The Mumbai We Love
For a total assault of your senses and to see a different side of India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve center, Mumbai, you must explore the city when it wakes up. There is no better wake-up call than that of Mumbai by dawn. Take our word for it – we promise you it is well worth the effort! Interestingly, if you walk the same lanes a few hours later, you won`t find any evidence of the morning’s flurry.
Start your tour at the clamorous and chaotic docks, where you will see the arrival and grading of 25 tonnes of fish. The docks are packed with at least 500 people! Men push loaded handcarts through the crowds as they yell for people to get out of the way while; fisherwomen weave through the crowds holding plastic tubs filled with fish. Get in their way at your own risk. If you’re lucky you might just witness a one-of-a kind auction of the famous Bombay duck. Mind you – this is a type of fish and not a feathered friend!
Ever wondered how the newspaper reaches your hotel room before you wake up? Stroll along the path to watch the local newspaper deliverymen in action. The next time you pick up a newspaper to read, we’re sure it’s going to remind you of this interesting walk! Of the thousands of newspaper vendors in Mumbai, most are illiterate. Watch them sort through stacks of newspapers in 7 different languages at an incredible speed, right in the middle of the empty streets before, sending the sorted piles off for delivery. As you drive along, you will notice milkmen riding past you on bicycles with aluminum milk canisters, bakers rushing to deliver freshly baked bread to their customers, while other vendors are busy with the logistics of distributing 100 tonnes of meat, fruits and vegetables to various markets.
Another highlight is the ‘all herb mandi’ (market) spread across a popular bridge. This is possibly the only market of its kind in the world and you will see hundreds of vendors sitting atop the bridge selling various leafy vegetables to wholesalers, retailers and local housewives. You might just pick up a trick or two about bargaining here from the local housewives. Keep your cameras handy – these bazaars are a photographer`s dream comes true! End your tour of this fascinating city with a walk across a cricket ground whilst, learning about the game that has captured a billion hearts.
Experience the real spirit of Mumbai with us as we take you on an interesting tour that gives you an insight into what makes the pulsating city tick.
