Explore the city of dreams Mumbai that tingles all your senses and takes you on a sensory joy ride.

Image Credit – Wikipedia.com

Words are not enough to describe Aamchi Mumbai or our good old Bombay.  And since words don’t do enough justice, a sensory tour of the city certainly will. The goal is to make you believe dear traveller- that Mumbai is not just a city, it is an emotion.

And what better way than to make you feel this emotional high? Your senses are in for a treat of a lifetime and you will find yourself coming back to our favourite spots in the city to refresh and enjoy the sensory delight that this city truly is.

Let us take you on a joyride across the city of Mumbai. And bring you our favourite spots that will certainly win over your tingling senses.

Image Credit – Transindiaholidays.com

A visual delight- The Victorian Bombay:

The old-world charm of Bombay still reflects and blends in the modern-day hustle-bustle of the city. The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai is a group of Neo-gothic, Neoclassical, and Indo- Saracenic Buildings in the Fort premises of the city.

These buildings are ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2018. Keeping in mind how the stunning architecture stands strong even today. The site also includes Art Decos – Regal Cinema, Motabhoy Mansion, Soona Mahal, Keval Mahal, and the Victorian buildings.

You can visit the Fort Area and witness these Beautiful buildings by walking down the roads of the city. University of Mumbai’s Fort, Wellington Fountain, CSMT Station, and many more are a part of the Victorian group of buildings. 

A highlight: make sure you visit the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall- National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai. If you are an art lover as the Gallery holds various art by famous artists – a visit is a must.If you’re an art lover, a

Pro Tip: make sure you get a glimpse of these buildings in the evening. Victorian architecture lights up with the most colourful and magnificent lights as dusk approaches.

Image Credit – Cultureandheritage.com

Experience the Sound of the City- The Marine Drive, The Temples, and the Markets of Mumbai:

While the old world charm of Mumbai captivates you, the sound of the city is often what travellers love the most. Head out to take a tour of the city early in the morning and the aesthetic of Bombay will rub off on you.

Every Mumbaikar cherishes the sound of the sea at the Marine Drive when the waves hit the rocks below the Queen’s Necklace.

The Calm of the blues is right balanced with the hushed chaos that plays in the background. As people indulge in their routines the chai wala in his monotonous voice would sell chai and Boost Coffee. While some locals would cycle, walk, and some struck the chords of their guitar indulging music.

This is the true blue aesthetic of Mumbai but it’s not the only kind. Visit the Temples of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mahalaxmi in the Prabhadevi Premises and make sure you get to attend the aarti. The mantras will fill your soul with peace you did not know you longed for.

As your day progresses, and the morning has begun for the locals who are onto their daily chores, the Markets of Dadar, Sion are filled with the sound of street vendors who sell every essential right from vegetables, meat and fish, to clothing, etc.

If you want to experience some of the most unique selling quotes at a market- you must visit the Crawford Market. And while you are at it make sure you go eat a pav bhaji and falooda at Badshah.

Pro Tip: if you travel by train and come across a group of Dabbawalas who deliver tiffins to offices, these Groups often sing their devotional songs and it is a complete experience in itself.

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Food for Everyone and of all kinds- The Khau Gallis of Mumbai:

All this travelling must have made you really hungry. But the food is something you never have to worry about in Mumbai. You will see a food stall within a Kms distance wherever you go. Mumbai has some of the best street food to order. Right from Vadapav- the soul food of every Mumbaikar, to other comfort foods that makes your day with their spice.

Mumbai also has a soft corner for Sandwiches and Udupi Restaurants that serve amazing coffee and idli vada dosas. There are some Khau Galis (lanes and streets that are completely devoted to food) too, that you must visit.

On our List is the very popular Mohammed Ali Road during the festival of Ramadan. If you are a hardcore non-vegetarian lover you will find all kinds of kebabs and biryanis during the evening.

Another Khau Gali we must mention is the one at Ghatkopar. The best of Sodas and the best of Cheese burst dosas are what you can find here. 

Pro tip: if you are looking for a particular cuisine we recommend Kayani & Co for Irani Breakfast, Pancham Puri wala for the best Puri Bhaji Thalis, Madras Cafe for the best Udupi Food, Bademiyaan and Baghdadi along with Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar as a must visit for Mughlai food.

And if you want to cherish Maharashtrian cuisine- Gomantak in Dadar is a must try. While Mamledaar’s Missal in Thane is another absolute gem.

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The Fragrance of the Flower and Essence Stick Markets:

Dadar and Matunga Flower Markets are not just a fragrant but also a visual delight. You will find all kinds of flowers and garlands here and the key to get your hands on the freshest blooms is to get to the markets as early as 7 in the morning.

Locals shop for flowers to decorate and add a pop of colour and fragrance to their homes and also get garlands and torans on special occasions to offer to the home deities. Rose, Mogra, And many other fragrances that remind you to add an element of nature to your lives everyday refresh your senses.

If you are a woman or you would want to gift your wife or mother something  that would make their day- you can buy a Veni (a mogra braid) or just a gajra (a mogra hair accessory) to pin up in hair. 

Pro Tip: A popular essence stick shop at Matunga always has a waiting cue of people that takes about 30-40 minutes just to get their hands on their very unique yet fragrant essence sticks. You can just ask the flower vendors at the Matunga market and they will guide you to the essence stick shop.

Image Credit – Cushtravel.com

Touch of Indulgence: Shopping Experiences:

We believe you get your hands on something you love and hence you must buy. The street shopping experience of Mumbai is something you will absolutely adore. It can literally touch and feel what you buy and only then pay for it.

Unlike online shopping experiences, the street shopping in Mumbai leaves you wanting for more as you get everything very cheap. Be it the Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, or even Crawford market you can find all that you want here.

Clothing, jewellery, footwear, accessories, and even cute gift options are available at these street shopping hits. 

Pro Tip: you can gift amazing crockery and quirky home decor pieces to your loved ones from Crawford market with absolutely no compromise on quality whatsoever. 

To sum it all up, Mumbai is not just a city, it is an emotion and with this five senses tour, we are sure you felt every high and low this city has to offer. It is amazing how a city so small is so diverse and has so much to offer. Home to Bollywood and Film City studios, We just want to conclude by saying- Yeh hai Bombay Meri Jaan.

That reminds us of Shah Rukh Khan waving at his fans from the terrace of his residence Mannat? Well, King Khan loves his fans just the same as a Mumbaikar Loves Mumbai.

You can also explore 9 Best Art Museums In The World For Artistic Travellers.

Follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by MeghaSapre.

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