Mumbai

Gateway of India - Mumbai

Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra and the largest city of India. Mumbai undeniably is the business capital of India and one of the major port cities in the country. Mumbai has a diverse nature and multi-cultural lifestyle. On one hand, this city is the hometown of Bollywood, and on the other, this city has India's largest slum population. With the huge inflow of migrants, this city welcomes all with open arms. The city developed its identity from these communities that are settled in here. The culture here is a fine amalgamation of festivities, religions, music, food, music and theaters. Mumbai is said to have most active nightlife in comparison to other cities.

Railway Station - Mumbai

After a grueling 15 hour train ride I finally arrived in Mumbai. Why I said grueling is because while traveling from Goa, many passengers with or without a ticket tried try to take my seat. Now I have a Sleeper class seat. A Seat which you can also lie on. Passengers who purchased a general ticket will enter the sleeper class section and will look for seats and use it. They show no respect to those who rightfully purchased their seat. I do believe the railway station over sell general train tickets and don't bother whether passenger find a seat or not. That day even the train conductor didn't come. I guess he knows what is happening and does not what to get involved.

Mumbai is not only famous for the international fashion brands and labels, but is also home to a wide assortment of local markets, boutiques and shopping malls that sell almost everything that a local Mumbaikar needs! The markets are located at suburbs and if you are good at bargaining, you can get items for half the price. In Mumbai, you can find the latest outfits, unique furniture, delicate brass work, exquisite paintings, home furnishings and so much more! There are many malls in Mumbai that not only comprises of shops but food courts and entertainment zones as well. A shopper's paradise, Mumbai is truly a great shopping destination for all.

Did I like Mumbai? No, I didn't. Even though Mumbai is a fascinating place. it is too busy. Taxi, auto drivers will not travel short distance, even it is 2 km away. The city is so crowded, people don't have courtesy or respect to anyone around them. I was disappointed with Mumbai. 

I went to Elephanta Caves. You have to go to the Gateway of India and catch the ferry. It cost 150 rupees return trip. The ferry took about an hour to get to Elephanta Caves, But you have to walk another 45 minutes uphill to get to these caves. Nothing much in these caves, expect for hindu gods caving inside these caves. Along the way you will find many small shops selling stuff. 

Ferry crossing to Elephanta Caves

Once you reach the Island, you can take a train for 10 rupees or walk your way up. The train will only transport you to the foot of the hill. If you are having difficulty climbing up the hill, you can hire carriers to carry you to the top and back for a fee.

People carriers for hire

Train Transfer

Once you are on the Island. Beware and be careful of Monkeys. They will snatch anything edible from your hands. They can be very dangerous. In the past they have assaulted humans.

Beware of Monkeys

Welcome to Elephanta Island / Caves

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves

Three nights in Mumbai was enough. I wish I just stayed for a night. Now my next stop is one night in  Ahmedabad before I head back to Lucknow.

Ahmadabad

Another 17 hour train ride to Ahmadabad. For this leg of my journey, I didn't book a hotel. So my prime objective was to look for a cheap hotel just for the night before I head back to Lucknow. I arrived at the railway station around 5pm. I went to some hotels nearby and they told me they were full. I didn't panic. I said to myself, if I don't find anything I will spend the night at the railway station. One hotel watchman rang a auto driver and I had to pay him only 10 rupees and he took me in his cab to 6 hotels nearby. I finally found a good hotel withr an affordable rate. Now you may think why that taxi driver only charged me 10 rupees. The reason is because he brought a client to the hotel and he  gets a commission from the hotel too. So everyone is a winner.

Founded in the 15th century, Ahmadabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. The city is a vibrant business district and rising centre of education, information technology and scientific industries. Divided in two - the old city and the new city. 

Scenes of Ahmandabad

Scenes of Ahmadabad

Scenes of Ahmadabad

Scenes of Ahmadabad

I spent just a night in Ahmadabad. The reason I went to Ahmadabad was to catch my connecting train back to Lucknow. On my way to Lucknow, I met a family who was very hospitable and gracious to me. They fed me, kept me occupied with conversations and offered an invitation to visit them when I am back in Ahmadabad. They were going to attend their son's wedding in Lucknow. The girl is from Lucknow so after the wedding ceremony they will all return back to Ahmadabad with the bride and Bridegroom. I love meeting people like these. They show care, friendship and hospitality. It took me a whole day to get to Lucknow, that is a total of 25 hours.

My holiday is over now. It is time to catch up with my sleep.

Bless you All

Ravi