Must must experience the...
by Renuka
Must must experience the monsoons, because here the idiom really vindicates itself, 'when it rains, it pours'. My fondest memory of Bombay as I still call it instead of the politically correct usage of Mumbai is Bombay itself. Everything about Bombays, its teeming millions, its putrid waste, the stench, the sea of humanity relieving itself out of crowded trains at Churchgate of VT, the absolutely mouth-watering food at Bade Miya, friends, growing up, well, really, it's so difficult to pinpoint any one thing abut Bombay especially when you've grown up there and love it for what it is -- a throbbing tornado of energy, waiting to burst at its seams, but still seamlessly carrying on with an energy and a joie de vivre which is difficult to replicate or imagine. You've got be here. So where would I take someone in Bombay? The pubs, restaurants, bowling alleys, Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Fashion Street, Bandra Elco Arcade, Linking Road, Nariman Point, Churchgate book vendors and oh lots more.... Its pace, its professionalism, its no-nonsense attitude to getting things done, its smoothness of functioning despite odds, its 'I don't believe in snobbery' attitude, its sheer energy and home.
STUFF ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA
by Amitu
In India, trains are the best way to get around. Sadly, the great puffing steam engines that pulled the trains even 20 years ago have been retired out of service, but the vibrancy, colour, and chaos of the Great Railway Bazaar is not diminished. Train travel is cheap, reasonably comfortable, and still fairly safe.
As in Europe, night trains offer an excellent way of moving between cities while saving on hotel costs. There are many trains that run overnight between major centers. A traveler can hop a train one evening, enjoy a (usually) peaceful night on the train, and alight early the next morning, ready for a new day in a new city.
At the top is A/C Class, offering chilled, dark, but comfortable compartments at pretty fancy prices. Linen and blankets are provided.
Next is First Class Here you travel in a fairly comfortable four-berth, or sometimes two-berth, compartment with vinyl upholstery. Not linen or blankets.
Around the same price as First Class, is Second Class A/C Sleeper, offering seats in the day, and berths at night in a dormitory style air conditioned carriage. These come in two-tier, and a new, slightly cheaper, three-tier configuration. This class is very popular with the India's growing middle class, and is a God-send during the hot Summer months. Unfortunately, it isn't the best way to see the countryside, as the heavily tinted windows block much of the view.
The budget service is Second Class Sleeper, where you get a place to sit during the day, and the carriage converts into three-tier bunks at night. Second Class Sleeper is extremely cheap. An overnight trip (10-12 hours and about 3-400 miles) will cost you less than $ 5.00. Because the economy and availability appeals to so many people it's also a great way to meet Indian fellow travelers from various strata of society. It's usually quite pleasant, but be prepared for a bit of noise and inconvenience at times.
The Parsis of Bombay
by MM212
For a community numbering only in the tens of thousands, the Parsis are perhaps the most visible minority of Bombay. Originally from Persia, Parsis are Zoroastrians who arrived in India centuries ago, mainly to escape persecution. In Bombay, they became successful businessmen and landowners who established a strong relationship with the colonising Brits, thus permitting their businesses to flourish in the 18th and 19th centuries. Subsequently, many members of the community devoted large amounts of their wealth to philanthropy and the construction of their city. As a result, many of the public and private buildings of Bombay were funded in large parts by the Parsi community and carry Parsi names. The University of Bombay, Petit Library and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel were all built or partially funded by the Parsis. The tight knit community often lives in self-sufficient 'enclaves', or rather exclusive compounds, within Bombay. The most famous of such colonies is Cusrow Baug, shown in the attached photograph.
Beeing Bolliwood actor!
by ludogatto
If u walk in the morning in the colaba main road, where there are all the stall under the arcade probably someone stop u to ask if u want to became actor for a day in Bollywood.
thery aren't joking with u, they are seriouse, couse they need european faces for some films and they go in this touristic area to ask for.
They offer u the train ticket, some food money and a littel ammount of money.
When they asked me I sais no cause the same day I leaved Mumbay, but on of my friends go there.....if u want to have a look to this incredibel cinema world it's a great opportunity...u will be very tired at the end but u can see everithin inside!
If u have time it's a good opportunity!
Triple-headed Shiva
by keeweechic
At the end of the north south axis of the caves is an enormous image of Sadasiva (a manifestation of Shiva). Standing 20ft high, the image has three heads (known as Trimurthy or triple-headed) of Shiva. The one facing right depicts him as the Creator (facing right), the centre one as the Protector and other one (facing left) as the Destroyer with serpents for hair. This sculpture was preserved by the British who had the foresight to build a wall to hide it from damage and the elements.
Location : Elephanta Island
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Taj Mahal Palace and Tower
The streets of Mumbai
Motorcycle rickshaws (Tuk-Tuk's)
Send flowers to Pune
