Well, Mumbai grows on you. When I was shifting to Mumbai, I was both apprehensive and excited. Apprehensive to travel in locals and excited because, well, it’s Mumbai. I am writing this as the cool Bangalore wind brushes my hair, inspiring me to complete this article. Here are 5 things which I miss after moving out of Mumbai.
1) Metered Cabs & Autos
So, you might say that Mumbai autowalas never agree to your destination. You give them 10 options, they will say no. That’s true, but what happens in Bangalore?
In Bangalore, I have never asked a second auto to take me to my destination. But, the problem is that nobody knows what is a meter in Bangalore! Autowallas here scratch their head with one hand and hide the meter by other, when you ask about meter. They should at-least utilize it in someway. May be to crack a nut.
This is when you miss the metered autos & cabs of Mumbai. Maybe some might take the longer route and charge you more. But, they would be from Delhi.
Even the Mumbai cabs are reliable when it comes to metered fares. You will get a cab from SoBo to any suburb at 3 A.M also. Hail Mumbai Auto & Taxi union
Image courtesy: The Hindu
2) The Ocean
Well, everybody misses Mumbai ocean. Marine Drive & Worli Sea face will always be a stress buster for you. Take an early morning walk, when the cars have not yet started polluting the air, to make your day blissful. I am saying this from my personal experience. Read it here: – A jog along the ocean
But, you miss the ocean more when you know it’s raining in Mumbai, while in Bangalore, the sun is playing hide & seek with the clouds. In Mumbai, during rains at the ocean, when the high tide waves leave you drenched, you realize the strength of nature, rest your shoulders and admire the almighty. Not to forget the winds playing with your hair.
3) Rooftop Bars with views!
Imagine a friday evening. You are totally stressed out and badly need a beer. Visit any rooftop bar, grab a sea facing seat and open a bottle of chilled beer. Trust me, you will hold your drink longer than usual. Well, yeah, because you are enjoying the view, but also because the second beer will burn a hole in your pocket worth 400 bucks. Maybe you can wait for the sun to set or the moon to rise and make a move, heading towards the happening Mumbai Pubs. But, that 1 hour spent will be time well spent.
Dome Intercontinental – Image Courtesy: Panoramio.com
4) Late night roadside food
Yes. I am skipping the awesome night you can have after the relaxing drink at a rooftop bar. Why? Because, some Bangalore night pubs are open till 1 AM now!! So, you won’t miss Mumbai nightlife if in Bangalore, like me. Maybe you might miss Mumbai’s awesome crowd.
The point here is not about the nightlife. It is what happens after you have spent a fortune at a pub. Well, you want to grab a bite somewhere. Somewhere where it’s easy on pocket. Catch a cab (don’t drive when drunk) and go to Byculla, Lalbaug, Colaba and many such places. Easy on pocket, heavy on delight.
A piece of advice. Don’t grab a beer on the road side with that kebab. Police might just take a sip or more likely, a gulp. This is from my personal experience!
Let me tell you about this hidden place which used to be my favorite after long ‘happy hours’. This place doesn’t have a name. So, I am going to give you directions. This place is located in Lalbaug, off Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. If you are on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar road and going towards South Mumbai, look out for Jai Hind Cinema on your left in Lalbaug area. Enter the 2nd left after crossing the Theater. After 200 meters, you will find this amazing eatery! Call Bhuvan and this young chap will come to take your order with great enthusiasm!
Image Courtesy: Homegrow.co.in
5) Marathi Cuisine
You might be thinking, what is there in Marathi cuisine apart from Vada Pao and Ussal – Missal Pao. But wait till you go to this amazing place which will force you to take an afternoon nap – Check it out – Aaswad, Dadar Shivaji Park
Lip smacking Marathi delicacies and orgasmic desserts. Feel free to ask the staff about what authentic dishes to order. They will be happy to help. The only reason I miss Marathi cuisine is this restaurant. Well, you will also love it. Do try.
Word of caution: Don’t go on a weekday here for lunch. You might be caught napping at your desk, during work hours after savouring their delicacies.This is because, either it is so satisfying or you can’t really control to swoop that last bite and overeat.
Image Courtesy : Mumbaimag.com
You might have hoped to see local trains in this list. But, there is only one reason for your disappointment. They are worth hating, not missing!
So, these 5 points I do miss. Some of them would make it to your list also.Let me know in comments which did and which points did I miss!
However, Bangalore is not bad. Maybe I will write a similar post about Bangalore after a couple of years.
This post first appeared on Travelmax - Travel Stories By Umang Trivedi, please read the originial post: here
