Get Out To The Suburbs: Vile Parle (East)
by Donna_in_India
Most people coming to Mumbai only stay in the city visiting the Gateway, Elephanta, etc. But fully exploring Mumbai means more than stopping in at Leopold's for a meal so I recommend hopping on a train and visiting the suburbs!
The market area at Vile Parle East is a large maze of roads around the train station. There are dozens and dozens of stores selling household items, clothing, jewelry, etc. There are also small stalls selling everything from shoes to clocks. And of course, tables full of fruits and vegetables. This is a "local" market - colorful and busy, especially late afternoon/early evening with everyone coming to buy their produce for dinner. You are likely to run into cows and goats, and the people are nice, not agressive. It's one of my favorite markets.
Shop for clothes - everything from saris to kurtas, jewelry (especially inexpensive bangles, earrings, and elaborate necklaces), and whatever fruit is in season (custard apples, mangos, jackfruit, etc.)!
Recommended places to eat: Shiv Sagar (good veg food), Gajalee's (highly recommended for sea food - crabs, and their specialty, Bombay Duck - it's fish), street stalls for Bombay's famous Wada Pav and grilled veg sandwiches!
Recommended hotel: There is a Quality Inn Parle International Hotel located at one end of the market. It is a nice hotel (good breakfast buffet) and very convenient to the airports, especially the domestic airport.
Train Tip: These trains are wildly crowded during rush hour and if possible, I recommend avoiding them at those times. Tickets must be purchased before you board the train. Women should NEVER go in the men's compartments - even with another man. There are separate men's and women's compartments - use them!
If you make a day of visiting the suburbs, along with Vile Parle East, you should visit Andheri West (station area), Lokhandwala, and Juhu. See my other tips for additional information.
Forum Posts
Backpackers Mumbai
by worksopian56
I will be visiting Mumbai and India for the first time in the autumn.
I need ideas for places to stop(backpackers or cheap hotels) with easy acess to the airport
Thanks
Re: Backpackers Mumbai
by Travelgeny
Mumbai can be say as an earning place of India. Peoples from different states comes to Mumbai, People also say this “yeh hai Mumbai mere jaan” mean to say that (Mumbai is my life).It is one of the expensive and luxurious and also has got poorest people too. If you go to south Mumbai one of cheapest hotel is
Chateau Windsor Hotel (near to church gate), Bawa International Hotel (near to Mumbai International Airport), Executive Enclave Hotel (Bandra West),Quality Inn Parle International Hotel(near to Mumbai International Airport).
All has got rates under 100 dollars per night with a very fine services.
Re: Backpackers Mumbai
by Sunilks
There are lot of cheap guest houses available in south mumbai near CST railway station. You can also try YMCA guest house.Will try to send you some link or address.
Re: Backpackers Mumbai
by Sunilks
checkout the following link . It is not near to Airport but situted in one of the prime area of Mumbai.
http://www.salvationarmy.org/ind/www_ind.nsf/vw-sublinks/80256E520050A2E280256CA60072F625?openDocument
Red Shield Guest House
Facilities:
Dormitories
Triple, double, single Room
A/c Rooms (double & Single)
Family room for maximum of five people
Food : Indian and continental food is provided with daily fixed menu.
Lockers and left luggage
Contact:
The Manager
Red Shield Guest House
30 Merewether Road,
Electric House, Colaba,
Fort, Mumbai 400 039
Tel. No. 2841824 Fax: 2824613
E-mail : red_shield@vsnl.net
Re: Backpackers Mumbai
by Avieira67
Two years ago I stayed for a night in Mumbai at Apollo Guesthouse for 490 INR, including a light breakfast. Room was very small, but everything was clean. Besides this place and other advised in this forum, it seems Lawrence Hotel offers good rates for a reasonable quality.
By the way, I am going again to India next Octobre for a whole month.
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