My friend and I set out to explore the various "bazaars" of Mumbai, especially "Zaveri Bazaar". We had no clue where it is located, but getting directions is never an issue in Mumbai. While walking down the streets, we noticed that the heritage Victorian buildings were being re-touched.
We wandered past the Crawford market, which is a hub of wholesalers and retailers selling everything from artificial flowers, plastics, toys, stationeries etc. Just around this market, is the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule market which sells fresh farm produce, imported cheese, chocolates etc. The entire web of markets sprawls around the Jama Masjid, which is beautiful ancient Mosque. We paved our way through the narrow streets filled with people and lined with old dilapidated buildings. Surprisingly though, the entire place was cool and breezy even at 4 pm. We strolled past Mangaldas market, which is the largest indoor cloth and dress material market in Mumbai. And there was Zaveri Bazaar, the place we had been looking for all this while. Zaveri bazaar, the bullion market of Mumbai sees over Rs 100 crore business every day. The entire street gleams with gold and diamond jewellery displayed across a myriad of shops lined up on the street.
After wandering along for a while, I had some delicious juice from one of the juice stalls on the street. It was heavenly blend of carrot, beetroot, mint and Indian gooseberry priced at just Rs 15 with a refill included. I totally loved it. We also had some "Ragda pattice" (potato cutlets in spicy chickpea curry), which was very different from what we normally have. You can find numerous choices in food at unbelievable prices all across Mumbai.
Tired of walking, we then headed off to Marine lines, to watch the sunset. I couldn't help notice the striking difference between the two places, one pouring out of its seams with people rushing through the streets as though on an urgent mission while the other being plush, calm boundless with few people enjoying the view. It was indeed a great way to unwind. We strolled along the shore, which seemed like an endless stretch only to realize that we had walked all the way from Girgaum to Churchgate and then to CST where we boarded our train back.
I had never expected a visit to Mumbai could turn out to be so interesting.
