Mumbai Monsoons #Traveler #IncredibleIndia #MumbaiLover #AamchiMumbai #Foodie

If there is a mention of monsoon, the conversation would surely have a little bit of Mumbai in it. After all that’s one thing every Mumbaikar is proud of! And now that June has set in, we are all eagerly waiting for the pitter-patter on our windows and roofs.

Past behaviour says that right from the first showers, Mumbai makes a dash to the Sahyadaris. While that is good, and should not be missed, there are a lot many places to visit in Mumbai during the monsoons too. A true Mumbaikar would have visited most of these places. Since Mumbai has a long coastline, naturally some of the best places will be sea facing.

Nariman Point - Last year a few friends from Nagpur had visited us in the month of August. It was a rainy night and at 10 PM the plan was made to go to Nariman Point. They wanted to experience the high waves gushing to the coastline and get wet in them. That’s what’s shown in the movies and in the news channels right. Oh yes, this is true. But this does not happen daily. It would generally happen on high tide rainy day, especially if it’s the full moon or new moon.

A few places that will not get flooded in the harshest rains is Gateway of India. Experience the high waves that will drench you down. When you move towards the Radio Club, the waves get even better. And believe me, how much ever you will try to save yourself from the rains (umbrellas and windcheaters and raincoats), the rain will catch hold of you in any case.

Worli Seaface is another place where you can experience the gushing waves.

Bandra Bandstand – This is where the couples would get cosy under the umbrellas. It’s a very good idea to bite into the freshly roasted corn and watch the wild waves hit the rocks. While you’re here you can also visit the Mount Mary Church or the Father Agnel Ashram.

  

If you’re on the western suburbs, Juhu Beach is the place to be when it’s the high tide. Caution, do not venture into the waters as you can easily get swallowed. The rains on the beach is like cherry on the cake – it’s enough to make you forget what you were. There are chai-coffee vendors on cycles here and you can sip along with the rain on the road. If there isn’t anything else, simply go to Shiv Sagar and relish the Cheese Pav Bhaji.

Powai Lake has a garden alongside. During monsoons, the water in the lake overflows and the water falls at this garden. It’s a good place to experience the local waterfall. If you aren’t a waterfall person, you can enjoy the rains sitting on the bank. If you’re lucky you might be able to spot a crocodile.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park – While this park is beautiful on any other day, during monsoons it’s a completely different experience. The greens cool your eyes and you will easily forget that you are still in the city. To top it, there are waterfalls right here (no need to go to Lonavala for waterfalls at least). A visit to the Kaneri Caves completes the trip.

While all of this sounds exciting and refreshing, when there’s a high alert, ensure you and your family stay safe.

Monsoon Food Delights

There are a lot many joints spread across the length and breadth of Mumbai, which are simply beautiful in the rains. Here are some of them worth a try – right from the tapri to the air conditioned ambience.

• Sweet corn roasted on charcoal, with butter, nimbu and masala – you can get this almost everywhere, especially when you are by the sea.
• Wada Pav at Mithibai College – They even add butter inside the pav (am already salivating).
• Coffee and tea on the road side cycle-vendors – these are now easy to spot, especially near Juhu area.
• Shiv Sagar – Get wet at the Juhu Beach and then stuff yourself with the Cheese Pav Bhaji here.
• Pani Puri and all other chaat – These are all time favourites, the ones at Vithalnagar (Santa cruz west) and Five Gardens & DP’s (Matunga) go better in this weather.
• Pav Bhaji – Skip the regular joints and go to the Chatai Pav Bhaji at Kings Circle and DP’s at Matunga.
• Kanda bhaji and Mirchi bhaji – best prepared at home, however the ones near Dadar Station are also a treat.
• Kebabs, Grilled Sandwiches and Dosas at Worli Seaface.
• Pizza by the bay – Enjoy the Marine drive with a beer and the Mumbai Masala Pizza.
• NCPA Café – One of the best cold coffees, with cool breeze and sea to enjoy.

Your tummy is the most important part of your body, so take only that much that it can take.