Mumbai Diary

64

Contents
Vol. No. 10. Issue 5. June 2017
www.mrmpublications.com
Restaurants 43
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum 10
Cascading Joy 1 2
Monsoon Getaways 16
Tel Monsoon Tenets 18
Egg Stacy 20
Shopping 53
Ganesh Festival 57
Helplines 62
Ayurveda for Monsoon 64
Recreation & Entertainment 65
Navi Mumbai 70
Places in Navi Mumbai 72
Fact File Navi Mumbai 75
Hotels 21
Spicy Bhutta 32
Soups for the wet weather 36
10 Beautiful Indoor Plants 40
8

DR. BHAU DAJI LAD
MUSEUM
The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai's
oldest Museum, opened to the public in 1857. It
is the erstwhile Victoria and Albert Museum,
Bombay. The Museum building is one of the
most important historical sites of the city. It was
the rst colonial building to be built for the
specic purpose of housing a museum.
Bombay, then the richest mercantile town in
India, was considered the Gateway to the East,
the rst city of India, and had the honour of
exhibiting to the world the country's rich cultural
traditions.
10
A little more than a century later, on November
1, 1975, the Museum was renamed the Dr.
Bhau Daji Lad Museum in honour of the man
whose vision and dedication enabled its
establishment. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad was the rst
Indian Sheriff of Mumbai, a philanthropist,
historian, physician, surgeon and secretary of
the Museum Committee when it was rst
instituted.
On November 19, 1862, Governor Bartle Frere
laid the chief cornerstone of the Museum at a
ceremony attended by a large gathering of the
city's elite. On May 2, 1872, the Victoria and

Albert Museum, Bombay, was opened to the
public.
The original design was conceptualized by
George Birdwood. The design included all the
basic features of the building visible today- a
long hall, Doric pillars, galleries on either side
of the building and large windows for light and
ventilation.
The Museum has a Palladian
exterior. The interior is a rare
example of High Victorian design
in India. The grand wrought iron
palisades, staircase railings and
arched supports, as well as the
Corinthian capitals and columns
which are the dening features of
the building were imported from
England. The richly coloured
details, the intricate woodcarving,
the Minton tiled oors, the etched
glass and gold gilding make it a
unique example of 19th century
architecture in the country.
The Museum Shop……
Supports traditional craftsmen
and NGOs and has a unique
selection of gifts, many of which
have been inspired by the
Museum collection. On display
are Museum inspired mugs,
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Timings
Thursday to Tuesday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Last ticket sold at 5.30 pm.
Closed Wednesdays and certain public
holidays.
For school and other group bookings contact
education@bdlmuseum.org
Tel : +91 22 2372 1234
bags, postcards, puppets, diaries and magnets
as well as traditional products like paper
mache, bidri, shawls and bronze statues. A
wide range of coffee table books, artist
monologues and publications on Mumbai are
also available.
The Museum Café…..
Visitors have the opportunity to relax and take a
break whilst exploring the galleries or enjoying
a performance. Overlooking the open, green
environment of the Plaza, the Museum Cafe
offers a wide selection of specialty teas,
coffees, snacks, cold beverages and Wi-Fi.
Any enquiries relating to press, the use of
images for publication and commercial lming
and photography should be made to +91 22
23731234 / 65560394 or by email to
enquiry@bdlmuseum.org.

Cascading Joy
Kune Falls
Lying in the lap of the Khandala hills is the Kune
falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the
state. The Kune Falls is surrounded by lush green
vegetation. People often hold picnics around the
region of the falls. Innumerable number of
tourists from various parts of the country visits
this famous site annually. The waterfall is divided
into 2 sections. Each and every fall here is almost
100 meters high. In order to reach Kune Falls
tourists should catch the Mumbai Pune
Expressway and then stop at the Lonavala
bypass. From there they should avail any buses
or local transport that takes the Mumbai-Pune
highway route. On reaching Kune tourists should
be able to spot the most eminent landmark, which
is the kune Church. From there tourists can walk
the path till they arrive the falls of Kune.
It is a perfect destination for a quick escape from
the city as it lies barely 2 hours from pune.
Lingmala Falls, Satara
The Lingmala Falls in Mahabaleshwar lies on the
Mahabaleshwar-Pune road in the Satara district.
July to December is the best time to see the
waterfall. The stream here precipitates over the
face of steep cliff, unbroken when the torrent is
swollen by rain but ordinarily divided by
projecting rocks about one third of the way down
into thin silver streaks and sprays often circled by
rainbows. The water which plunges from a height
of 600 ft from the cliff offers the most scintillating
of the sights.
Dhobi Waterfalls, Mahabaleshwar
The Dhobi Waterfalls is situated on a bridle path
connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar
Road, about 3 km away from Mahabaleshwar in
the state of Maharashtra. Dhobi Falls drop into a
deep valley and then merge with the koyna
River. The picturesque locale makes for a perfect
picnic spot with families in and around the area. A
Sunday afternoon usually reveals teeming
crowds of families sitting around, enjoying a nice
break, set against the gorgeous Dhobi
Waterfalls. While anytime of the year is good to
visit the dhobi falls, it is highly recommended to
go here during the months from july to December,
which is the best time to see these waterfalls.
This small scenic sport overlooking the Koyna
river valley is a much sought after tourist
destination for tourists, as well as the local
people. A romantic getaway, this is an ideal place
to get away with your partner, far away from the
rush and the bustle of city life. A visit to the Dhobi
Waterfalls can be clubbed into ones trip to
Mahabaleshwar.
Thoseghar Waterfalls
Thoseghar is very attractive and the freefalling
water crashing into the rocks below makes an
amazingly beautiful sound. These waterfalls are
also accompanied by a clean lake, dark woods
and highly hilly region. You can enjoy various
small waterfalls here which are about 15-20
meters high and one of around 500 meters high.
Thoseghar lies about 130 kms from Pune and is a
perfect destination for a day's picnic.

AROUND MUMBAI
With long monsoon weekends are just around the corner,
Mumbaikars are already planning to get out of the city.
14

Here's a list of some interesting places around the city, which
are easily accessible and can excellent break for a holiday
detox after the rst few weeks of working in the new year.
LONG WEEKEND GETAWAYS
AROUND MUMBAI
15

KAMSHET : Distance from
Mumbai: 102 km
Paragliding is not the only thing
that makes Kamshet popular
among travelers, but it also has
a historical side to it. located in
a small village called Pohara,
the Kondeshwar temple is
known for its Mahashivratri
celebrations that takes places
with great pomp and fervor.
Kamshet's attraction lies in its
three caves, namely Bedse,
Bhaja and Karla caves. It is
s a i d t h a t t h e H i n a y a n a
Buddhists joined hands to form
these caves, which is full of
beautiful sculpture depicting
animals and dancing postures.
Chaitya Bhavan which means
the prayer hall is the main hall
of the cave. Built in second
century AD, the Bhaja Caves
has as many as 18 rock caves.
IGATPURI : Distance from
Mumbai: 121 km
Known for its scenic beauty
and pleasant weather, you can
trek to the highest peak in the
Sahyadris Kalsubai and feel
like you've accomplished a
feat. In fact, along with enjoying
a relaxing time at some of the
luxury resorts in Igatpuri, you
can pay a visit to Dhamma Giri
o n e o f w o r l d ' s l a r g e s t
Vipassana meditation centres.
The centre's pagoda has over
4 0 0 c e l l s f o r i n d i v i d u a l
meditation and is also a huge
architectural wonder to look at.
MATHERAN : Distance from
Mumbai: 83km
This time, ditch your fourwheeler
and take the heritage
ride in a toy train from Neral to
matheran a 2-feet narrow
gauge track built in the year
1907. The 20 km zigzag
journey upto the hill station
treats you with some really
breathtaking view of the
mountains and has about 280
thriller turns. Other than the
ever-so-pleasant weather, the
spicy home-cooked local food
and horse rides makes the
e n t i r e t r i p a l o t m o r e
memorable.
LAVASA: Distance from
Mumbai: 193 km
Set in the picturesque Sahyadri
mountains and on the shore of
Warasgaon lake, Lavasa is one
of the most talked-about places
near Mumbai. it is known for its
p l e a s a n t w e a t h e r a n d
e x t r e m e l y b e a u t i f u l
surroundings. You can try jet
skiing, bumper boating luxury
cruise rides and a lot more,
along with a visit to the
Temghar Dam. Relax amidst
nature by indulgine in exotic
ayurvedic and therapeutic
massages. One of the most
popular festivals in Lavasa is
their annual cultural festival
that has street performances
by tribals and several glimpses
from their cultural heritage.
MANDWA: Distance from
Mumbai: 108 km
While Alibaug is one of the
m o s t v i s i t e d p l a c e s b y
Mumbaikars, this year try
Mandawa, which is about 20
km away from Alibaug and
located in Kolgaon. Drive via
the Alibaug to Revas road to
reach this secluded beach
side, which is known for its
greenery and natural habitat,
golden beaches and some lipssmacking
coastal cuisine.
O t h e r t h a n t h e p o p u l a r
Mandwa jetty where you can
spend a serene evening, you
can also check out the nearby
church, synagogue, temples,
the not-so-popular Buddhist
caves and various other
edices from the Portuguese
era, tripping around the places
all day. One of the easiest way
to get there is to take a ferry
from Gateway of India. In fact
you also have an option of
riding by AC catamarans that
also ply at regular intervals.
H A R I H A R E S H W A R :
Distance Mumbai: 202 km
Known for its pristine beaches,
Harihareshwar is extremely
calm and relaxing, adorned
with rows of coconut and betel
nut trees. The best part about
the place is the variety of home
stays and traditional homemade
Konkani food. You can
a l s o d r i v e d o w n t o
Shreevardhan also known as
the town of the Peshwas. Do
n o t m i s s v i s i t i n g t h e
Jeevaneshwar Temple built
with carved wooden pillars
sourced from the ancestral
properties of the Peshwas. The
images of birds, tree leaves,
snakes and mongoose are
beautifully carved on the
pillars. The betel nut produced
here, called 'Shreevardhan
R o t h a ' i s v e r y f a m o u s .
Diveagar village that is also
very close has a beautiful
image of Roopnarayan goes
back to the 13th century from
the shilahara dynasty.
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S o a k u p t h i s
monsoon with some
good memories as
we bring you ten
ways to really rejoice in
this weather. Stay home
and enjoy the view when
the monsoon months are
nearing make sure you
know about what the
weather girls are saying. Getting stuck in traffic in a
packed and flooded highway is not something
you'd like. Try and avoid going out during the first
showers as all the harmful gases come down with
and this in turn harms your skin. Till you know for
sure what the rains are going to be like for the next
few hours avoid traveling too much. We suggest
you sit in the balcony or by the window side and
enjoy the cool wind with the slight splashes of water
on your face. Reading a good book, with a hot cup
of chocolate or some coffee would be comforting.
Considering the busy life Mumbaikars lead, the rain
gives us this opportunity to just relax, spend some
time at home and see the worli go by.
Drive time once the monsoons have
actually set in and timed themselves
beautiful. A weekend getaway to Lonavla
and Khandwala is a must. Hit the road and
drive down the flyovers. The beautiful roads and
lush greenery (when you're nearing Khandala) are
quite a treat. The waterfalls, the hills and the very
famous Bushy Dam in Lonavla is sure to take your
breath away. Make sure you dig into some exotic
chikki on your way back or pack in those
chocolocate fudge available. Incase you fall in love
with the weather a bit too much, stay the night or
day at the several resorts and lodges available.
18
Wada pav wow! When it's slightly drizzling
and you've not got much of a plan other than
catching up with the television soap, just
head to the nearest beach instead. While you
sti in the sand and watch the waves lashing against
the shore munch on some spicy vada pav and sip
into piping hot cutting chai. Just in case you're not
too fond of the Indian burger, maybe some spicy
peanuts could do it for you.
Get some exercise! There are some sports
that the rain hinders but some other it makes
a whole lot of fun. Football in the rain is must
do especially with the when the world cup
you've never done before fever is this high. So just
pull out your favourite jersey, pull up your socks and
enjoy sliding and skidding on the wet grounds.
Swimming is another sport which is very enjoyable
when its slightly drizzling. It will be a little cold but
you'll love it if you're a water baby.
Go shopping what do we really wear apart
from jeans and T-shirts all year? The rains
we think give us an opportunity to shop for
umbrellas, wind cheaters and monsoon
footwear-something we enjoy buying, not because
we want it but because we need it. It's not like
you're investing in a designer outfit which is meant
to be worn once for a grand occasion.

Get in touch with your creative side this
season has inspired many a song and you
may deny it but it does make you feel like
composing one yourself. So spend some
quality time with your pen and come up with special
songs for your loved ones. If you can play the guitar
and sing, nothing like it!
Go out on a romantic date and share an
umbrella so many years of watching
Bollywood movies, we can't deny the fact that
now we automatically associate that rains with
romance. Whether it was ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si
or tip tip barsa pani the rains demand that we spend
some quality time with that special someone. What
can be better than being under the same umbrella
on a stormy night?
Just leisurely stroll the feeling you get when
you bare feet touch the wet grass. Give your
precious feet a break from marble floors and
fancy foot wear. The mud and the grass give
your senses a refreshing feeling.
19
Jump in the puddles and make paper boats
we all reach that time in our lives when we
just want to go back to being kids. So, for all
those who are young at heart spend some time
with kids playing in the puddles, splashing dirty
water on others can be fun. And yes, this is a good
time to relearn making paper boats.
Rain dance Discotheques, with fancy
lights and smoke can get to you after a
point. Use this chance to throw an
outdoor rain dance party. Organize
some water sprinklers just in case mother nature
doesn't agree with your plans. Blast the music and
dance like your've never done before.

STALLS OF
EGG STACY
ON MUMBAI STREETS
Eggs not only top a breakfast
list, it boasts of fans from across
all ages and walks of life. Even
a certain segment among
vegetarians have no qualms to
include it in their diet. The
popularity of the item can be
gauged by the numerous food
stalls in the city. It's more
popular than the vada-pav, as it
can be had at any time from
breakfast to being the perfect
midnight grab for a city that is
always on the go. We embarked
on an egg-trail to nd out the
places that were a hit with the
working crowd with their budget
friendly preparations.
EGG STALL OUTSIDE CST
STATION
Giving into the demands of the
tourists and the regular ofce
crowd, the lip-smacking
delicacies at Bikram Shresta's
Egg Stall are eagerly awaited.
The masala omelette sprinkled
with coriander, served with
fresh onion is worth a
try.
Where: Azad Maidan, Famous
for: Omelette pav.
Time: 12 noon to 11 pm
WHY TO GO FOR IT
*Served with two or more soft
pavs, any egg dish makes for
a wholesome meal
*Extremely pocket friendly
*Freshly made
*Quick service
*Open for long hours
AT NAVI MUMBAI
Quick service for those on the
move, the Belapur Circle Egg
Bhurjiwala stall sees customers
parking their orders for a takeaway
or either eat it there itself
W h e r e : B e l a p u r C i r c l e
Highway, Famous for: Bhurji
Pav, Time: 7 pm to Midnight
AT FOUNTAIN AREA
The highlight of Hariram
R a v a t ' s E g g s t a l l i s i t s
extremely appetizing egg
pulao, it also offers other
regular items like the bhurji pav
and omelette.
Where: Kalaghoda, Famous
for: Egg Pulao, Time: 6 pm to
midnight
AT FORT
Lawyers, stock marketers and
ofce goers all can be seen
heading to Shankar Singh's
Egg Stall for the thick, masala
omelette wedged between
crisp pavs.
Where: Ambatal Doshi Road,
Famous for: Omelette Pav,
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
AT ANDHERI WEST
Ravikant Yadav's Egg Stall
offers some innovative egg
dishes which attracts the busy
ofce crowd in the area.
W h e r e : O u t s i d e L a x m i
Industrial Estate, Famous for:
Anda Paratha and Boiled egg
bhurji, Time: 6 am to 5 pm for
the Anda paratha and 5 pm to 8
pm for other egg dishes.
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HOTELS
Andheri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Santacruz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vile Parle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Churchgate - Fort . . . . . . . 24
Colaba-Cuffe Parade. . . . . 24
Dadar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Juhu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mumbai Central. . . . . . . . . 26
Grant Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
21
Bandra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Khar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Malad-Goregaon . . . . . . . . 28
Borivali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Worli - Prabhadevi . . . . . . 28
Chembur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Parel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Powai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Thane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30