Exploring Mumbai

Exploring Mumbai

In early January I visited Mumbai to discover the mood of the city after the November incidents and to visit the hotels affected. Both the Taj Mahal’s new wing and the Trident Oberoi have reopened and I stayed at the latter. There is little sign of the incidents at either excepting increased security, which posed little inconvenience but provided reassurance, and a moving tribute memorial at the Taj. Ongoing renovation of the famous old wing proceeds with no impact on guests as a result of very clever screening and many of the public areas including the elegant swimming pool are back in use.

The City has quickly got back to normal and its people demonstrate their customary resilience. The customary hustle and bustle continues with couples walking the waterfront, cricket being played on every spare bit of ground, shops filled with bargain hunters and restaurant’s full of customers enjoying real Indian food and the variety if international food that is now available.

In the four years since my last visit the City has developed rapidly, reflecting its economic importance to Asia. However it seems to have done so without losing its character. It is still vibrant, the traffic is still chaotic and the taxis appear to be the last of the old Morris Oxford clones (the Ambassador) still remaining. The International airport is being rebuilt and is already more efficient than before so now represents an excellent option as a start point for a trip to India. With yet another airline, Kingfisher Airlines (owned by the brewer of Kingfisher beer) commencing services to Mumbai from London, competition is leading to lower fares making a visit to India particularly good value currently.

After many visits to Mumbai this was the first occasion I had the opportunity to explore. The highlight was undoubtedly going out to Elephanta Island and its eponymous caves only seen before in films such as Passage to India. A World Heritage site the sculptures contained within are an amazing sight and illustrative of the fascinating history of both Mumbai and India. Elsewhere the pulsating atmosphere left me wishing I could have stayed longer in what is now a most exciting city. Indeed some of my travel companions changed their plans and stayed longer – I will next time!

Gwyn Hughes Chairman of Pinpoint Communications, London