Yacht sailing in Mumbai

This was my first sail on a J/24 Class sailboat.

On a sunny Sunday evening I was thinking about doing something new and adventurous in Mumbai. So when the opportunity came up, I booked one seat, without thinking too much.  As per the itinerary, I reached the boarding point near the Gateway of India.

Gateway of India

I met our tour coordinator near the Gateway of India, at the small private jetty opposite to the Taj Mahal Hotel. I saw scores of boats resting on water.

Our sailing boat was little away from jetty, and we took a row boat, and then in the middle of the waters, moved over to the actual sailing boat. When we reached near to the sailboat, the captain of the boat was arranging the boat for sail. He explained about the boat and its importance.

Once into the sail boat, the helper went about opening the sail. Nothing can beat sailing in a sailboat that was designed thousands of years ago.

Sitting in the midst of the Arabian Sea and watching Mumbai's skyline is a memorable experience.

Mind blowing winds,  lovely sunset and being miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life - that's why we love sailing.

view of Mumbai's skyline from the boat

In this trip I realized that they are not only eco friendly but also offer a more up close and natural experience of the ocean. And then we made our way back towards the shore. And as we headed closer to the shore, I could not stop taking shots of Mumbai’s iconic structures, the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Gateway of India.

Taj Mahal Hotel 

And that was the end of a wonderful Sunday afternoon.

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Sandhan Valley Trek

Sandhan Valley is a part of the beautiful Sahyadri mountain range, which is located in Nasik , in the Indian State of Maharashtra.

We started our journey from Mumbai on 12th December midnight to explore Sandhan Valley.  We all gathered at Kasara Station at around 1.30 am  and took a jeep to Samrad village. The 2 hour jeep journey uphill having narrow roads and curves, was not all comfortable. 

We reached Samrad village at around 4 am. The atmosphere was extremely cool . We rested in a temple complex nested by houses.  At the crack of dawn, we strolled around the place. The early morning was magical - village life, beautiful  sahyadri mountain ranges and sunrise. There was a primary school near the temple. I stood there for some time watching children coming to school and the children in turn were curiously watching us, in our trek dress.

Beautiful view of Sahyadri mountain ranges

After breakfast, we moved to Santhan valley. After 2 kms of walk, we reached the entrance of the valley. There were other large groups already on the trek. There were few rappelling patches in Santhan Valley trek and it would take more time for all trekkers to descend . So we changed our plan. We further planned to trek the Ratangad fort via Trimbak Darwaja. Three months back, I had gone for a trek to Ratangad fort via Ratanwadi.

Ratangad fort

We walked through the  forest, green valleys and  grass lands. We lost the way in between. Luckily, we met some villagers and they showed us the actual trek path. The group had already splitted into small groups.  After few hours, past beautiful terrains, we entered the fort via Trimbak Darwaja .

After exploring the fort, we started descending. We took rest under a tree, waiting for other groups to join  us.  We  reached  Samrad village by about 6:00 PM for night camping. The sun had just began to set. In the distance, the sky turned in a blaze of orange and red shade as the  sun set behind the hills.

We had a tiring day but we decided to make the rest of the day enjoyable. Before the night set in, we collected enough firewood from the surrounding area. We set a campfire, sat around it and had fun. 

Camp-Fire



We had to spend the night in the village houses.  We had our dinner and went to sleep so that we can get up early  next morning to begin our Sandhan Valley Trek. Few of us accomodated to one of the village house and rest of the team adjusted in the temple complex. I selected one bed in the house and drifted into sleep.

Day 2:

We bid farewell to the villagers and started our trek in the morning at around 8 am. After a few minutes walk from the village, we reached the entrance of the valley. The actual trek starts from here.

Entrance of Sandhan Valley

Sandhan valley is 15-20 feet wide route, which is carved by water flowing between two huge mountains.  Every year, hundreds of trekkers brave the tough route in the valley, trek through huge rock patches to cross Santhan valley that is 200ft deep and about 2 km long.

One of the interesting experience in this trek is that one can actually feel that he is in a valley of shadows and  as one looks upward, one can see the ray of sunlight falling through the darkness.  After crossing some big rocks, we found a small water pond . In Sandhan Valley trek, you have to cross 2-3 water ponds.  The water level changes according to season. Each one of us crossed the water pool with luggage stuck to their back . This made the trek more exciting.

After continuous trekking (for more than 3 hours), we reached the first rock patch in the valley. The height of the rock patch was 80ft and there was no option but to rappel down. This was my first rappelling and I completed the task with no hurdles.

When light rays fall on the valley walls from different  angles and intensities, they create some beautiful shades on the rocks and walls. I was surprised to see these unspoilt manifestation of nature.

Before others reach, we started our journey towards the 2nd patch .  The descending is not that simple as it appears.

Soon we passed  the 3rd patch with help of a log of wood.

After crossing the second water pool we  headed towards end of the valley. Soon we reached the exit point of the valley.

At the end of the valley,  taking rest becomes a must. The place is in a heavenly spot. There was a big water body and we enjoyed some time there.

The last and final challenge is the long walk through the end of the valley to Dehene village which marks the end of the trek. Dehen village is around 6 km away from here. The trail is along the side of a dry river bed.  Some of us were singing songs which made us feel refreshed.

Soon our track changed to narrow tar road. We sat on a small bridge for rest and had some photographs and fun time. The sun was about to set.  We got a spectacular view of the sun setting down behind the countryside hills, making the evening landscape look serene.

On reaching the Dehene village, we changed our dress and had tea and biscuits. Our jeep was waiting to take us to Asangaon station.

A memorable trek that can be cherished for long.

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MUMBAI ON MOONLIGHT RIDE

We have often heard people saying that Mumbai never sleeps and has a different atmosphere at night .  I was curious to  see the city from the perspective of a bicycle that begins at night and ends before dawn.

It was around 10.30 pm, I took a taxi from CST railway station to Colaba. Shopkeepers were shutting their shops, ending their day. According to the tour itinerary, our meeting point was at MAD OVER DONUTS in Colaba Causeway at around 11:30 pm.  I reached the place much earlier and stood on the footpath outside the shop, waiting for the co-coordinators and team members. I found few of my co-travelers in this event. We then collected the bicycles and helmets and the tour coordinator gave us a kit of snacks and juice pack. After the orientation and introduction session, we started our journey.

We were cycling up the spectacular P J Ramchandani Marg marveling the beauty of South Mumbai's iconic buildings. I was admiring  Mumbai's night life.  After passing by the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Gateway of India, we took our first stop at the Asiatic Society Library. We sat on the steps, which are well known to movie buffs. 

Pit stop at The Asiatic Society Library

Out next pit stop was at  Horniman Circle.  Ishita (the tour coordinator) showed us a Banyan tree. We were about to hear an interesting history. This is the tree under which Indian cotton merchants would meet in the 1850s and conduct their daily trades. One day, 22 of them contributed a rupee each and started the Native Stock Exchange, which blossomed into the Bombay Stock Exchange. The modern structure that houses the BSE stands only a few hundred yards from the banyan tree. 

We passed by Horniman Circle branch of Bademia - a massive two floor diner. By that time it was closed. The origins of this food joint can be traced back to a tiny road side stall in the Colaba byline where you can see people stroll up, get off taxis, or park their cars and two-wheelers along-side the restuarant and enjoying Kebabs. I had visited this place few months back.

Soon I realized that the ride was less about sight seeing and more about experiencing the city at night.  From here we went on to Rajabai Clock tower, Bombay High Court, Flora Fountain and CST station. Ishita explained the history of each of the place.  

A pit-stop near Flora Fountain

Down the dark alley, where beggers and street urchins form part of the fraternity of pedestrains.

CST station, is a beautiful place to take in the finest views of South Mumbai… especially at twilight!

                     

CST Station

The BMC building, located just opposite to CST station is absolutely beautiful when lit up in the night.

BMC Building

While crossing the Marine Lines flyover, we got the stunning view of the 'Queen's Necklace'.  As the heat of the day evaporates, teenagers, lovers and families head out to this place to enjoy the weather. It is true that this is the city that never sleeps. We had a long halt at Marine Drive.  Once settled on the sidewalks, people got busy enjoying their snacks and juice. We spent more time here, enjoying cool breeze and chitchatting. I was mentally transported to a different world.      

            

Marine Drive

Next came the difficult part of the journey, the slope at Peddar Road. We got a distant view of  the World's  most expensive home - Antilia House. We finally reached our last stop, Haji Ali Dargah. It is one of the better known landmarks of Mumbai, sets 500 yards into the sea; and a path joins this from the road. The mausoleum of the famous Muslim Saint Haji Ali is accessible only during the low tide.

The frequent stops during this five-hour ride made it much more enjoyable. The information provided by Ishita (the tour coordinator) was very insightful. It is a beautiful feeling, experiencing the city while most of the cities were still sleeping. For me, it was the best night activity I ever had in Mumbai city.

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Heritage walk in South Mumbai

South Bombay is of course, my favorite part of town with the beautiful buildings and colorful activities on the street. A Facebook post is all it took me to call Nikhil and shown my interest to join with him for South Mumbai Heritage walk. The focus of the walk was to see the architecture of Neogothic, Mughal-influenced, Neocolonial, and Art Deco buildings built during the colonial period.

According to the tour itinerary, our meeting point was at CST station.  When all the team members arrived, we moved to Kyani & co restaurant which is one of the oldest Irani cafe in South Mumbai. The physical appearance of the restuarant still keep the old Bombay vibes. There was a huge rush even in the early morning. We ordered bun masks, Kheema pav, egg bhurji, cakes pastries and Irani Chai. I enjoyed vitage ad posters and aromatic smell of the restuarant.

After a fabulous Iranian breakfast, we started our walk. Since it was a Sunday,   wide roads turn into vanues for gully cricket and you can lazily amble through the streets, camera in hand. 

Victoria Terminus was built by the British, to commemorate Victoria Jubilee Day in 1887 when India's first steam engine puffed out to neighboring Thane. Built in Gothic architecture with carved stone friezes,  stained glass windows and flying buttresses, it is one of the finest architectural wonders in Mumbai. The dome is an octagonal ribbed structure with a colossal female figure symbolizing Progress,  holding a torch pointing upwards in her right hand and a spoked wheel in her left.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)-UNESCO World Heritage Site

Municipal Corporation Building, Mumbai

Azad Maidan offers a great place for people in different age groups to play various games - cricket, hockey, football etc.  

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Azad Maidan, South Mumbai

Bombay Gymkhana is one of the premiere gymkhanas in Mumbai. The Gymkhana Grounds lie in the southern end of the Azad Maidan.

Bombay Gymkhana, South Mumbai

Located opposite to Bombay Gymkhana, fashion street is famous for the latest and the trendiest cloths. With over a varied array of 150 shops, Fashion Street is famous for it best bargain sale of ready made clothes and artificial fashion jewellery. Bargaining and bargaining hard is the name of the game here. One can easily spend a couple of hours here navigating through the dozens of street stalls.

Fashion street 

Flora Fountain at Martyr's Square is a  beautiful fountain with magnificent architecture and sculpture and is surrounded by business centers and heritage buildings . Constructed by the Agri –Horticultural Society of Western India in 1864, out of a donation by Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh, the iconic fountain has been carved out of white Portland stone. 

  

Flora Fountain at Martyr's Square  or Hutatma Chowk

Statue of  "Martyr with a Flame" at Martyr's Square  or Hutatma Chowk

There is a small ground near to the Flora Fountain which serve as gathering hubs for locals and tourists alike.  Looking around, one can see a series of interesting events. The area is lined with painters and artists busy drawing portraits or creating caricatures.

Near to Flora Fountain is second hand book stalls, that lines the nearby pavements, boast of a collection of decades old original copies, some new pirated books ranging from literature to science fiction to best-sellers.

Outdoor book market stalls

Oriental Buildings

East of oval maidan is the Big Ben like Rajabai Clock Tower riding from the Mumbai Universty Library.  

Rajabhai clock tower 

The Rajabai tower was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, an English architect. There is an interesting story about this tower. The entire cost of the tower was defrayed by Premchand Roychand, a prosperous broker who founded the Bombay Stock Exchange on the condition that the tower be named after his mother Rajabai. Premchand Roychand's mother was blind and as a staunch follower of Jain religion and was supposed to consume her dinner before evening. The evening bell of the tower helped her to know the time without anyone's help.

Buit in 1874, Bombay Universty looks very much like one of the older British universities. To the left of the university is Bombay High Court.

Central Telegraph office

There are many places to visit around Kala Ghoda. Kala Ghoda is a creative arena which housing Jehangir Art Gallery to the National Gallery of Modern Art. The area hosts an Annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival where you can spot the installations of trending artworks.

It is said that, in 1847,  a group of young mechanics and foremen of the Royal Mint and Government Dockyard established a museum and library for mechanical models and architectural design. Sir David Sassoon,  contributed majorly for the cause and was completed in 1870. It is built in yellow Malad stone and above the entrance portico is a white stone bust of David Sassoon.

DavidSassoon Library

The Elphinstone College building is an architectural composition  of stone turrets with tiled pyramid-shaped roofs,  stone balconies and balustrades.

Elphinstone College

The erstwhile Watson’s Hotel, now called Esplanade Mansion, the 150-year-old structure, was Mumbai’s introduction to luxury hotels  and is in ruins now.   It is said that, when Watson’s Hotel first made the transition into Esplanade Mansion, its earliest tenants were advocates who opted the easy commute to their daily workplace.

John Watson, an English businessman, presented first luxury hotel in Mumbai. It hosted travellers like the British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton, Hawaii’s King Kalakaua, Muhammed Ali Jinnah. After Watson’s death, the hotel passed through many hands, until it finally closed in the 1960s. Further the building was divided into smaller sections, which were rented out as residences and office spaces.

Esplanade Mansion

Bombay Stock Exchange

Opened in the year 1718, the St. Thomas Cathedral Church is the first Anglican church in Mumbai.  This is the huge church in the street. There were few people inside, so we just stepped inside.

 St.Thomas Cathedral

Horniman Circle

Next to Horniman Circle is the building that you may saw in Bollywood songs.  Asiatic Society Library is one of the most well-maintained and popular libraries in the country.

The Asiatic Society Library    

The walk ended at Colaba street market or Colaba Causeway, which is the iconic street for shopping and foodies.  The end of the street is the Gateway of India  and the Taj Mahal Hotel.

Gateway of India was constructed along the Mumbai Harbour in 1924.  Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, this massive structure was constructed in honour of King George V and his wife Queen Mary when they were on their tour to India.  Constructed with a mixture of indissoluble concrete and yellow basalt, Gateway of India portrays Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The central dome of this magnificent structure measures around 48 feet in diameter. It has got 4 turrets explicitly carved with intricate latticework.

Gateway of India

Taj Hotels and Gateway of India

Popularly referred to as the Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive is a 4 km long promenade and is one of the most beautiful roads in Mumbai.  

Marine Drive

The place comes alive in the evenings when people relax and admire the brilliant view or take a walk on the promenade overlooking the Arabian Sea. Chai-wallas, chat-wallas are common sight in this place.

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Backyard birding at Uran and Bhandup Pumping Station,Mumbai

  

This was my first bird watching trip in Mumbai.  Even though I am not so much enthusiastic for bird watching, I didn't want to miss an opportunity to do something different from my regular travel.

Wetlands form an integral part of the ecosystem of Mumbai city. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, these amazing patches of marshy land are home to a wide variety of biodiversity.

One fine Sunday morning, our group gathered at Vashi. The plan was to bird on Uran area. We headed towards Uran,  there we managed to see quite a number of wetland birds.  We walked towards the creek which has big water reservoir on one side and  other side filled with trees and mangroves.

Lesser Flamingoes, Greater Flamingoes, Cormorants, white cheeked Bulbul, Pied starlings, Pond heron, Egrets, Painted stork, Dove, Kingfisher and Blacked winged Stilts are some of the birds we spotted from this area.

It took us few hours to explore the whole area. By the time we were ready to leave, I found that it a paradise for local and migratory birds. We halted for breakfast on the way to Panje village, Jasai grasslands and other marshy areas in the vicinity. Although our guide explained to us the name of the birds, it is difficult to remember all those names.

Finally as we reached the Bhandup Pumping Station area, which is again a huge wetland, we saw a number of wetland birds.  This is the place where the sewage from the city ends up, and finds its way into the waste water management system.

This is one of the popular among birders not just for its wetland birds but also for scrubland species and raptors that are often sighted here. We made our way through tar road, stopping every now and then to click with our cameras at the variety of birds.

Sightings included  Black Winged stilts, Black eared kite, Kite, Booted eagle, Marsh Harrier, Green bee eater, Painted Stork, Spoon bills, Black head IBIS, Glossy Ibis, Brown headed Gulls, Common terns, River terns, Little Egret, Greater Egret, Common sandpiper, Garganey, Shrike, Ashy Prinia, Plain Prinia, Rock pigeon, Barn swallow and Alpine swift.

We could manage some good shots of butterflies as well.

Soon we returned to Vashi and bid goodbye each other. I hope that this lovely piece of grasslands remains intact and throws more surprise at us in the years to come.

A day well spent!

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