Want to explore Mumbai in a different way unlike the typical usual Mumbai tours? This post will help you in exploring the places that are less touristy. Also, you will get an insight on the lives of the locals of Mumbai. Continue reading!
Mumbai, the land of dreams has innumerable things to do. If you want to see the attractions that are not the usual and popular ones , you have come to the right place. These areas were explored during my stay in Mumbai. I have listed the attractions and things to do in and around the North central Mumbai (Sion, Dharavi) and Dadar( South central Mumbai). Furthermore, travelling in local trains is yet another way to see and feel the real Mumbai. If you feel comfortable, go for it. For more information on local trains, click here.
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| Views of Bandra Worli Sea Link From Dadar Chowpatty |
Following are some of the local and offbeat things to do in and around these areas.
1) Strolling around the Dadar area:
Dadar is located in the heart of Mumbai. Also, known as the cultural center of Mumbai, this neighborhood is where you will find majority of the Marathi speaking population (Maharashtrians). Incidentally, Dadar station is the only station that has a common station for central as well as western lines.
How to reach Dadar from CST (Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus):
By local train: catch the central line
By taxi: 200-250INR (depends upon traffic)
Attractions:
Chaitya Bhoomi: Located in Dadar,this is a memorial to B.R Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, chief architect of Indian constitution. He was cremated here after his death on December 6, 1956. This area is also known as Dadar Chowpatty. Best time to visit this neighborhood is during sunset.
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| Chaitya Bhoomi |
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| Dadar Chowpatty |
Shivaji Park: This is the largest park in Mumbai. There is a statue of Shivaji inside the park. Currently, this park is a practice ground for cricket. Interestingly, this is the park where cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and several other cricketers were trained. The park is surrounded by pavement. Watching people playing cricket, joggers jogging in the pavement area by sitting in one of the benches in the evening, and munching chana jor (beaten Bengal gram) or chana is really interesting.
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| Shivaji Park |
2) Enjoy snacks in one of the fast food shops located near shivaji Park:
There are some fast food stalls located a few meters away from Shivaji Park. Have some lip smacking snacks as you stroll around this area. Dishes include rolls,sandwiches and lots more.
Recommended stall: Tibb's Fast Food Shop
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| Snack Stalls Outside Shivaji Park |
3) Shopping in Dadar market and visit the nearby attractions:
Dadar market comprises of several shops;ladies apparels , gents apparels, footwear shops, street market, vegetable market and lots more. The attractions in this area include Kabootar Khana (pigeon's home), and Plaza theater Watch several pigeons being fed in kabootar khana.
Dadar market is closed on Mondays, though some of the shops remain opened.
Now head towards North Central Mumbai (Sion, Dharavi). You can catch a taxi or train. By taxi it is 50-70 INR.
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| Kabootar Khana in Dadar West |
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| Plaza Theater |
4) Shopping in Gandhi Market:
Gandhi Market, located in King's circle, Sion-Matunga Road is a roofed market selling mainly women items. Housed in concrete structure, it comprises of over hundreds of shops. From ladies salwar suits, imitation jewelry, to Indian bridal wear, this market is a shoppers' paradise.
Go to the interior parts of the market for amazing ladies unstitched suits;churidar, Karachi suits, designer suits,Patiala salwar suits. Price ranges from 2000INR and above. Besides, there are several restaurants and chaat (Indian snacks) stalls in and around the market. Enjoy the street delicacies and the Indian delicacies as you shop.
Opening hours: 10:00am-9:00pm, closed on Mondays.
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| Gandhi Market |
5) Shopping for leather merchandise in Dharavi Leather Market:
Dharavi Leather Market is located in Sion- Bandra link road, this market is popular for its leather products. Some of the items include bags, sling bags, wallets, clutches, belts, jackets and lots more. While having a chit chat with one of the merchants, I came to know that they get huge orders from big companies and showrooms. Most of the leather products available in the showrooms are their products. So why not shop for leather goods from this market?Moreover, you get the same quality as showroom ones at cheaper prices. Isn't it interesting?
Do not forget to haggle to get the products at reasonable rates.
Incidentally, Dharavi is one of the largest slums in Asia. Remember the Oscar award winning Hindi movie, Slumdog Millionaire? That movie was shot in Dharavi slum area.
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| Shops in Dharavi Leather Market |
6) Enjoy the panoramic views from Sion Fort and get back in times:
As you wander in this area, you can also visit another attraction, Sion Fort, located in proximity to the Sion railway station. You will find a series of pathways leading to it. Go to the top and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the city. Take a picture, get back in times!
Best time to go: Morning , Evening
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| Sion Hill Top |
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| Panoramic views from Sion Hill |
7) Enjoy lip smacking Mumbai Street food and other Indian delicacies in Guru Kripa:
Another must not miss place in this area is Guru Kripa restaurant, located in Sion West in proximity to SIES college. It comprises of AC and non AC dining area. If you wish you can have outside too. From South Indian dishes, North Indian dishes to popular Mumbai street foods, you will get all kinds of Indian food here. This is a pure vegetarian restaurant. As you head towards the restaurant, you will find several stalls outside; gol gappa, ice cream, juices and most importantly, the mouth watering sweets. There are a wide variety of sweets you can choose from. Their sweets are super fresh and lip smacking.
You need to get coupons from the counter to have the eateries available outside the restaurant. This restaurant is packed during weekends. You need to wait in queue!
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| Guru Kripa Restaurant |
Must try dishes: Kulfi falooda, gajar ka halwa (available during winters, Nov- Jan), samosa chole and pau bhaji.
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| Kulfi Falooda |
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| Samosa chole |
Those are some of the offbeat things to do in North central and south central Mumbai. If you are in this area, do not miss the above things to do. Even though you are not in the area, make sure you visit this areas while in Mumbai.
