Mumbai, India, home to sprawling slums and glitzy Bollywood, was sheer madness.
Mumbai was sheer magic.
A holy man on the steps of a Hindu Temple - Mumbai, India |
We had two days in this city that up until 20 years ago was known as Bombay. It was one of two ports of call in India on our 34-day Oceania Nautica cruise from Bangkok, Thailand to Istanbul, Turkey.
We’d opted on our first day to take a cruise-sponsored shore excursion that gave us an overview of India’s second largest city; a place said to be home to more billionaires than any other place in the world. Cruise sponsored shore excursions are not inexpensive. This eight-hour tour cost $209 per person and that's why I recommended in the 'repositioning' cruise post last week that benefits like on-board credits which can be used toward the cost of these tours are important.
Cows on the Corner |
As we rode in the air-conditioned comfort of a large tour bus we enjoyed a kaleidoscope of scenes and everyday settings ranging from classic British colonial buildings to Hindu Temples, a public market and museum. We set out on our own the second day.
Families on the Sidewalk - Mumbai, India |
Mumbai, India |
While we didn’t do extensive research about the place before we visited, I’ve since spent a bit of time reading about its history since our return home. One of the best concise accounts was written by Leo Mirani, for The Guardian newspaper in 2008:
“Bombay was ‘discovered’ by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, ceded in dowry to the English in 1661, and transformed into a thriving metropolis over the next 300 years by the East India Company, the Crown, Parsi, Gujarati and Jewish businessmen, mills, movies and money.”
Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel - Mumbai, India |
Interior sitting room near the pool area - Taj Mahal Hotel |
The floral arrangements were spectacular - Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai, India |
That iconic Gateway to India (pictured on the left) just across the street from the hotel was built in 1911 to welcome King George V and Queen Mary. As we approached the Gateway we were swarmed by tourist touts; several who came up while I was taking a photo to tell me not to bother – I could buy one from them.
We didn't need a warning to keep us from eating street food in Mumbai, India |
Dabbawalas at work outside Santacruz train station - Mumbai, India |
Our ship's tour was of Old Bombay and it was when we stopped at Khotachiwadi I knew more research about the history of this amazing city was in order after I got home. Such an interesting stop it was, it deserves its own post which is coming soon.
As we lost track of days and locations the Ship's Navigational map was helpful |
We weren’t in Kansas any more, Toto! as Dorothy would have remarked about Oz. We were heading to the HRA – High Risk Area and it was time to turn our thoughts to security aboard the ship and on land . . .but that’s another story. . .
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Linking up this week with:
Travel Photo Thursday – Budget Traveler’s Sandbox
Our World Tuesday
Travel Inspiration – Reflections En Route
Mosaic Monday – Lavender Cottage Gardening
Mersad's Through My Lens
Photo Friday - Pierced Wonderings
Wordless Wednesday