India has always been the land of diverse cultures and traditions. Over the years, many colonies and empires have settled here influencing the lives of the people in many different ways. Mumbai, in particular, has always been the city of commerce attracting people from far corners of the world.
Many people travel for many reasons. While some travel for business, some travel for pleasure. On the other hand, there are people that travel for photography, exploring new places, adventure and food. Chefs, food bloggers and vloggers usually travel for finding new food cuisines and local delicacies. However, there are many people that love food and want to try it out when they travel to India. So, are you among those who love to try local cuisines when travelling?
As a travel blogger, I have visited different cities across India. However, so far I haven’t come across any Indian city that matches the spirit of Mumbai. Of course, you can say I’m biased. I was born and brought up in this city that fuels the economy of India. However, even those who are not from Mumbai would agree with me. Often Mumbai is compared with New York City and London as both these cities are economic powerhouses in their own countries. However, I believe every city has its soul and character which is quite unique in its own way. Now, I can go on and on bragging about what Mumbai has to offer. However, I will stick to top 7 reasons why I love Mumbai and why it is the best city in the country.
Recently, while I was working on my client’s projects I came across an article in an Indian newspaper. The article mentioned that Mumbai, India’s Maximum City, has been ranked among the top 20 expensive cities in the world. While London was ranked ahead of New York and Hong Kong, Mumbai, my birth city, was the only Indian city that made it to the list. The news further tells us that all the top cities are most expensive for businesses and workers to occupy. This means that the report only focuses on the real estate segment and does not take into consideration the average lifestyle and living conditions. Ironically, Mumbai is often voted as the most expensive city in India, but I can assure you that majority of the Mumbai population survives on less than Rs. 20000 per month (that’s US$300). To all those who grumble about the rising cost of the city, let me tell you this – Mumbai is all about finding options. The city is open to all from beggars to millionaires; therefore all you need to do is find what you want. If you are in the Maximum City on a limited budget for business purposes, or if you are visiting someone just for a day or two, here are some ways on how to survive in Mumbai at a minimum cost.
There is no food in the world like homemade food. Well, that’s true, but things are a bit different for me. I have worked in the restaurants and hotels for quite some time early in my career. Consequently, that has attracted me towards trying out new cuisines and food at some of the newest food places and pubs in Mumbai and elsewhere in India.
The most exciting part of travel is that it is a completely unique experience. Even if you are travelling to the same place hundred times each will have a different experience. This makes it fun and challenging. Every journey is a story. There are so many travel stories in India that are just waiting to be told. So many travel stories just waiting to happen on your next trip. In this series, I will share my travel story and experience which could be good, bad, ugly, funny, weird and completely insane.
Cherished Badge 2016
Life is a struggle and no matter where we are, whatever we become, no matter the amount of money we accumulate, we still have to go through the ups and downs that life mockingly throws at us. The journey of life is always filled with adventures, sorrows and happiness – it’s a complete package, you can’t escape it. Some emerge victoriously, some drown in the abyss of depression and death, the choice is completely ours to make.
There was a time when I used to hear people say that it will take ages for the internet to penetrate Indian market. This is because at that point in time, most Indians preferred to buy products and services in a very conventional way. I believe many of them still follow the same buying pattern. While I do make online purchases today, I myself prefer to buy many things offline, products that I can see, feel, touch in person, so that I get that sense of satisfaction. You may call me old-fashioned, but I need to know what I am buying, after all I work really hard to earn my income and I want to spend it wisely and correctly. Millions of Indians feel the same way, but in last 5-7 years things have changed. Indian markets have grown considerably with the help of internet boom happening across the country. The metro cities of India sum up only 1/4 of the nation’s population, while the remaining 3/4 population still lives in the rural area, but there has been a tremendous growth of online companies that provide services and products entirely online. Travel is just one such segment where you can see a dramatic change.
This one is definitely not a travel post, but I would request my readers to spare a few minutes and read it.
I never really knew there was a writer in me desperate to share knowledge and information not just among friends, but also across the globe. Although, I’ve been writing offline since my school days, I took up blogging a little late, but I’m glad that I did.
While blogging helped me convey my feelings, emotions, opinions, memories, knowledge and experience, it also helped me receive the same from others and in all that exchange of ideas and words, I started meeting new people that gradually transformed into my friends. It is through blogging that I made friends across the globe, ready to help, encourage, inspire, understand and with whom I can be myself.
In my previous post on The Dabbawallahs of Mumbai, I’ve already mentioned about the fast lifestyle of the city. However, to keep that momentum going all the time, without a break you need something that works like clockwork. Yes, in this post we focus on the Mumbai suburban railway network that certainly is the lifeline of the city.