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