do most of the sightseeing that Bombay has to offer as well as to check out some of the city’s best eateries and hang out spots. Below is Khaleejesque’s top picks of what to do in Bombay:
The Gate and Taj Bombay
Taj Bombay
Stay at the Taj: This iconic hotel, which is more than 100 years old, has a lot of interesting stories behind it. After the attacks of last year, it has only become even more iconic and a sign of the city’s resilience. Unfortunately, the Palace section is still being renovated, but the Tower is open for business. Make sure you get a sea view room (overlooking the Gateway of India, which was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911). The higher floor you can get the better, since the noise from the street can be a bit loud.
Shop at Bombay Electric: Close to the Taj is Bombay Electric, (1 Reay Marg, Best Marg; 91-22-2287-6276), a concept boutique on three terraced levels that embodies the new Indian cool.
Chill at Dome: Head to the top of the InterContinental Marine Drive Hotel (135 Marine Drive; 91-22-6639-9999; www.mumbai.intercontinental.com). This rooftop bar and lounge has amazing views of the Arabian Sea and the graceful arc of Marine Drive, the seaside promenade also known as the Queen’s Necklace.
Dine at Indigo Deli: On the day you are checking out the Prince of Wales Museum and the surrounding galleries, grab a bite to eat at Indigo Deli. A good variety of different cuisines which makes it ideal if you are easing yourself into Indian dining. (5, Ground Floor, Pheroze Bldg, Opposite Dhanraj Mahal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharshi Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba)
Check out: Elephanta Caves, only a short boat trip away from Bombay. These caves are located on Elephanta Island and contain Shaivistic high reliefs in stone of Hindu deities important to worshipers of Shiva. The sculptures were created beginning in the late Gupta Empire, or some time after, and at later dates. Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.
Make time for: a tour of Bandra, home to the starts of Bollywood. If you are a Bollywood fan, than this is a must do. Check out the homes of the rich and famous, such as SRK, Big B, and Salman Khan. If you are lucky, you might even spot one or two Bollywood stars.
