The City that
never sleeps!
The City that
never sleeps! PENGIN HOUSE An imprint of Penguin Random House
Published By : Penguin Random Publication House Akshya Nagar 1st Block 1st Cross, Rammurthy nagar, Bangalore-560016 Content are taken from major websites like wikipedia, culture trip, Quora, Britannica and many other websites. The content expressed in this book are taken from research by the author and the facts are as reported by him which have been verified to the extent as possible, and the publishers are not in any way liable for the same. All rights reserved. No part if the publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. ISBN : 739-69-420-9211-6 Tenth impression 2020 9876 The moral right of author has been asserted. Printed at Print N Promote, Mumbai This book is sold subject to condition that it shall not, by way of trade or therwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover than that in which it is published.
The City that Never Sleeps! Tall skyscrapers, frenzied partying, architectural brilliance, and the neverending Mumbai monsoon…that’s Mumbai for you! Mumbai is India’s commercial capital, its entertainment capital, and is famously known as the city that never sleeps. Mumbai is India’s busiest and most-populous city, with the 2011 Census of India estimating that 12 million call it home.
It is said that cities settle down, but this city is always on the move. This is the travelogue of this busy yet beautiful city, Mumbai. The city that never sleeps! Let’s find some amazing places to visit at night in this sleepless city.
CONTENT 1....
CSMT station
11....
Bade Miyan
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Sealink
31....
Juhu Chowpatty
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Street Food
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Gateway of India
55....
Marine Lines
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus!
11.45pm 2
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The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, in Mumbai, is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. The terminal was built over 10 years,
starting in 1878, according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late medieval Italian models. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. It is an outstanding example of the meeting of two cultures, as British architects worked with Indian craftsmen to include Indian architectural tradition and idioms thus forging a new style unique to Bombay.
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Gargoyles, grotesque animal forms that serve as drainage spouts are a distinguishing feature of Gothic architecture. On the terminus, gargoyle forms include dogs, crocodiles, rams and lizards. 6
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, in Mumbai, was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens and constructed between 1878 and 1888 A.D. to house the principal terminus and headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, today’s Central Railway. From the mid-19th century onward, the railway was instrumental in connecting Bombay, now Mumbai, to the vast expanse of mainland India, thereby ensuring its spectacular growth into a powerful commercial centre and gateway the 'Urbs Prima in Indus' or First City of India. In its scale and design, the terminus building was intended to commemorate, and communicate, this legacy. 7
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CSMT, Mumbai!
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Bade Miyan!
12.30am 12
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Bademiya is an iconic food stall and restaurant chain in Mumbai, India. It was established in 1946 by Mohammad Yaseen as makeshift seekh kabab counter. The counter has now branched out into several restaurants, takeaway joint and a permanent food stall at the original location. The restaurant is a popular landmark and touristic attraction of Mumbai.
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If you’re in the mood for meat on a stick or just a quick mutton roll to fill you up before or after a binge drinking session around town, this roadside eatery near Colaba Causeway is something of an institution when it comes to midnight snacking. Functioning out of a tiny cart parked in the alley behind Taj Mahal Palace in Apollo Bunder, Bade Miya is a name synonymous with great kebabs, delectable Baida Roti (flat bread doused and fried with egg) and delicious tandoori
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preps. This place is essentially a take away place while they have a few tables which are invariably occupied. Most prefer to grab a roll for the road by just driving past this master of flaming meats. If you’re planning a full-fledged meal, circle Mutton Rohanjosh or Mutton Bhuna among mutton dishes, Chicken Lasooni Tikka or Chicken Reshmi Tikka among chicken specialties or the full Chicken Tandoori if you have the stomach for it.
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The beginnings of this iconic joint are also interesting. It’s a story of how a teacher is able to not just influence the life of his disciple and show him the way, but even walks the talk to support him with the means to pursue the dream. Well, that is exactly what happened with Mohammad Yaseen, the brains and the muscle behind the now well-known Bade Miya kebab wala in Mumbai. He arrived in Mumbai barely in his early teens (as a 13-year old) and started out as young boy cutting and supplying meat to hotels in the city. As fate would have it, he came to be a disciple of Hazrat Fida Mohammad Adam Chishti, who gently nudged the
young boy to find his niche in “serving people better”. The only skill Mohammad Yaseen knew apart from cutting meat was grilling it. His teacher was happy with this idea, encouraged him by giving him Rs 20 to set up a makeshift stall near the navy docks of Mumbai, way back in 1946! There were initial hiccups especially with multiple location shifts in the turmoil around the Independence period. However, as it is with any brave and committed effort the business soon began to flourish without looking back. Owing to Mohammad Yaseen’s long beard, regulars lovingly nick-named him Bade Miya.
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Mumbai ki Baarish!
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BandraWorli Sealink!
2.00am 22
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The Famous Bandra-Worli sea link is also known by the name Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link. It is a cable bridge that connects Bandra in the west of Mumbai to Worli which is in the southern part of the city. This bridge has helped in saving a lot of time for the passengers who travel from Bandra to Worli and vice versa. The bridge has concrete steel viaducts on either of its sides which strengths its base. This bridge in Mumbai is a perfect example of the brilliant engineering works done by the authorities. We have seen some glimpse of this bridge in a famous Bollywood movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. It is considered one of the most unique parts of Mumbai where you can go for a long drive with your loved ones admiring the beautiful skyline and the majestic sea flowing underneath.
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One of the coolest facts about Mumbai’s much-loved bridge is the fact that its weight is equal to the weight of 56,000 African Elephants put together, after all, 90,000 tons of cement was used to build this beauty. And if this isn’t too cool, how about the fact that all the steel cables put together would probably be as long as the circumference of the earth and each one of them is strong enough to hold 900 tons of weight. Over Rs 90 million is spent on illuminating the sealink.
Construction of the sea link was not only worked on by aced groups from India but groups from 11 other countries including Egypt, China, Canada, Switzerland, Britain, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Serbia. 26
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The Bandra Worli Sea Link is an ubiquitous symbol of 21st century Mumbai. The 5.6-kilometre cable-stayed bridge is a remarkable technical feat, the first of its kind built over open seas in India. To Mumbai’s elite, the Sea Link epitomises connectivity and a jet-setting lifestyle. To the city’s aspiring classes, it is bound up with dreams of dignity and escaping the crushing commute of overcrowded local trains and buses. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link as seen from Mahim beach.
Visuals of its towering pylons have become staples for photographers, Bollywood films and even some of the city’s design iconography. But while the Sea Link has become a prominent architectural landmark, it caters almost exclusively to Mumbai’s privileged car-owners. It was not designed for travelling by foot, two-wheelers, three-wheelers or public transport modes of transit that encompass the majority of trips in the city every day.
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Sealink, Mumbai!
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Juhu Chowpatty!
2.45am 32
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Juhu Beach is one of the most famous and most visited beach in Mumbai. It has a big shore line. You will find people jogging on the beach during early morning and evening. Security is managed well and you will see Mumbai Police patrolling the beach regularly. Best time of the day is evening time, as you will see the sunset, beautiful lighting and various vendors offering food and articles for sale. Juhu Beach is a favourite shoot location for the film industries as it provides beautiful ambiance for shooting. Children and tourist love this beach.
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One major attraction of this Chowpatty beach of Andheri, The very famous Mumbai Suburban is its Food Zone. Decades before when street food concept was very limited, People use to call upon this beach eatery with one particular
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speciality food delicacy called ‘BHEL PURI’. If you are a Mumbai citizen and watch Bollywood movies, You must have surely heard a line that goes like ‘CHOWPATTY JAYENGE AUR BHEL PURI
KHAYENGE�. Which means, Juhu beach initially had very limited eateries (Street Food Options) which were Bhel Puri, Pani Puri and Ice Candy (The old styled). This beach is world wide famous for its food zone and varieties
of street food and chaats, Some of them to be listed are Pani puri, Baraf Gola (ice candy kind), Chana masala, Biryani Pulav and lots more for those junk food lovers. Next, this beach is a heart favourite of kids for all the sand fun to play.
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Juhu Beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most soughtafter among locals and tourists alike. It’s known for an array of lip-smacking street food with a distinctive Mumbai taste, typically sweet and sour. The neighboring area of the beach happens to be one of the plush localities in the city and is home to the big shots of Bollywood and celebs from the television world.
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Juhu Beach is full of life during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival when disciples carrying the Ganapati idol walk in a grand procession and immerse the deity in the waters of the Arabian Sea. 38
Juhu has superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s sprawling bungalow and if you are lucky, you can spot some celebrities jogging in the morning on Juhu Beach. Besides, you can also take a leisurely stroll on the beach for an infinite sense of peace and quiet. TV serial shoots are common on the beach and if you happen to visit, you will notice popcorn vendors, street food stalls, and toy sellers among many. The beach stretches for about six km and becomes crowded on public holidays and during weekends. The horse carriages offer fun rides along the beach for a fee while dancing monkeys, acrobats, vendors, and beach cricket catch your attention.
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Juhu chowpatty, Mumbai
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Street Food!
3.15am 44
This is another hot snack which you love to eat roadside is Anda Bhurji with pav, which is famous. There is paneer Bhurji for the vegans who do not eat eggs. In Mumbai, you get different Anda Bhurji like Mayo Anda Bhurji, Cheese Anda Bhurji, etc.
Vada pav, the most popular street food of Mumbai can be found everywhere in this city. From street vendors to five star restaurants and from movie theatres to fairs and events. Vada pav is everywhere. Vada pav is an emotion!
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Pav Bhaji is a dish that originated in Maharashtra and spread throughout the Indian subcontinent. Pav Bhaji is one street that is just like Misal where you can have it as breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is also something that can fill you up as well, and a lot local people have it during office break timings. In Pav Bhaji, the bhaji is a thick gravy of
vegetables, spices, and butter. This combination will give you a gravy that will your mouth with an exquisite flavour when you eat it with the butter coated Pav. Lemon slices and onion slices go very well together with Pav Bhaji. The bhaji is different for each stall or shop because the recipe can be modified.
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Vada pav!
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Gateway of India!
4.00am 52
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Mumbai’s Gateway of India is one of the major tourist attractions for national and international visitors. Millions of people visit the monument daily to evidence its architectural beauty. The Gateway of India was built during British rule and was inaugurated on December 4, 1924. The foundation stone for this monument was laid on March 31, 1911. It was built during the 20th century in Bombay, India, in the Indo-Sarcenic style (combination of India and Islamic architecture) with hints of Gujarati style influences.
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Marine Drive!
4.30am 56
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Irrespective of whether you’re alone or with your favorite squad, Marine Drive is a great spot to visit at midnight and even after. If the monsoon in Mumbai makes this place a hotspot for couples, the night makes it a great place to hang out with friends and family. It is undoubtedly the best place in the city that makes you believe that nobody sleeps here. From vendors selling bhuttas (roasted
corn) and chai late at night, and people soaking in the beautiful views to the early risers who arrive here for their morning workout, this place is never at rest. You can listen to your favorite beats here, catch up with your old friends, or get your guitar and get into the jamming mode with your friends around. Stays open throughout the day and night.
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Every city has something special about it. But when we talk about Mumbai, it is so much more than that one special element. Taj Hotel, Bollywood, and the crazy monsoons are some of the immediate associations that we all have when someone talks about Mumbai. But you have to admit that the scenic excellence of the Marine Drive is what really makes the city gorgeous. While she flaunts its long stretch at night, in the day, the promenade attracts photographers, joggers and tourists. If you’ve been there, you have definitely noticed the huge ‘four-legged’ concrete structures binding themselves to one another. These boulder-like objects that line up the sea shore
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might have made you curious. Well, these are called tetra-pods and they serve a purpose. Now we all know that gigantic waves splash and hit the shore hard. They have high energy in them. When these tetra-pods are placed in an interlocking pattern, they tend to form a porous boundary. So, when the roaring waves travel till this boundary, a portion of its energy is absorbed by the rocks. Being porous, they let some water flow around, rather than against it. Originated in France, tetrapods popped up in Mumbai in around the late 1950s. Each weighing about 2 tons, there are about 6500 of them costing more than Rs. 5000 per tetra-pod.
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Marine drive!
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