Mumbai Beyond Bollywood: 7 Heartwarming Ways To Experience The City

Beyond the halls of Bollywood and skyscrapers, Mumbai is alive as a bustling city by local walks which tell us about the varied culture of Mumbai.

Mumbai, often culturally associated with Bollywood and known for its skyscrapers and heavy traffic, is more than what meets the eye. It's a part of India that offers a glimpse of the country's rich culture, which can only be best witnessed while walking around the bustling city. Walks around the city are also the best way to understand the lifestyle of locals. Here is my guide to seven unique guides to explore the city of Mumbai and treat it like a local.

1. Bandra's Graffiti and Village Charm

Bandra, known as the Queen of Suburbs is a blend of brisk lifestyle with vintage architecture. Street art by local artists on Chapel Road serves as the perfect start to the walk. Every turn is pleasing to the eye and makes for a great picture. The walk can then lead into the quaint Ranwar Village, which has small Portuguese-style bungalows, cafes, and chapels.

To catch a breather, you can make a stop at Pali Market and grab a bite from the local bakery. This walk is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the mix of culture that Bandra has to offer and for those wanting to experience the artistic blend of modern and traditional India.

• Tip: To avoid the heat and crowds, walks during morning or afternoon are ideal.

2. Walk Through the Bustling Bazaars and Temples of Bhuleshwar

Enjoy a walk through the heart of Bhuleshwar, where an inviting blend of food and shopping comes alive. This area is especially famous for 'Zaveri Bazaar,' which primarily sells gold and jewelry, as well as the 'Mangaldas Market,' which sells textiles. Moreover, Bhuleshwar boasts many stunning temples that will have you marveling in awe, with some even being centuries old!

Make sure not to miss the local street food such as kachoris and sugarcane juice, while soaking in the beautiful view around this astonishing locality.

• Highlights: Historic temples and Zaveri Bazaar, Mangaldas Market.
• Tip: Don't make the mistake of eating before your trip, as the local street food won't let you resist.

3. Dharavi: The Slum That Redefines Innovation

Dharavi is often termed the largest slum in Asia, but it is a lot more than meets the eye. Dharavi consists of many small scale industries and entrepreneurial ventures. Enjoy fantastic pottery, recycling, and leather workshops that make this ecosystem thrive!

Make sure to interact with the locals to get a glimpse of their inspiring stories and to completely immerse yourself in the experience, don't forget to try the freshly made idlis from local eateries.

• Highlights: Local eateries, pottery units, and leather workshops.
• Tip: Guided tours will open up a new world of understanding for you, in terms of the community's daily lives.

4. Worli Koliwada: Mumbai's Fishing Village

When taking a trip to Worli Koliwada, one of the premade melting fishing communities, it's easy to forget that we are still in Worli and its heart and soul is represented by its bustling fishing villages. This tiny pocket of the city allows you to peak into the life of the Koli community, the original settlers of Mumbai.

When in Worli, do not forget to visit the Worli attraction for its unique view of the Bandra Worli Sea Link. Lastly, while in the village, ensure you try the local specialties of fresh seafood cooked by the villagers.

• Highlights: Worli fisherfolk, Worli fort, Coastal Mahashakti and fresh seafood served by the local people.
• Tip: You can try roaming around the village to see fish auctions taking place in the morning.

5. Matunga South Indian Heritage Walk

Matunga is known as a small untouched piece of South India, perfectly nestled in the massive city of Mumbai. You can start the walk off by going to the flower market at King's Circle which is lined with sellers selling vibrant garlands and flowers. Afterwards, make sure to visit other streets which are famous for their authentic South Indian restaurants serving idli, dosa, and filter coffee.

Don't forget to go to other temples like Asthika Samaj or Shree Ram Mandir to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual setting Matunga has to offer. This one food stalls and eateries gives Matunga its unique cultural seal thanks to their South Indian fragrance spices.

• Highlights: Flower market, South Indian temples, Authentic South Indian food stalls with the mouth-watering Manglorean cuisine.
• Tip: Most of these stalls serve amazing filter coffee, so I suggest finishing your walk with a fresh cup from the locals.

6. Kala Ghoda: Mumbai's Art District

Kala Ghoda, the cultural and artistic region of Mumbai, is ideal for art and history lovers. The streets are filled with colonial-style buildings, art galleries, and unique shops. You can also visit the renowned Jehangir Art Gallery and the Kala Ghoda statue.

If you come here during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, you will get to experience the area turning into a creativity carnival over the whole city. There are also many designer shops and cafes serving great food and coffee.

• Highlights: Art Gallery at Jehangir, Design Shops, and Historical Buildings.
• Tip: Visit during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival for the best experience.

7. Bycullah Botanical And Historic Gems

Byculla is a green and quieter area perfect for a peaceful nature escape. Start at Jijamata Udyan, which is also referred to as Rani Baug, since it features a botanical garden and a zoo. To continue, walk towards the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, which is the oldest museum in the city and holds many artifacts and decorative art pieces.

Byculla has historic charm and quiet nature blended together with architecture that is away from the pollution and noise of the CBD.

• Highlights: Heritage landmarks, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Jijamata Udyan.
• Tip: Less people visit during the weekdays, so you can enjoy the peace more during those times.

Let us stroll through the streets of Mumbai. There are areas of the city that most tourists do not visit, and those are the ones that have the most to offer in terms of cultural experiences. These walls will give you a prism of what Mumbai truly is, unlike most showcase spots. So polish your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to see the real Mumbai, one step at a time.