Such an Awesome experience with Sheth Group

I went to buy a house try investing with Sheth Group. I had a really good time buying a residential house for my Family. There are not many builders who don’t trouble you and give you the best flat and best deal. I did not pay a single rupee more than what I had promised and I got a flat of my choice at the time I wanted with all the possible facilities.  

MY STORY: This is Why I Can Not Stop Travelling by Indian Trains

The sun was pink and gold as it rose over the plains, getting bigger and bigger as the train sped through the fields. I was standing at the door of Trivandrum Mail, with the morning breeze on my face, watching the silhouettes of coconut trees lighten.

I’ve stood near the doors of countless trains, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend or relative, and each time, it gives me a high that doesn’t quite compare to any other.

I have always romanticized Indian train travels. But nowadays, I constantly meet people who turn up their noses when I mention that I’d prefer trains, and the first thing they ask is how I can stand to use the loos (a valid question, at that). They think I’m crazy that I’d rather spend hours on a train than spend a similar amount of money on a quicker and ‘more comfortable’ mode of transport. I hasten to say that in this world’s lack of time, I find taking a train almost luxurious – it is a true means of escape.

My love for trains might have begun when I was a kid; when we were taken once or twice every year to long-distance train journeys. Of course the window seat was a treat, and if you saw the engine turn while looking out of it, the purpose of the entire trip was served.

Photo Credit: Flickr

But the real affair began when I was in college and regularly travelled in the trains’ general compartment between Chennai and Bangalore. It was then that I started noticing people around me (unavoidable when you’re shoulder to shoulder) and was fascinated by the insight into human behaviour that those train journeys provided.

My college had a railway track passing through the campus. For two years, my hostel room window overlooked the tracks, and my roommates and I soon knew which train to expect at what time, depending on the day of the week. We saw never-ending goods trains (the coaches of which I would count), blue-and-silver trains, red trains, trains with banian ads on them, and lone engines that chugged along. I think it was sometime around then that it actually hit me that there are so many people in India. Never once did we see a train with only a few people in it. They were always packed, with elbows sticking out of windows, people sitting and standing at the doors.

Sometimes, while walking to class, a train would pass by and I would catch someone’s eyes. I could not help but wonder about the stories of these people. So many stories must’ve passed us by; coal from Dhanbad, oil tankers, humble locals and powerful cross-country trains.

Photo Credit: Rajesh Barua/Flickr

Travelling by sleeper class helps one understand the sights, smells and sounds of India and her people. Having open windows is a plus – looking out from behind a rain-stained A/C window doesn’t quite do justice. I also find the lack of privacy on sleeper coaches part amusing, part endearing and part annoying.

A few years ago, exasperated with the unrelenting Great Indian Staring Habit, I took it upon myself to outstare fellow passengers, who would look away only momentarily before resuming the activity. There’s no escape. You’re forced into either making conversation or very consciously avoiding eye contact.

There is a bewildering variety of people on trains whom I keenly observe to collect material for my comics and writing. There’s someone sprawled out with their luggage carelessly dumped all over the place, and then there are others periodically checking their chained bags under the seat. If there’s an uncle talking loudly over the phone, there’s a teenage girl whispering, clutching her bags.

Someone chucks food out of the window (something that makes my blood boil); someone else collects the trash and deposits it in the waste bin. There are tentative smiles that quickly grow into animated chats, there is the sharing of packed food, switching of berths and bonding over chai.

‘Native’ places are discussed, common ground is discovered, and everybody relaxes once the initial ice is broken.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Late comers usually enter with the ‘Which station is this?’ question, addressed to nobody in particular, and responded to by 4-5 people at least. In A/C compartments though, sometimes the curtains are closed and not much exchange takes place.

Being on a train somehow makes me get into long metaphysical conversations with myself – it gives me the time and mental space to think about where I’m going (figuratively).

It’s a zen-like zone to be in.

I once saw a lone farmer in the middle of an enormous field, with a little thatch roof and I suddenly wondered if that made him more Indian than I am. I feel a strong connection with India while I travel by train – perhaps because of the people I meet, the glimpses of seemingly impenetrable acres of land. Perhaps because of the station vendors selling food at the window.

Perhaps it’s because of station names that surprise me every time I find one that I hadn’t heard of before. Perhaps it’s the impulsive and sudden kindness of strangers. Perhaps it’s the rich landscape that ranges from dry deserts to lush green mountains. And perhaps it’s also the reality check and the questions that come with witnessing beautiful fields lead into dirty, trash-strewn town outskirts.

I feel more grounded when I travel by train (I can’t say the same about air travel). Of course there are problems, starting with booking the ticket to having to hurriedly alight with your luggage intact at a two-minute stop. Yes, there is much scope for improvement – a better website, cleaner loos (and a population that is more educated about hygiene), cleaner stations, safety measures, and a plethora of other things.

But the Indian Railways definitely has a charm of its own, one that I find irresistible. And I’m going to keep going back.

Places and Attractions to see in Mumbai

Gateway of India 

By aarosh

One of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 when they were on the way to Delhi. This structure was completed in 1924, some years after the visit of the King and Queen. Ironically this was the place from where the British troops left India when she gained Independence in 1947. This place is always teeming with local and outstation tourists. One will also find photographers approaching tourists to take their photos with the Gateway of India in the background. You will also find vendors selling peanuts, ice creams and other memorabilia. One can take a boat from here to the Elephanta Caves, a cruise in the Arabian Sea or to Alibaug. After the recent Mumbai attacks the police have a check post to search tourists. There is a separate line for ladies which are manned by female constables. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Taj Mahal Hotel

By aarosh

It is situated opposite the Gateway of India. There are 2 hotels here, the colonial styled Taj Mahal Hotel and the modern Taj Intercontinental. One of the stories goes like this: a prominent Parsi industrialist Jamshedji Tata was denied entry to the ‘White’s Only’ Watson’s Hotel. So he decided to build the The Taj in 1903. It is one of the best hotels of India and is an establishment of outstanding elegance and character. During the recent attacks a part of the colonial hotel was set on fire. Now it has been renovated and business is on as usual. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Wellington Fountain

By aarosh

This was built to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Wellington in 1801. Now renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk is surrounded by some classic colonial buildings. These consist of the Majestic Hotel (MLA Hostel), the Art Deco Regal Cinema, Indo Gothic Sailors’ Home (Police Headquarters), Edwardian National Gallery of Modern Art and the Indo-Saracenic Prince of Wales Museum (Chattrapati Shivaji Vastusangralay). Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Colaba Causeway

By avi1010

The path from Regal Cinema extending till Afghan Church Is called Colaba Causeway. This was constructed in 1838 to connect Colaba with the main city. It is now renamed as the Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg. You will find many shops, restaurants, hotels and residential buildings in this stretch. The most famous residential complex is Cusrow Baug which was a predominantly Parsi Colony. One of the famous restaurants is the 1871 established Leopold Café and Bar. This place was also a target during the recent attack on Mumbai. The owners have renovated the café; however they have left the bullets holes from the attacks. Café Mondegar is also one such joint which is frequented by youngsters. Further south is Sassoon Docks which is a wholesale fish market. There is a buzz in this place from early morning when the fishermen sell the fishes, prawns, crabs which they have caught from the seas. The Afghan Church is the end of Colaba. This Neo-Gothic church was built between 1847 and 1858 in memory of the soldiers who died during the First Afghan War. In the garden you will find a memorial for the martyrs. One can also enjoy the sunset from the Mumbai Port Trust Garden. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Kala Ghoda

The region from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk to Mumbai University is known as Kala Ghoda. A statue of King Edward VII on a horse stood here and hence the name Kala Ghoda (Black Horse). This statue now has been moved to Victoria Garden (Jijamata Udyan – Mumbai Zoo). This region is home to quite a few cafes, restaurants, boutiques and shops and is the hub of cultural activity. There are a few more colonial buildings here. Venetian Gothic Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library, the Neo-Classical Army and Navy Building, Esplanade Mansion (known as Watson’s Hotel earlier), Old Secretariat, Mumbai University Complex (which also contains the Rajabai Clock Tower) and the High Court.
Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Horniman Circle 

This open area was the market where traders used to buy and sell bales of cotton. This open space was converted to a garden in 1869 and called Elphinstone Circle. It was renamed as Horniman Circle after independence. The annual Kala Ghoda festival is held here during the first week of February every year. This garden is also surrounded by many colonial buildings. The entire circle is surrounded by Neo-Classical buildings having a uniform façade, pedestrian arcade and terracotta keystones. The Neo-Classical Town Hall, the Neo-Gothic Elphinstone Building, the Neo-Classical British Bank of Middle East, Brady House and Readymoney Mansion. On the Western side you will see the city’s oldest church, St. Thomas Cathedral.
Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Flora Fountain

By aarosh

The intersection of Veer Nariman Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Dadabhai Naoroji Road. This fountain was erected in 1869 and it was shipped from England. This area has now been renamed as Hutatma Chowk (Martyr’s Square) due to a Martyrs’ Memorial erected by the Maharashtra Government in 1960. On DN Road are some more colonial buildings like Venetian Neo-Gothic façade JN Petit Institute and Library, Art Deco Vatcha Agiary (Parsi Fire Temple), Indo-Saracenic Times of India Building and the Municipal Corporation Building. You will also find the pedestrian arcade filled with vendors selling clothes, electronic gadgets, books, stamps, coins, leather items etc. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Victoria Terminus

By aarosh

Also known as the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Victoria Terminus is one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in India. It was named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubileee and was completed in 1888. This building was decorated by local craftsmen and art students. This is now the head quarters of Central Railway catering to over 1200 trains and more than 2 million passengers every day. This is a World Heritage Site. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Crawford Market

By Nasirkhan

Situated towards the North of CST, Crawford Market is a lively market where around 3000 tonnes of fresh daily produce ranging from fruit and flowers to fish can be found. Now renamed as Jyotiba Phule Market. Diagonally across from here you will see Jama Masjid, Mumbadevi Temple (Mumbai is named after this temple) and streets full of markets specializing in different produce. Zaveri Bazaar for jewellery, Mangaldas Market for clothes, Bhuleshwar Market for fruits and vegetables, Lohar Chawl for electrical goods, Chor bazaar (Thief Market) almost any thing under the sun, Mirchi Gully for nuts, dry fruits and spices, Tamba Kanta for kitchenware and CP Tank, Bhuleshwar for bangles and other accessories. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Marine Drive

By Sama

It stretches from NCPA (National Centre for Peforming Arts) to Chowpatty Beach. Well known as the Queen’s Necklace. This stretch is usually crowded through out the day. In the morning and evening joggers and walkers frequent this stretch. It is a good place to watch the procession during Ganesh Visarjan. Chowpatty beach is well known for its snacks like Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji, Faloodas, Kulfis, Ice Cream and Paan. However it is best not to venture into the waters here. This is also the place where many big Sarvajanik Ganeshostav immerse their Ganesh idols including the famous Lalbaughcha Raja. Nearest Railway Station is Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) for NCPA end or Charni Road on the western line for Chowpatty end.

Malabar Hill 

By snonymous

Home to the rich and Famous in Mumbai. You would find the official residence of the Governor, Chief Minister, cabinet ministers here. It is also home to Kamla Nehru Park and the Hanging Gardens. On the opposite end of the garden the ancient Banganga Tank is located. According to legend Lord Rama stopped here while searching for his wife Sita. He was thirsty and asked Lakshman for some water. Lakshman shot an arrow in the ground and water gushed out. This is said to be a tributary of the Ganges hence the name Banganga (Ganga from the arrows). There is the ancient Walkeshwar Temple also in the neighbourhood. One can also visit the Babulnath temple in this vicinity. Nearest Railway Station is Charni Road on the western line.

Elephanta Caves

By Mega City

As mentioned earlier you can get a ferry to reach here from the Gateway of India. The island where the caves are situated was called Gharapuri. The Portugese called these islands the Elephanta Island after they saw a huge statue of an elephant at the entrance. Now this statue has been moved in the Bhau Daji Lad Museum complex. The caves complex consist of Hindu and Buddhist caves. The most famous statue is the Maheshmurti. One can spend around 3 hours at leisure here. There are also 2 cannons from the British era on the top of a hillock in the islands. There is a toy train which can be availed by the tourists to reach near the base of the climb to the caves. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Mahalaxmi Temple

By Lou Wilson

One of the famous temples in Mumbai. It is situated on the Bhulabhai Desai Road. This temple is crowded during Navratri and one has to wait in the queue for quite some time to have a darshan of the Goddess. Nearest Railway Station is Mahalaxmi on western line and Parel on the central line.

Haji Ali Dargah

It is a mosque and tomb, of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, situated in the sea near Mahalaxmi Temple. It is possible to visit this dargah only during low tide when the walkway to the temple is accessible.
Nearest Railway Station is Mahalaxmi on western line and Parel on the central line.

Siddhivinayak Temple

The temple in Mumbai dedicated of Lord Ganesh and is situated in Prabhadevi. Many prominent personalities have visited this temple. It is heavily crowded during Angaraki Chaturthi which is a Sankashti Chaturthi falling on a Tuesday. Devotees walk from far away places to the temple during this day. I have walked twice to this temple from Vashi in Navi Mumbai.
Nearest Railway Station is Dadar on both the lines.

Jijamata Udyan

By snonymous

Also known as the Victoria Garden and Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum), Jijamata Udyan is the Zoo in Mumbai. There is a huge garden in this area with many different types of trees. The zoo is in a state of disrepair with few animals. There were talks going on to renovate the zoo so that it meets international standards. You will also find the Kala Ghoda statue along with statues of British personalities in this garden. Just outside the garden is the Bhau Daji Lad Museum the first museum in Mumbai established in 1855. This museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai, clay models, silver and copper ware and costumes.
Nearest Railway Station is Byculla on the central line.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

By naveenamohanrao

One of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit in the world. There are many walking trails in this park. There is a Tiger Safari and Lion Safari which can be done by caged mini buses. Kanheri Caves also falls under the jurisdiction of this park. Nearest Railway Station is Borivali on the western line. Get down on the East side.

Juhu Beach

By snonymous

Famous as the place where majority of the Bollywood stars reside. This is beach is frequented by locals and tourist alike. Just like Chowpatty Beach you will find stalls selling Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji, Kulfis and Ice Creams here. This place is where most of the immersion of Ganesh idols are done from the western suburbs. Nearest Railway Station is Santacruz or Vile Parle on the western line. Get down on the West side.

Bandra Bandstand

Bandra is also called as the Queen of the suburbs. You can spend the evening leisurely at Bandra Bandstand enjoying the sunset. You can also see the fort and the sealink bridge. This place is frequently visited by families in the evenings. Shahrukh Khan's residenece is near by. One can also visit Mount Mary Church. One can reach the church via a small lane right next to Mannat.
Nearest Railway Station is Bandra on western line.

Mani Bhavan

Mani Bhavan is the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It was from here that Gandhiji initiated the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements. Now this former residence is converted into Gandhi's Museum and Library.
Nearest Railway Station is Grant Road on western line.
NOTE: For bus routes check out go4mumbai.com's Complete List of BEST Bus Stops in Mumbai. Mumbai Suburban Rail Map