Kiran Tamang's Blog: 3/17/13

Beautiful view of Hotel Taj

I will never forget the date 08032013 when I touched the land of Marathas the Mumbai.From my childhood, I had a dream to visit the most happening metro city of India i.e. Mumbai. Not only Mumbai is a historical place but its the place where Bollywood exists,which creates hundreds of Indian cinema annually that touches billions of Indian hearts world wide.

I am really thankful to my wife because due to her, my maiden visit came to reality. As she is working in Mumbai as Immigration Officer(under Home ministry,Govt. of India), I was looking for a vacation since 2012. Due to office work, my expectation elasticated and extended to 2013.Finally got chance to visit on 08032013.

Haji Ali

Wanna eat Vada pau?

At Boot house

Indigo flight 6E-404 landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Internation airport. I took a cab at around 2240 and reached Mahim within 15 minutes.I was excited and not believing myself that I reached Mumbai. My wife was waiting for me at her house in Mahim. Finally we met in Mumbai. I spent 4 days and all those days were life time experiences. I visited Haji Ali, Green garden,Hanging Garden,Gateway of India,Taj hotel,Sanjay Gandhi National park, Juhu beach,Elephenta Island,Marine drive, Shivaji park,Siddhi vinayak temple,Bandra and Bandstand.I satisfied myself with famous Vada pau,Bhaji pau and colorful gola at Juhu beach.I found Mumbai a good place to live. Weather was good.Sitting with your loved one at Marine drive in evening is just awesome. Cool breeze from Arabian sea relaxes one's mind completely.View of South Mumbai including Chowpatty, Marine drive from Hanging garden view point was just amazing. I was feeling like I was in New York.Evening walk at Juhu beach, touching cold 'Gola' with your l lips,seeing sunset and sand art by local artist were just amazing. I was not believing myself that I was in front of house of Shah Rukh Khan when I reached Bandstand. Just watching 'Mannat' in front of TV and sitting in front of his house in reality is totally different. Other may don't surprise by such comparison but for me it matters because Mannat realizes about hard work of a middle class guy. Bandstand is amazing place.It faces beautiful Arabian sea and surrounded by houses of celebrities including SRK and Salman. I also saw one of world's costliest home i.e. Antilia(home of Mukesh Ambani) when we were heading toward Hanging garden.I also traveled in the famous 'Mumbai local train'. From my wife house, Mahim station is just few meter away. Mumbai local train coaches are far better than local trains of other cities. Coaches are neat and clean.

My wife helped me a lot and made my maiden visit memorable. I skipped visit to Essel world and Water kingdom due to ill health of my wife after 3 days of "Rush hours" in different places of Mumbai.On 12032013, we stayed at home till afternoon and visited Siddhi Vinayak,Shivaji Park and Bandra in evening as those places are nearer to Mahim. Mumbai was so amazing that I was not in position to leave the place.But office was calling me and I had to leave the place on 13032013.Indigo flight 6E-319 leaved Mumbai at 0745 and landed in Kolkata at 1000.

Really,I agree that Mumbai is the "Mahanagari". The place which was scared by 93 communal riots and serial bomb blast, 26/11 terrorist attack but she is glowing and spreading happiness to her residents throughout 365 days.Whenever you make a plan to visit Mumbai, add following in your "MUST DO" list:

1. Relax at Marine drive. Sip cup of tea and feel cool wind.

2. Amazing Gateway of India and hotel Taj

3. Make you legs wetty at Juhu beach,taste famous Vada pau or Bhaji pau,have cold 'Gola' and walk for a mile.

4. Boat ride in Arabian sea and travel to Elephanta island.

I bet you that you will be on Cloud no. 9 when you visit Mumbai.