There is no place in the world quite like Mumbai. Its big, its loud, its beautiful, its delicious and most of all its iconic!!
Like the most busy cities, Mumbai’s beauty and charm are often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of everyday crowds, commutes and commotion. This is why exploring busy cities early in the mornings, before temperatures soar and work travels throw traffic into chaos, is a great way to experience the beauty within the beasts.
So I set my alarm clock to the break of dawn and got ready to see a whole new world when I headed out in Mumbai at the break of dawn. Yes, its 22nd Jan 2021, the day I was born in this magical city of Mumbai - the city which never sleeps.
Its was almost 5.30am and my 1st stop was the beautiful Asiatic Library. Spending sometime embracing the iconic Greek architecture was magical in itself. Clicking pictures on the beautiful Fleet of stairs with noone around was perfect in itself.
Moving further, came the Grand Gateway Of India - one of Indian's greatest landmarks. The huge art structure looked mesmerising even in the dark. Looking over Mumbai harbour and feeling the morning breeze was an experience in itself.
Bang opp the Arabian Sea, there lies the diamond of the sea - The Historic Taj Mahal Hotel. What better than starting your best day with sipping a cup of cappachino at the Taj Coffe Shop.
Now was the time to witness the beautifully lit up line of street lights that lend the MarineDrive its nick name :- Queens Neclace. I felt this queen necklace is always ready to embrace you in warm welcoming hug. I soaked in this seductive ambience and sat on the promenade observing the calm sea, hearing the waves of water, no traffic, no crowd, peaceful enviornment and much more. A must must visit before the break of dawn just to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. And its rightly said in a city like Mumbai, where everything and anything can change, the sea is a constant.
Soon the street lights went of and quickly moving ahead, I visited the very old Mahalaxmi Temple to seek blessings of the tridev goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswatiji. It was such a perfect time to offer prayers on this day. I guess I was the 1st or the 2nd one to enter the temple and I felt totally lucky. I had a warm welcome with the poojaris doing their morning ritual Poojas and one of them was blowing the shank. Totally unexpected, I didn't knew I would truly visit this temple so peacefully.
It was time to eat breakfast at the Iconic Ram Ashray in Matunga. I guess the taste and quality of this 80 Yr old South Indian joint, is still the same. It opens at 5am in the morning, and people start waiting in the queues only to experience its soft idlis, crispy dosas and uttapa. After having the most scumptous meal, it was time for some "Filter Kaafi". One cannot miss drinking the amazing filter coffee served here. And finally my meal ended with cutting this Desi Cake - The Mouthwatering Pineaaple Sheera! Because meetha toh banta hai! It was truly an experience in itself.
Juggling ahead fast only to experience the Beautiful Sunrise at 7.15am, I reached at the Mesmerizing Bandra Fort. One of those rare sun rises with the Bandra Worli Sea Link in the backdrop, that moment was one in a million experiences of mine. The rising sun made the sky look so beautiful. It was time to pause and soak in the sunshine.
All in all this day was absolutely great with No cakes, no parties, no hustle and bustle, no dressing up, no music, no tam- jaam, but an amazing two hrs of pure peace travelling in city so that i get a majestic view of Mumbai skyline at dawn - A kick-start to my 2021 Birthday.
In everyday Hustle Bustle, in the never ending tussle, admits the local crowd, having so many responsibilities, yet I manage to carry myself with dignity and class. Truly I hve learnt the art of finding peace in the chaos.
And as I sit and edit, travelling alone for the 1st time, I get deeply nostalgic about Mumbai and want to experience more of my city.
Do wait for my next blog...
Adios till then! 😊
