If you enjoyed part 1, then I’m sure you will love part 2! Off the beaten tracks: India is a country of fragrant spices and curries, in such their food is something to be experienced. There is something for everybody – from piping hot to lightly flavoured.
A restaurant you have to make a turn at is KYBER – 145, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai.
After entering through a wooden door decorated with Urdu couplets, you are served authentic Indian cuisine, which they have coined as Ambrosia – the food of the Gods. There are lots of nooks and crannys – suitable for small intimate dinners or a group of people. A definite must on the menu is their Chicken Badaami – Chicken cooked in a rich, fragrant cream and badaam (almond) sauce… really to die for!!! Oh and don’t forget to order Masala tea – basically a spice tea, even if you are not a tea drinker you still have to try this!
Have you ever heard of the book “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts? If not, the first thing you have to do before going to India is read this incredible story, it explains India in all it’s good and in all it’s bad.
If you have well then you will know of the next place I love in India “Leopolds” as it is extensively mentioned in the book. Yes it exists, yes it is there and yes it is amazing. You will find in on Colaba Caseway in the Fort area of Bombay. (Across the Colaba Police Station) Unfortunately it was one of the early sites of attacks during the 2008 terrorist attacks and was extensively damaged, but opened about 5 days later. Established in 1871 it started as a wholesale oil store and over the years has been a resturant/store/pharmacy. Here you will find a mixture of locals and tourists in the know. Come here for cheap food, a beer and relaxed atmosphere. With regards to the food all I can say is I still dream of their Chicken Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan Bread (real garlic pieces) eaten with your hands in true Indian style!!! Simply divine! Also if you are super lucky you might just pick up an already signed copy of Shantaram to treasure!
Go to a temple – Be advised go with a guide, as there are many rules and regulations which you will not want to break. The architecture and design of all of them are beautiful. And you might even find a few nuggets of advise such as: “Every man is the architect of his own fortune”.
Need to do some laundry? If you have the nerves, try doing it the way the locals do and head over to Dhobi Ghats. Clothes are dropped off at laundry shops throughout the city and then brought to the “Bombay Laundry”, personally I’d be worried of losing my clothes, but it seems to work! Approximately 5000 men literally beat the dirt out of the clothes using open-air troughs. A good view to see all this in action is from the bridge across the railway tracks of Mahalaxmi Railway station.
Crawford Market – Wholesale market for vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat and fish! More colours and spices you could dream of. A food lovers market of note but the meat section is not really for the faint hearted though – the smells can be a bit harsh. P.S. “trade secret”- I hear this is where Grannie Banana does her banana shopping 🙂
Lonavala – Aaaah mysterious and secretive Lonavala! Hiding deep most thoughts in a shroud of mist and there is a secret around every corner. Known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains, it is 106km southeast of Bombay at an altitude of 625m above sea level. Should you wish to see the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla then Lonavala will also serve as your starting point.
It is best to come to Lonavala with a guide, else you will get very lost. During Monsoon season the mist is so thick you can barely see your hand, and before you know it you might just walk head first into a camel. There are waterfalls, grassy hills and an abundance of tranquility. The people are friendly and will want to pull you closer for a photo – they are not harmful, but it could get a little crowded. If you have the stomach to hold it (luckily I do) then there is nothing nicer than having a spicy fried onion dish made over a fire, atop these hills served with warm masala tea. Probably one of the cheapest meals we ate, and one that will always remain in my heart. For this I have Pawaan and Mr Singh to thank.
As with any trip anywhere you will want to do a bit of shopping! Head on over to Colaba Causeway, which is an everyday carnival of jewlery, crystals, brass items, antiques (or so they say), linen, fabric, clothes, incense, books and the list just goes on!
Two questions you might ask yourself in India:
- Will the chemist really find the medicine I’m looking for in this chaos?
Your answers are:
- Yes!!!! Ask for anything and the chemist will be able to pull the box immediately! That’s what I call ordered chaos!!!
- And the Queen’s Necklace? Well that is best explained taking a photo of it in the evening, with all the glittering lights:
Mumbai /Bombay – which ever name you choose to use, is only one city in India, but she has captivated my heart. Why not look past the assumptions you might first make and delve deeper into a city that has many hidden secrets she is willing to share, if you only give her a chance.
Featured writer: LaDeeDa
The spicy fried onion treat is known as “Kanda Bhajiya”. Made from Chickpea flour, this is indeed a favorite of hikers and tourists alike. And the preparation doesn’t take more than 15-20 minutes.
it seems you had gala time 🙂