Shopping Spree

Situated bang opposite the Bombay Gymkhana, Fashion Street is the place where most youngsters and the young at heart would like to be (for a couple of hours or more) on a lazy weekend. There are approximately 160 small shanties here, which offer the most diverse variety of casual clothes from T-shirts, trousers, bermudas, denims, scarves, frocks, gowns, skirts to junk jewellery at prices that suit most pockets. This footpath shopping street lures glamour dolls with painted faces in loud cars, hip boys sporting a single earring, young mothers family shopping and simple collegians with limited pocket money. It is also a favourite shopping zone for foreigners, because a lot of export surplus is available.

Never shop for anything without bargaining (at half the price quoted) and check for damages before buying the garment. Do not pause too long at any of the shacks or ask for prices unless you have intentions to buy, otherwise you hear the shopkeepers calling for you in loud baritones all the way down the street.

Getting there: The nearest station is Churchgate, from where it is a 15-20 minute walk through the bylanes.

 Juhu Beach 

Beach It Out!

A beach like no other, Juhu beach is one of its kind with a distinct character. This stretch of beach does not provide luxuries like sun bathing or swimming, but good for a day out with the family. The real attraction is the carnival atmosphere that develops on weekend afternoons and evenings. Vendors of Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, Dosas, Idlis, Iced Gollas (sweetened flavoured chrushed ice)and the horse rides, shooting range with balloons and children rides, add to the festivities.

In the 1960s, Juhu Beach came into the limelight when reputed danseuse Protima Gauri Bedi streaked the beach ‘Full Monty.’ Juhu is home to the most glamourous Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

The only negative factor – swindlers and yarn spinners handle most of the joyrides and games. Check the price before you sit on a ride or play a game, otherwise you might end up paying ten times the original price. There is a police station right on the beach in case you get into trouble. 

Getting there: Juhu is 25 kms north of the city centre, not far from the Mumbai Airports. One can catch a train from Churchgate Station to Santacruz or Vile Parle, and take Bus No. 231 from there straight to Juhu.

 Marine Drive 

A Cool Drive

Marine Drive is the coolest place in Mumbai with plenty of ocean breeze ruffling up your hair and driving away your blues. No one can ever tire of Marine Drive – and the habitants of the area treasure the place. This stretch built on land reclaimed from the Back Bay runs from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hills, romancing the Arabian sea.

Roadside Gadis (carts) offer snacks to munch while you take in the loveliness of the landscape – a confluence of man-made and natural elegance. You can stretch a leg on the parapet of the wall built along the ocean or on the sturdy stone benches lined along Marine Drive. Right from 6.00 a.m. in the morning, the area gets busy with morning joggers, walkers and even dogs following an exercise regime. Entrepreneurs sell health drinks made of neem, amla (gooseberry), bittergoard, etc., for Rs 10-15 a glass to health freaks. These drinks find many takers.

Few frequent the place in the afternoons; the blazing noon sun puts them off. The evening visitor traffic here is amazing. There are daily visitors –old men and women who come together to share their bit of gossip and discuss the fluctuation in the stock market, the health-conscious who are on their own fast trip and the roadside vendors. Young lovers hand-in-hand are the most common sight in the evening; few even get a little bold and adventurous, despite the crowd. Horse driven Victoria (carriages) is another entertainment option for tourists.

As evening turns into dusk, an ethereal glow lights up the cobbled path with the beautiful ‘Queens Necklace’ in the backdrop to take your breath away.                

Getting there: The nearest station is Churchgate. From the station one can take a taxi or a bus.

 Crossroads 

Shoppers’ Delight

One of the biggest and most aesthetic shopping malls in Mumbai; Crossroads offers a mega shopping experience for the entire family. The only problem you might encounter is car parking; the road does not offer relief to traffic jams that build up at peak hours.

Owned by the Piramals, the mall offers shop-o-tainment with a special retractable roof that gives you a view of the stars and lets in cool breeze in summer. The mall houses the best of brands and designer labels in clothes, accessories, home linen and the best of cuisine. Brands have been provided their own franchise outlets, so if you know the brand you want you can head directly for that store.

While using the escalator you are likely to encounter the cuddly fat kangaroo struggling to make its way down. This could offer you a summer job option wearing the animal suit and prancing around. Do not be surprised if you encounter a girl locked in a cage being carried by a huge gorilla, screaming to be let out – that’s part of the fun-o-tainment. Jammin’ a floor devoted to only games offers a chance to try bowling and to play the various games / sports. You could spend a comfortable 3-4 hours at the mall and maybe even take a peek at the air-conditioned foreign goods market - Heera Panna, just round the block.          

Getting there: The best bet would be to go by train. Get off at Mahalaxmi Station and take a cab from there to Haji Ali.