Marvelous Mumbai

By Bonnie Baker Cowan

Like any large, cosmopolitan city, Mumbai is an eclectic mix of affluence and poverty, of entrepreneurism and hopelessness. However, few cities are as overpopulated as this city that residents still refer to as Bombay.
With an official population of 20 million (with a higher number of unregistered residents), Bombay has an estimated 1million people living in a square mile. More than 65 per cent of the population live in unregistered dwellings such as the large squatter area of Dharavi, and more than 300 migrants move into the city every day looking for work.

And the opportunity for work is certainly there. Bombay is the financial capital of India, it’s a popular call centre for North American businesses and it’s now boasting a burgeoning movie industry, churning out 1,000 movies a year, more than even Hollywood.

However, property in Mumbai is among the most expensive in the world. One specific apartment in downtown is valued at U.S. $1 billion. Mumbai’s other population claim to fame is the fact that it has more millionaires per square mile than Manhattan.

The roads are clogged with traffic almost 24 hours a day. The drive to the airport, for example, is a 30-minute drive, but because of traffic jams, takes about 2 hours.

As a result of the stunning contrasts in this vibrant city, it can hit tourists with a razzle dazzle that is colorful and incredibly exciting. Is it worth spending a few days? Absolutely.

While tourists can visit historic sites such as the Gateway of India and museums such as The Prince of Wales Museum, feast in wonderful restaurants such as the Masala Kraft or the Zodiac Grill in the renowned Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and shop in exquisite designer boutiques, the most authentic experience is to see daily life in the markets and streets of this vibrant city.

For instance, a visit to the public laundry, the Dhobi Ghat is an eye-opening experience. In a large outdoor area, men scrub tons of laundry from all over the city. While the caste system has been banned, it does still exist, and these men are considered ‘untouchables.’ The water in large vats is only changed once a day, in the mornings, so a combination of bleach and hard scrubbing is needed to get the laundry clean.

Or, take a ride on the train and experience Indian life as a commuter. Choose a ride on off hours or a train going out of the city centre to avoid the crowds of rush hour. During rush hour, the trains are filled to three times their capacity and a familiar sight is watching trains coming into the famous Victoria terminus with people hanging out the open doors.

Travel Tip: If you go, check out www.silversea.com for this destination and an excellent mix of well-organized city tours.