Many foreigners never imagine that India has a center of commerce as large as Bombay, also called Mumbai City. Since around 2007 the city has been growing faster than any other in India, with an annual population growth between 2 and 3 million. To date the city is pushing 30 million inhabitants, which makes it one of the largest in the world. Bombay is also the capital of Maharashtra State and was originally a group of seven islands on the Konkan coastline. This island port hosts some of the biggest film companies in Bollywood, and has some of the most apocalyptic slums I’ve ever encountered. It is a city of extremes, much like India is herself, and one not to miss on your travels to this category-busting country. [Read more...]
Driving into the clouds
July 15, 2012 By 5 Comments
Have been living on this side of the ghats for the last 40 years but I am always fascinated by the western ghats whenever I cross them to reach Mumbai. [Read more...]
Travelling by the local trains in Mumbai
May 18, 2012 By 9 Comments
It is a known fact that there were no announcers at railway stations in India before independence. The post was created in the early fifties. One of the early announcers, Mr. J S Brownson, had such a good voice that people used to turn up at Dadar station just to hear him make the announcements. [Read more...]
Alibag-Tranquil place for a quiet beach holiday near Mumbai
May 4, 2012 By 10 Comments
It is a small coastal town, dwarfed by its neighbor – the concrete jungle of Mumbai. Yet, Alibag manages to hold its own, with beaches, forts and temples, a wealth of history within a small area. Alibag has, for long, been the favorite destination for Mumbai-ites looking for a short break from their hectic lifestyles. It is, after all, easily accessible from the city – it is barely 30 Km by the sea, and plenty of ferries are available from the Gateway of India. It’s not too far by road either, for the 100 Km journey takes barely 2 hours to cover. I have always preferred the sea route however, enjoying the feel of the sea breeze in my hair, watching the view of the Mumbai skyline fading away, seeing ships from all over the world at the Mumbai harbor, and of course, the chance of spotting sea gulls or even dolphins! [Read more...]
