DESTINATIONS — INDIA & THE INDIAN OCEAN
Mumbai moments
Meera Dattani explores India’s liveliest city
F
orget New York – this is the city that never sleeps. Mumbai is a sprawling, densely populated metropolis where tuk- tuks and cows share streets with honking taxis and sports cars, and a photo opportunity awaits at every turn. It’s busy but rewarding, and those who bypass it miss one of India’s best urban experiences. As a major transport hub, it’s easy to add Mumbai to India itineraries with clients often already flying into or out of it. For some, the restaurant scene in stylish Bandra will appeal, for others, the Victorian Gothic architecture of downtown Colaba. Mumbai by night has universal appeal. Marine Drive lights up and crowds head to the beaches of Juhu and Chowpatty for chai, samosas and sunset. Daily direct flights from the UK to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji airport are operated by Virgin Atlantic and Air India, and
twice a day by British Airways and Jet Airways. Add-on Mumbai packages and day tours are offered by numerous companies such as Cox & Kings, Insight Vacations, and Intrepid Travel’s Urban Adventures.
l WHERE TO STAY For early departures, the 392-room Leela Mumbai is five minutes from the airport, set in 11 acres of landscaped gardens. Luxury hotel brand ITC Hotels has two five-star properties, ITC Maratha and ITC Grand Central. They both offer My City Welcome Breaks to encourage short stays and themed Welcome Breaks – gourmet options include a meet-and-greet with the chef and spa-themed stays include treatments in their Kaya Kalp spa. A classic choice is the 560-
room Taj Mahal Palace, a historic property dating back to 1903, by the Gateway of India. Its restaurants include Wasabi, which flies in fresh sushi from
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Japan, while Masala Craft serves ‘tiffin’ lunchboxes, a taste of the traditional meals transported daily across the city to workers by the ‘dabbawallahs’. Another gourmet choice is The Oberoi on Marine Drive – its three restaurants include Ziya by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia. For style-conscious clients,
suggest Vivanta by Taj President, renowned for its stylish Wink bar, or Taj Lands End in trendy Bandra, a neighbourhood full of cafes, shops, bars, and the homes of Bollywood stars. For something different,
Gordon’s House in downtown Colaba is the former home of trader, art collector and pioneer Arthur Gordon, dating back to the early 1900s.
l WHAT TO DO A common first stop is the Gateway of India, built to
gateway city MUMBAI
commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. It’s from here that boats depart for Elephanta Island, famous for the rock art caves. The Regal Circle area is a good
showcase for Mumbai’s heritage buildings such as the Prince of Wales Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Other sights include the Gothic Victorian architecture of Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus stations, Rajabai Clock Tower and Mumbai’s oldest museum, Dr Bhau Daji Lad. Other sights include Mani Bhavan, where Mahatma
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