Some Jazz by the bay
In my limited experience in other Indian cities, I think I've not seen a more beautiful urban landscape then Marine Drive. I am sure a lot of people would disagree, but for me the view from the Marine Plaza hotel's 1st floor restaurant is one of the most beautiful city views in the country.
Marine drive would also have to be one of areas that I have haunted a number of times. I use the word haunted because most of my visits there have been after 12 mid-night. I think that is probably the time when you really feel the city. You can feel the sea on one side and the mega-city on the other side enveloping you. During the day, the noise of the commercial area along with the traffic tend to drown the immenseness of it, while during the night you can feel the size of the city and the silently thudding heart beneath.
The spot that I particularly like is the spot right opposite Hilton Towers (erstwhile Oberoi Towers). I like to sit on the concrete "pali" facing the sea... and stare into the dark sea with the lights of the city behind me. You can see the lights of Malabar hill on one side and if you strain your neck to the right, you can see the Ambassador hotel, silently revolving in the dark - high above the city sky. You can clearly hear the rustling of the waves in the Arabian sea and feel the cold breeze in the hair. It is an awesome feeling.
First timers in Mumbai should try this on a rainy, or better, a drizzly night. You should go the Marine Drive, opposite Hilton Towers and face the sea. You should stand on that concrete contraption and feel the rain beat against your face along with the breeze from the sea. Then, close your eyes and turn around, opening them to view the lights of a mega city. That is the point of time that you will feel yourself integrating with the city... If Mumbai city has a soul, and I am sure it does, it is feeling exactly the same feelings that you feel at the moment you open your eyes...
Marine drive would also have to be one of areas that I have haunted a number of times. I use the word haunted because most of my visits there have been after 12 mid-night. I think that is probably the time when you really feel the city. You can feel the sea on one side and the mega-city on the other side enveloping you. During the day, the noise of the commercial area along with the traffic tend to drown the immenseness of it, while during the night you can feel the size of the city and the silently thudding heart beneath.
The spot that I particularly like is the spot right opposite Hilton Towers (erstwhile Oberoi Towers). I like to sit on the concrete "pali" facing the sea... and stare into the dark sea with the lights of the city behind me. You can see the lights of Malabar hill on one side and if you strain your neck to the right, you can see the Ambassador hotel, silently revolving in the dark - high above the city sky. You can clearly hear the rustling of the waves in the Arabian sea and feel the cold breeze in the hair. It is an awesome feeling.
First timers in Mumbai should try this on a rainy, or better, a drizzly night. You should go the Marine Drive, opposite Hilton Towers and face the sea. You should stand on that concrete contraption and feel the rain beat against your face along with the breeze from the sea. Then, close your eyes and turn around, opening them to view the lights of a mega city. That is the point of time that you will feel yourself integrating with the city... If Mumbai city has a soul, and I am sure it does, it is feeling exactly the same feelings that you feel at the moment you open your eyes...
posted by Tushar Thakkar at 11:13 AM
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