Final thoughts on Mumbai from Ghada and the Garbz!

We have left Mumbai and we both agree we will not be returning any time soon. 

Don't get us wrong, it's not that it's not a good branch point to other places... there is a lot of places around Mumbai. The core city itself thrives from its colonial past, and the village sprawl where we were staying has a certain charm to it- no doubt, but is not in itself a destination point.

This sprawl seems stuck in no-man's land. You get glimpses of what could be greatness: lush greenery, wilderness, banana, coconut and mango trees. But it is simply a tease. Want real lush greenery, head further South, or maybe a little East, or a little North. Want beaches? Go to Goa, the beaches in Mumbai are filthy. One would think that with Bollywood centered around the city of Mumbai, that you would at the very least find a Rodeo Drive, but even that seems sadly absent. The "Posh" neighborhoods, such as South Mumbai (apparently home to the world's 5th richest man), or Bandra or Juhu Beach, have little sparkles here and there, but even the Bollywood stars appear to be living in nondescript housing.

Some pointers: 

1. Our flight to Jaipur left from Terminal 1B of the Mumbai International Airport (Chhatrapati Shivaji). One would think that when your ticket states you are flying from the International Airport, that would be where you are departing from. In fact, Mumbai has a Domestic Airport that used to be called Santa Cruz, and locals continue to refer to it by its previous name. Both airports are now collectively known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport, with Terminal 1 being the Domestic flight terminal and Terminal 2 servicing the international flights. Given the traffic situation in Mumbai, this is most certainly not a mistake to be made! 
2. We managed to get Full Day taxi hires for 2300 Rupees, which is about as much as those poor tourists were going to get ripped off, just for a trip to South Mumbai. The price is fair, as the driver sticks around, and is rather flexible. Typically, they charge 100 Rupees for every additional hour you keep them for. The cabs are also air-conditioned, which is perhaps a more stylish way of travelling, especially in the damp monsoon season.
3. Ladies, never walk into the market wearing anything above the ankles. If eyes can devour, I would have no legs 2 min after entering Mumbai's Nataraj market. Here is how I walked into the market after a formal lunch with the newly weds and families and no time to change afterwards.

this conservative dress left me prey to devouring eyes

A saree is one of the sexiest outfits out there: body hugging, your belly shows, your back shows and even my mom was not too impressed with me wearing one and exposing my belly.                                                                                                                                                                 But in Mumbai's Natraj market, NO guy and I mean NONE passed by me without first looking me in the eye, scrolling down to my legs then eye contact again, before moving on. But NONE gave a second glance at the ladies in sarees. A saree, according to indians,  is a most conservative woman dressing. Goes to show you how what is hidden is desired and how human brain works when it comes to sexualizing a woman's body.

4. If going to Mumbai, best times to visit is between October and February to escape the summer and monsoon season. And don't expect Mumbai to be a city you discover by foot. The most we walked was in the hanging gardens and around the Gateway of India where we checked out the University of Mumbai, High Court and the market close by. It was a pleasant walk though and we got some good bargains. 

We did not experience Mumbai's nightlife but being India's entertainment capital and business capital, these may be the only things the city has to offer and it may seem that Bangalore is almost catching up on business so better shape up Mumbai before it gets too late.