The fourth in our ‘Live like a local’ series that tries to give you the insider scoop to what the long term residents love about their city. Read our Mumbai and Delhi posts also!
Nightlife in India
Where to stay
Villa Camelot. Hosts Yamini and Raghu will offer you more hospitality than the average Bangalorean is used to, but their cosy three-storey in Whitefield blends in seamlessly with the homes of the upper-middle class that bought up the plots when the city was still young.
Have a cup of coffee and one of the many chill coffee shops while you read a book or work
What to eat
Bangalore is a haven for India’s beer lover. The breweries blossoming on every corner epitomize the cooler-than-cool vibe of the city with 60s tunes piped gently into the dimly lit interiors. Toit, Biere Club and Biere Street will make for a great start. Get your fill of a deep-fried South Indian breakfast at Benne Masala Dosa at CTR or Airlines Hotel, go to Faanoos Siddique Kebab or Misbah Kebabs near Johnson market for seekh kebabs, veal, and other Mughlai food. Chicken wing-y finger are best licked at Plan B. Get at least one plate of Ice-cream at corner house, not because they’re mind-melting, but because it’s just what people do. Burgers at Thulp Cafe. Roadside momos.
Juicy kebabs at Shivajinagar, Bangalore
Where to go
The Bangalore garden city is slowly being mismanaged into environmental oblivion, so pack a picnic and head to Cubbon Park while you still can. If you’re up for a trek and don’t mind sharing the view with hundred-odd other tourists, drive up to Nandi Hills. Book lovers, carve out a whole day for Blossom Book House. Indiranagar is a hub of night-time activity from plays and sketches to stand up and live music. If the night still seems to stretch endlessly ahead of you, we recommend Pebble to dance on the grass under the stars.
Cubbon Park
What to say
Kannada gothilla. It means ‘I don’t know Kannada’. Not that you’ll be required to speak it, most shopkeepers and auto drivers speak basic English. Call anybody boss for a quick response.
Bonus tips:
If your auto driver won’t use the meter, get out. Radio cabs are a much safer bet, they cost the same for none of the hassles
If you want to start a conversation with a local, compliment the weather. They will embrace you as one of their own
India’s a big fan of families. The rich in history and culture is a great way to introduce your kids to India. We’ve never been big on individualism and the family is seen as the epitome of our great institutions. Travelling with your pack means that you’re already one step closer to blending into the culture. You’ll find yourself better equipped to experience a country that is designed for family life.
For example, most hotel rooms won’t charge extra for children to sleep in the same rooms as their parents regardless of whether it’s a two-person bedroom or not. The same goes for restaurant deals and entrance fees to local attractions. You’ll also be able to avail of endless “Family offers” that basically toss you bulk deals at cheap prices.
First, you can refer to this excellent series of blogs by Gregor and Sarah from Canada on their own experience carting three kids under the age of 15 across the country for two whole months. There’s more here, here and here. Beyond that, we’ve listed some tips specific to travel in India:
Our guests in Kumarakom houseboat (Annika KĂ€stle and family)
Food and Drink
Eat a lot: India has no dearth of diverse snack foods to keep the kids pumped up. But, you might want to avoid the spices or the street food in view of their more delicate digestion. Of course, you don’t want your child to completely miss out on what is a big part of the Indian experience. Maybe let them have a small bite, but keep medication handy.
Remember that not many restaurants here have a kid’s menu because people tend to order a few common dishes for the table and then share them.
Hydrate: Yes, it will be hot. Long walks and museum tours aren’t going to help the situation. Carry bottled water with you everywhere. Always mix in a spoonful of flavoured glucose for the kids.
Buy your own groceries: Apart from bottled water, you might want to have some milk and cereal on hand for a tender stomach. India has a lot of trusted packaged brands so you don’t have to worry. Opt for a packet of our beloved Maggi instant noodles after a long day.
Kids will love touring around in Rickshaws, something completely foreign to them! (Photo Credit – Per Mosseby)
Keeping your kids entertained
Carry distractions: The chances of you getting bored in India are pretty slim, but who really knows how kids work? Make sure you have books or games to keep them occupied before they wander off.
Sleep well: Constant travelling means that you can let them drop off on buses or trains between destinations. This won’t be as restful as a good night’s sleep in a soft bed. In India, the good news is the hot afternoons drive everyone in for a deep nap after a heavy lunch. But, the bad news is that mosquitoes and insects rule the night so stock up on repellent.
Attend workshops: Kids prefer doing to seeing and India can be quite accommodating of this. Not only official workshops but even a street vendor or an auto driver will be quite happy to explain things to children. He may even let them try their hand at it.
Encourage them to make friends: Your kids probably want to get away from you after two weeks in the same hotel room so keep an eye out for possible companions. From fellow travellers to local neighbours, it’ll be great for them to see someone their own age for some time. And if it’s a local, they’re more likely to learn about Indian life from them than another tour guide.
Encourage your kids to make friends with the cheeky local children their age (Photo Credit – Alfie Ianni)
Safety Measures
Keep them within your sight at all times: This applies to any sort of travel, but India is exceptionally crowded and often fast-paced. Hold hands, and don’t feel ashamed of tying a little string around a little one’s wrist if it makes you feel safer. Bright shiny objects will call to them from everywhere and you’ve got to be vigilant.
Get a doctor’s opinion: While some visa offices make you take certain shots before you leave, they are not your pediatrician. Your pediatrician will be better equipped to give you a personal opinion on what you should prepare your kids for. Bring your medication with you along with a copy of the doctor’s prescription in case of customs hassles.
Going to India as a family is not as difficult as one might believe (Photo Credit – ybenyaacov)
Tips for making your life easier
Be flexible: Leave buffer spaces in your plans in case someone catches a bad cold or wants to hang out at the zoo a little longer. There’s a fair chance they may decide that they just don’t want to see another fort. Or they may demand to know where the promised tigers are instead, and you might find that you can actually accommodate that. Don’t rush things.
Stroller etiquette: India’s not the best city to bump your baby around on wheels. Pavements are often poorly laid or simply non-existent, and many buildings may not have lifts. Opt for a baby carrier if they’re still small enough.
Take a trial run: Take your kids somewhere nearby for the weekend just to determine how they feel about being away from home. How much you need to pack and how travel affects them. If you’re preparing for India, introduce them to some of the foods in the comfort of your own home to see how they react.
Don’t abandon the familiar: Do they have a favourite brand of peppermints not available here? Carry them. India can often be a wholly alien and often confusing environment for children so it’s good for them to see something from home.
Plan nappy changes in advance: Don’t expect to pull into any highway pit-stop and find a changing station. You’ve either got to improvise or look up restaurants and hotels with these amenities in advance. Shopping malls are usually a good bet, but don’t be afraid to lay your baby down on a clean cloth near the washbasins in a pinch.
Every year, in the month of meenam (April-March) on the Malyali Calendar, thousands of devotees gather in the Sree Kurumba Kavu Kodungalloor temple (where Festival of the Oracles – Kodunalloor Bharani is celebrated) to sing and chant and cheer the Goddess Kali who resides within.
Legend speaks of her victory in the battle against Darikan that left her raging until her soldiers gathered around her and sang to uplift her mood. Re-enacting that to this day, the devotees gather and sing their Pattu in honour of the goddess.
They do this to seek redemption for their sins. Wrapped in yards of vermillion cloth often stained red with blood.
Thousands of devotees gather in the Sree Kurumba Kavu Kodungalloor temple to sing and chant, and cheer the Goddess Kali (Photo Credit – Subin Sailendran)
The festival of oracles
What makes this festival particularly spectacular is a ritual called kaavu theendal. Hundreds of oracles, both male and female, throng the temple grounds for three days. Bedecked in jangling bells and smeared with holy ash, they stumble through the compound chanting and striking at the temple walls, and themselves, with sticks and swords. The devotees lash out at the rafters of the temple, tossing offerings in over the walls.
The festival is one of its kind. It surges with unabated energy that soars on for three days until the local king, seen as the temple keeper, gives blessings to the devotees lying before him. It’s an otherworldly experience that can make you question your beliefs about spirituality and human society. Also, a great reason to travel!
To get to Thrissur ,you can fly directly into Kochi. Most major airports in the country fly to Kochi, or take a train. From there, it’s a quick 3-hour drive or an additional 2-hour train journey.
India can be quite overwhelming at first. Not everyone has the advantage of a local friend to hold your hand and show you the ropes. Weâve made up a list of those family-run homestays that decided to open up their homes to people exactly like you. They’ll provide you with a place of shelter and comfort from which to set out each morning, armed with their best advice and priceless hospitality.
The royale en-suite bathroom at one of our favourite homestays
Jade, Munnar
Munnar is soaked deeply in the travel styles of a bygone century – the summer convalescence. Families from the harsh, dusty plains would save up and ship out for a month in the hills. There were no more amenities than a roof over their heads and a cup of tea in the mornings. Sometimes entire families gathered together to recoup. Often, it was just an elderly couple making full use of their retirement years.
Early morning walks and a half packet of biscuits with the morning newspapers. Idly snapping off a tea leaf as you stroll through the waist-high rows of bushes. Settling in under a pile of musty blankets for an early night kept us sane through the rest of the chaotic year. Jade promises you exactly this rebirth. Take a long soak in the beautiful pool and watch your fingers wrinkle up. Pull on a sleeveless cardigan and discover the mountains. Listen to the call of the birds carried in on the fresh, cold air. Bicker over breakfast and debate over dinner. Just let go and embrace the strange sense of purpose that infuses the tea plantation life.
Jade Munnar (Photo Credit – TripAdvisor)
Olaulim Backyards, Goa
Ditch the beach, thereâs a whole other side of this bountiful state to explore. Most notably its intricate network of rivers. Overhung with coconut trees and carpeted in soft sparse grass, theyâre blissfully unpopulated by tourists. Set out from Olaulimâs sprawling, hammock-strewn yards with a bellyful of finger-licking local produce and fresh seafood. Traipse down the meandering village lanes. Come to the family or other travellers for tips or a couple of words in the local language that might help you bag that bargain in the market!
Dr. Samvit Audichya is a man with a cause. Not only does he firmly believe in grassroots movements and working with the rural poor, but he intends to help you understand it too. Pick a room in his familyâs beautifully located home away from the touts and tourist traps and get to know his amazingly hospitable family as they explain to you their people and their passions. Request a home-cooked meal on the rooftop, and theyâll be happy to let you join in the cooking.
The website of this vast family home is lined with accolades from travel companies and review websites across the country. Luxury and word-class facilities combined with the intimate care of a family make for the perfect trip. Two airy green terraces make for the perfect spot to recuperate with freshly brewed tea and the city of Jaipur laid out before you. All the amenities of a high-end hotel, from Wi-Fi to air-conditioning, set this place apart from the simple homestays that usually make it onto these lists.
Dining lounge (Photo Credit – TripAdvisor)
Tree of Life, Delhi
A cushy little BnB run by hosts who’ve spent years in the tourism industry and yoga and reflexology community respectively. Well furnished rooms, simple rules, good food. It’s a good option for those worried about the over-congestion or safety issues of Delhi because it gives you a chance to step into the local life without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Get to know your hosts, they have some worthwhile knowledge to share, and your trip will be easier for it.
Home away from home www.tree-of-life.in
Bansi Homestay, Agra
Mr. D.K. Burman, the owner of this three-story megalith within 15 minutes of the Taj Mahal, is an Agra local and a âfountainhead of knowledgeâ, according to his user reviews. His home features walls decorated with cultural paintings, a chess lounge to butt heads with him at and a lovely terrace garden. The sophisticated website gives you a whole list of facilities from Doctor on call to childrenâs park in the neighbourhood, though his guests seem most enamoured by the delicious food and great conversation.
bansihomestayagra.com
If you are looking for something more opulent, then here is a guide on the most luxurious Hotels in India
Let’s face it, you came here expecting to embrace the wild. Enormous, calculating tigers stalking through the tall dry grass, peacocks unfurling their tails in the monsoon breeze, hordes of elephants storming through heavily damp rainforests. And it’s true, we have it all in many of our Indian wildlife reserves.
Here’s where you can go to crawl into the heart of the jungle and the national parks of India and hear the call of the wild whispering right into your bedroom window, whether your bedroom’s a luxury tent or a treehouse.
Elephant in the jungle (Photo Credit – myashwanth)
Gir National Park
The last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic Lions now has 523 big cats lounging about its grounds. This is a mind-blowing increase from the 20 that survived the widespread hunting of the 19th century thanks to conservation measures taken in the Indian wildlife reserves.
Apart from these star attractions, there are also Leopards, critically endangered Long-billed Vultures and Marsh Crocodiles. Moreover, the park organizes a Safari Tour that’ll take you through the core area of the jungle and right up close to the wildlife.
When visiting the National Parks of India, where you stay can complete your trip. The Fern has the uncompromising luxury for the ecologically sensitive within the Indian wildlife reserves.
The Fern hits all the big names from sewage treatment to eco-friendly toiletries and doesn’t miss the little details, taking care to decorate their sprawling property only in potted plants and non-cut flowers.
Saltwater Crocodile (Photo Credit – Sarangib)
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Deep lush valleys, heavy green boughs overhead and soft grass underfoot – this is the forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. The safaris are intensive and take you right into the heart of the jungle, although they’re a hassle to book, you can leave that to us! Opt for a safari later in the day and you can catch the Sambhars and Gaurs grazing at Bamni Dadar in the glow of the setting sun.
A gorgeous property that promotes absolute self-sustainability in the beautiful surroundings of Kanha. Vegetables come fresh from the in-house farm and all electricity is converted from solar energy. You can even bring your pets along!
Kanha National Park (Photo Credit – Ashish Upadhyay)
SundArbans National Park
A unique ecosystem formed by the deltas of the Ganga and Bramhaputra rivers, thereby creating the largest halophytic mangrove forest in the world, the Sundarbans is home to the famous Royal Bengal Tigers.
If you visit in the winter, you’ll see not only the Tigers but Macaques, Indian Grey Mongoose, Leopard Cats, Ridley Sea Turtle, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Fox, Flying Fox, Fishing Cats, Chital, and Pangolin. All are driven to the riverbanks in search of some sun as you drift down the river by boat.
A cosy little outpost that’s perfect for honeymooning couples. Rent out bicycles during the day to tour the forest and then simmer down in front of a roaring bonfire, with a pile of delicious seafood on your plate.
Mangroves – Sundarbans
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Made up of 15 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group stands an Indian wildlife reserve among paradise. This is a chance to see coral reefs first hand. You can either do so through glass-bottomed boats or more closely by snorkeling/scuba diving directly into them. A veritable paradise of sandy beaches and swaying palms, you may mistake the islands for being all fun and games, but the reefs help you to understand the beauty we are constantly destroying and must learn to protect and nurture.
Serene and tropical, nothing can touch you here but the sounds of the wind and the sea. Located on the beach itself, try to remember that insects and mosquitoes are simply part of the daily routine here. Try and opt for eating out a few times for the sake of variety and your wallet.
Beautiful Andaman Islands
Balpakram National Park
Balpakram – the land of the perpetual winds. Tucked into a deep gorge in the South Garo Hills this is one of the wild national parks of India. The Balpakram is teeming with life and shrouded in folklore. It is said to be the final resting place of souls before they depart for the next world, a story that seems to ring true in the whispers of the trees.
Between these rich fronds frolic the rare Lesser Panda, the Indian Bison, and the Serow. Medicinal herbs and endangered flora flourish 3,000 ft above sea level, and great Hornbills and Orioles cry out.
Where to stay: Tura Guest House
There are no guest houses within the park, so visitors must stop at the Tura guest house run by the Meghalaya Tourism Department.
Red Indian Panda is also known as the Lesser Panda
Kaziranga National Park
A whopping two-thirds of the world population of the Great One-horned Rhinoceros resides in this leafy haven. Since 1904, there has been a boost of 1,600 animals from the park’s original 200. Ride in on an elephant safari and find that the animals are unperturbed by the gentle giants, allowing you to get well within photographing distance.
While you may not spot a tiger, you’ll see their presence all around in pugmarks, kills, and territorial markings. Apart from these big beasts, there are also swift swamp deer and partridge to be spotted. Also, keep an eye out for the ReticulatedPythons and Rock Pythons to watch out for!
Stilted cottages of cane and bamboo with thatched roofs echo the local architecture. A natural pool and verdant fruit trees mean a lively bird population. A sight that you can enjoy on your verandah each morning before your safari.
Rhinoceros in the Jungle
Weâre here to help you plan your next wildlife safari holiday in India – get in touch and weâll give you a plan thatâs best suited to your needs!
This post kicks off our life like a local series, a quick run-through each of the nationâs top destinations through the eyes of its own. Find out where to stay, what to eat, where to go, what to say, and the best things to do in Mumbai. Plus a bunch of extra tips to help you drop the tourist tag. Soon you will be able to master how to live like a local in Mumbai.
Traffic in Mumbai
Where to stay
Bombay city doesn’t have quite as many homestays or couch surfing options as other world cities, but our budget hotels are a real experience in themselves! We recommend staying near Colaba the most charming part of Mumbai!
From bustling markets, delicious street food, museums and high-end restaurants, Colaba has it all. However, what adds to its charm is the stunning gateway, the famous Taj hotel and ancient buildings that reek of history.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Photo Credit – nahushraj23)
What to eat
To get a true experience of the city, one of the main things to do in Mumbai is to taste the local street food. Maharashtrian Fish. Parsi Mutton Dhansak (spicy gravy on brown rice). Mughlai Kheema Pao (mince and bread).
As a blend of cultures, thereâs a blend of food all equally delicious in its own right. However, none beats out Mumbaiâs very own vada pav. A delicious, hot potato patty fried in a chickpea batter, smothered in chutney and packed neatly into a sliced pav bun.
Try any of their food; itâs all local but with a masterful twist by the brilliant Chef Thomas Zachariah.
Live like a local in Mumbai and try the street food
Where to go
The surface. Whether itâs Bandraâs bandstand or Marine Driveâs Chowpatty, this is the cityâs social leveller. Watch the sunset in the company of families, lovers, schemers and college gangs. The best way to live like a local in Mumbai is to join in and watch the crowds of residents go about their daily lives.
Buy some channa from a passing urchin or fruit ice-cream from our beloved Naturals. If youâre in Bandra late, wait for Bournvita Uncle to ride upon his cycle and dole out steaming cups of hot chocolate. Feel the breeze in your hair and just listen, watch, and be a part of the passionate storm of people that fuel this city.
Things to do in Mumbai – Marine Drive
What to do
Take a hike. The cityâs surrounded by beautiful hills just a few hours out. While, as a visitor, youâre probably looking for something more in the city itself, itâs our choice of escape. Let us know if you think youâre up for a day’s rewarding climb and weâll find the perfect option for you.
For those still looking for something within the city, try the Bhau Daji Lad Museum. A fine collection of artefacts, lovingly accumulated and categorised. This is situated inside the city zoo at Byculla. Also, it encourages interaction and loves to answer all your questions about the city we adore.
For more options on things to do in Mumbai, plan your trip with India Someday and we can help make your stay unforgettable.
To live like a local in Mumbai you can pick up certain Indian phrases to help you. Try your hand at our universal fix-it âjau de, kakaâ that translates to ‘let it go, uncle’. Throw it blindly at any figure of authority, particularly cops in a sufficiently gravelly tone and you might just be able to get out of a tight spot.
Most people in Bombay of all classes speak basic English. Accordingly, thereâs no need to rock out your Namaste every five minutes. Itâs really not that commonly used. Hellos, please and thank yous have pretty much replaced their local counterparts, so that wonât cause you much trouble either.
If you contact us personally, we could give you a more private tutorial on the way of life here. Also, a lesson on bambaiiya gaalis thatâll serve you well in traffic.
Bonus tips:
Always opt for public transport. Maybe youâll get ripped off by cabs and autos but itâs worth it for stories. If they try to lie to you about the distance, at least you get to take the scenic route. Be careful of local trains at rush hour, but donât let that put you off from taking it at all. The metroâs cool and very efficient but no fun, so you can skip that
Like to travel in style? Are you in Mumbai to catch some of that Film City glitz? Oliveâs right up your alley. A chic Mediterranean-style villa decked out in soothing white and candlelight, itâs the ideal place to lounge about in your favourite maxi, tuck into some delicious fine dining options and let the gentle sea breeze lift your hair and your spirits as you rub shoulders with Bombayâs whoâs who on their famous Thank God itâs Thursday nights.
For those that travel for a slice of life experience, you might miss out on a lot of the cheaper bars because theyâre just a little too cheap to ensure safety or hygiene. But the family-run Schumania in the heart of IC Colony is a landmark in the hearts of the Borivali locals. Drink by the quarter in this neon-backlit restobar, with its laminate tables and plastic ashtrays, packed tight between broke college students and local uncles. Delicious seafood will go down well with the cheap whisky and a truly authentic evening.
Looking for a nice watering hole to while away the hours between meetings? Keep your business acumen raring to go at this amazingly brilliant concept bar, with outlets across the city. Alcohol prices rise and fall based on demand just like on the stock market. That means great prices at odd hours that skyrocket as the night wears on, but hey, at least you have fun paying them! Definitely try the Sakinaka Branch if you have the time.
I made it to India! Â A lifelong dream finally realized, thanks to India Someday and the amazing contest called #YouWanderWePay, which basically has my name on it! A social worker from New York City with a deep passion for all things local and an insatiable zest for experiencing life around our globe, I devoured my delicious Indian food aboard my Jet Airways flight and eagerly awaited the adventure of a lifetime.
After a smooth landing, I donned my well-travelled backpack and exited the air-conditioned terminal. Experienced my first dose of the hot, astoundingly humid air, immediately feeling my curls frizz. I connected with Harsh, one of the India Someday founders, and his exceptionally warm and friendly wife, Arpita. They pampered me with good water, my first late-night veggie roti, and a fun drive orienting me to the layout and design of Bombay. Driving alongside the sea, scores of people lined the walls overlooking the water. I found the streets mostly empty, but the size, sound,s and shapes of the various vehicles (and animals on the street) quickly reminded me that I had almost magically entered this mind-stirring land.
Harsh dropped me off at my first accommodation, the Travellers Inn – a clean, basic, well-located hotel in the Fort neighbourhood. Not having any perspective on accommodations, I was pleased with the smooth late-night check-in and the helpful staff. My air-conditioned room had a full-size bed, en-suite bathroom (with showerhead basically right above the toilet) and cable television. This provided the perfect background (who doesnât love an Indian cooking show!). while I settled in and used their speedy Wi-Fi network to connect with family and friends back home. I confirmed my safe arrival and shared my excitement for some epic travel.
My bed was adequately comfy. I enjoyed a solid night of sleep and loved the breakfast of eggs, fruit, deliciously buttered toast and Indian tea. It was delivered to my room in the morning  (included in the room price). Getting ready to venture out into the streets of Bombay/Mumbai, I had hoped to run into some fellow backpackers. Besides a couple of computers and a book-swap shelf, there didnât seem to be much common area for socializing. The very sweet owner, however, brought me to the roof to show me the great work in progress for a new community space. He even sought my ideas for what would make it best.
Keeping aside other accommodations in Mumbai to compare to, Travellers Inn is safe, well-located, clean and perfect for my fellow budget travellers. The ambience might not yet be its strong point but it does seem like itâs on its way. The helpful staff, cable TV, strong AC and good Wi-Fi surely enhanced my first experiences of India.
Comfy room at Travellers Inn, Mumbai
Mumbai
Huge thanks to the India Someday team! The âcleanâ food vendors whose flavors I loved (and I havenât yet gotten sick from), to the cows and goats on the streets! The beautiful people and amazing banyan trees, Harshâs family for their wonderful Indian hospitality and to the fun characters like my friend Aditiâs friend Joseph. What a fabulous welcome to India you have offered.  Next upâŠtrain to Ahmedabad. Canât wait for more!
For the last few months you have worked hard, you have been sweating it out at the gym. The realisation that you need to get fit could have come from anything – a pair of jeans that just wonât fit, or somebody reminding you how much you have put on, or the fact that even a 500 meter run knocks the daylights out of you. That is all changing. You have made it a point to work out and get fitter day the day. Then you come on vacation to India where the gyms are unfamiliar and the food is irresistible. But you want to stay fit, months probably years of following a fitness regime just aren’t worth throwing away over a couple of weeks’ fun. Desperate for ideas on places to go jogging in Mumbai?
We have some good news for you! As we believe and keep saying, India is a country with something for everybody and itâs got something for our fitness freaks too. There are various places across the country you could go for a jog, a refreshing run next to the thunderous sea or on a track surrounded by hills, you would be truly amazed at how varied your jogging options are.
India has something for everybody and itâs got something for our fitness freaks too (Photo Credit – Dylan Walters)
Where to jog in Mumbai
In our first part of âWhere to jog when in India?â we focus on the maximum city of Mumbai.
As a tourist, it is likely for you to be amazed at the chaos that the city puts up with every day. Mumbai, with a staggering 12,655,220 people, is the 09th most populated city in the world.
Made up of just seven small islands, it doesnât take a rocket scientist to know that one of the biggest problems is the space crunch. With a growing population of 10 million+ people and land not equipped to house so many, living in Mumbai isnât for everybody (especially not for people who like their own space.)
But perhaps Mumbai has always been on your list. You have probably watched a few Bollywood movies and want to check the city out for yourself. At the same time, you hope that the fitness routine you have been religiously practising does not go to waste. You cannot miss the jogs you so depend on for your daily routine.
We decided to jot down a list of our favourite places to go for a run/jog in Mumbai to help you keep fit on your vacation.
There are still options to stay fit during your holiday (Photo Credit: Nilesh Mazumdar)
1) Marine Drive
Our favourite place to go on a jog, a place where you could jog at any time of the day (though not during the cruciferous afternoons obviously.) It is a long stretch next to the sea. This place is ideal for an early morning or evening jog.
Go for a morning run if you need exercise to start your day. You’ll be surprised to see just how many people in this mad-paced city make time to stay fit. Beware though, the sea isn’t always the most pleasant of smells and when you’re breathing hard you’re going to be inhaling lungfuls of less than savoury scent.
With the sea at your side and the sound of the waves, you can understand why Marine Drive is one of our favourite jogging destinations in the city (Photo Credit – Bishnu Sarangi)
2) Priyadarshini Park
Priyadarshini Park in Malabar Hill is another place well equipped to deal with requirements of various levels of athletes. Built on reclaimed land, a jog on the PDP track is as smooth as it gets.
A beautiful green place tailored to suit everybody, from beginners forcing themselves out of bed to dedicated joggers who like to run every morning before work.
Well equipped to deal with the requirements of various levels of athletes (Photo Credit – Robin Hickmott)
3.) Joggers Park Juhu/Bandra
For the people living in or visiting suburban Mumbai, Joggers Park in Juhu is a very popular spot amongst runners. It’s created specifically so people in the suburbs would have a place to go for their morning or evening runs.
Joggers Park is definitely a sweet place for serious runners. At the same time, it makes room for senior citizens taking their evening constitutional. There is another Joggers Park in Bandra which is also beautifully maintained and you can find a lot of people exercising there too.
Beautifully maintained and ideal for joggers (Photo Credit – JWoodsSRI)
4) Hiranandani, Powai
Want to jog away from the hustle and bustle of the city? If you’re searching for somewhere more rural then head to Hiranandani.
Powai is surrounded by hills and in the centre is a beautiful still lake, a very peaceful location and not as chaotic as the rest of Mumbai. If you don’t want to go running on the streets or prefer quick jogs, it’ll work well for you.
A peaceful location and not as chaotic as the rest of Mumbai (Photo Credit – Waterloo Hildreds)
5) Worli Seaface
One for the early birds! Plus, another place in Mumbai if you like running by the sea, though not as lavish as the Marine drive. There’s a reason why this place is not as high on our list as it could be and that is because it’s only any good if you are a morning person.
However, it is not the best location if you like to go for a run after work because the traffic can be disruptive and the hawkers a pain. We would suggest starting your run at least at 0600 hrs the latest if you are coming to Worli Seaface.
A location for those early risers who like a run before the day starts (Photo Credit – Simon Alexander Jacob)
6) Mahalaxmi Race Course
Open to the public from 16:00-20:00 hrs, the 2km stretch is covered in mud and is a better surface to run on than any other place on this list (everything else is either concrete, asphalt or granite). So it is considered a much better surface for your legs.
If you are travelling to India and want advice on what to do in each city, as well as some insider tips on how to enjoy cities such as Mumbai like a local, then get in touch with us at India Someday and we will help plan your trip.
Not just a place for horse racing but also a great ground for jogging (Photo Credit: The Indian Express)
Being the mad foodies that we are, we believe nothing defines a city like the street food it offers to its citizens. The regular and enthusiastic consumption of street food in the city is the major difference between a local and a tourist. A local knows his street food, a traveller wants to. The street food in Mumbai is there when you are tired of the ‘ghar ka khana’ (home-cooked meal) or stuck somewhere and struck by hunger pangs, or itâs that time of the month when your wallet’s light and you can’t afford a restaurant meal, and McDonald’s is just blah!
Street food is the signature of a city, something that you can only find in a particular place. You canât separate the food from the city and the city from the food; this is what the locals eat and swear by. If you want to see what the people of a certain place are like, try their street food.
Experience the mouth-watering street food in Mumbai during your trip and live like a local would! (Photo Credit – Anisht Dev)
Top five street food and local delicacies you must NOT miss when in Mumbai
In our first part of the ‘Street Food in India’ series, we begin with the maximum city of Mumbai. Why Mumbai? Because India Someday is based in Mumbai and it is probably the most versatile when it comes to street food. Reflective of its cosmopolitan ethos, the city draws in cuisines from across the country and makes them its own.
Mumbai has enough delicacies to satisfy the most discerning eater, whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, or even vegan! You can try to best veg street food in Mumbai as long as you know whatâs what.
Here is some further advice on street food in Jaipur and Calcutta.
Street food vendors in Mumbai (Photo Credit – Marco Zanferrari)
Vada Pav
You definitely have to begin your street food adventure with this one! India’s take on the burger! The king when it comes to street food in Mumbai. Easy on the wallet and the food you can relate to most with Mumbaikars (citizens of Mumbai). Itâs hot and itâs spicy; you can have it with the sweet tamarind & date chutney if a little too spicy for your palate.
A favourite lunch snack for Mumbaikars, especially the ones who are in a rush or donât have the money to have a proper meal. The Vada Pav is one of the few truly indigenous street foods of the city that developed directly from Maharashtrian and Portuguese cuisine.
Vada Pav is among the best street food in Mumbai and one to try by the non-meat lovers.
Where can I have this?
Getting a Vada Pav in Mumbai isnât tough; you will find it almost everywhere.
Which one doles out the best?
Aaram Vadapav, CST (42, Mint Road, Opposite GPO, Fort, Mumbai). It is a small stall right across the famous UNESCO World Heritage Railway Station CST in South Mumbai. Dig into this with a side order of cutting chai! If you’re a fan of crunch, try out the samosa pav as well.
Hint: the stall is attached to a little restaurant and they serve up a variety of fresh and inexpensive local delicacies. Â
The King of Mumbai’s Street food – The Vada Pav!
Pav Bhaji
Another delicacy that tastes best in Mumbai, Pav Bhaji is a vegetable mash in thick tomato and potato curry, laden with generous amounts of butter, served with the local pav bread and garnished with onions and lemon juice. Another dish that is considered as the best veg street food in Mumbai. Even the thought of Pav Bhaji makes one salivate.
Where can I have this?
We suggest Sardar Pav Bhaji in Tardeo, near Grand Road railway station (Western Line) if you are in town.
If you are staying in the suburbs, Amar Juice Center is best known for its Pav Bhaji and the icing on the cake is that both are open well after midnight.
Mouth-watering Pav Bhaji at Sardars!
Kebabs
This one is for our non-vegetarian friends. Mumbai, just like the rest of our country has a sizable vegetarian population. However, finding non-veg street food isnât difficult either. You can find the most delicious kebabs on the streets of Mumbai.
Where can I have this?
Sarvi we’d suggest, a 90-year-old establishment with unbeatable mutton seekh kebabs. It is in Byculla, just next to the Nagpada police station. Get down at Bombay Central railway station to get here.
Kebabs! A favourite with all meat lovers
Pani Puri
Mumbaikars swear by pani-puri. Not the gol gappas, or puchkas of other cities, they are Mumbai’s own pani-puris. A small crisp hollow puri, full of spicy mint flavoured water, tamarind chutney, chickpeas, potatoes and lentils is a very refreshing dish. Please do not miss this if you are in Mumbai.
If you canât handle spice, let it be known to the guy making you pani-puri in advance to avoid breathing fire or being reduced to tears. Though spice comes hand in hand to make the most delicious street food in Mumbai, so we recommend you add a little zing to your dishes.
Where can I have this?
We suggest Elco in Bandra or Kailash Parbat in Colaba, both these outlets use mineral water so there are no hygiene issues, also the taste is absolutely delicious. Don’t forget to ask for your sukha puri in the end!
Gol gappas in Delhi! Paani Puri in Mumbai!!
Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri is one of the most popular Mumbai dishes, a dish made of puffed rice, onions, sev, chat masala and chutneys. Cheap, light, and not as unhealthy (healthiest street food in Mumbai on this list), this is a favourite amongst Mumbaikars as a popular evening snack.
Where can I have this?
Sharmajee and Badshahs at Girgaum Chowpatty, near Charni Road railway station, are popular for their lip-smacking Bhel Puri.
Famous Bhel Puri, also known as Mumbai Chaats (Photo Credit – JK Werner)
Let India Someday handle it and plan your best trip.
