BEAUTIFUL POWAI LAKE

Photo Travelogue :
Read first part - Here!


I love Bombay ( Mumbai ), there's no doubt about it. Inspite of being heavily populated, it has some amazing places that can literally blow your mind and make your jaws drop. I was visiting the Aarey Road for its haunted quotient, when I discovered another gem in its vicinity. Well, the Powai is just a part of it - the real surprise comes soon ( read on ). The Powai lake is hardly at 1-2 km distance from Aarey Road, hence, very walkable. It is a man made lake, but by no means seem like one. Its huge...and to think its man-made, I can only wonder how much labour went into it. There are two other lakes near by ¬ the Vihar and Tulsi, if one wants to visit those. They are much larger and away from population ( inside SNGP ). Coming back to Powai lake, there's a walking trek along the side, and one can enjoy an evening stroll, ( or a morning one or whenever one wishes ). There are aligators/ crocodiles in the lake so don't go near its edges. There is also a ghat and view point, where one can enjoy some peaceful time. Don't miss the Selfie point!
mama bhanja hills visible far away in the background...also IIT Bombay...

powai suburb high rises on its banks...

Dr.Ambedkar Udyan on its vicinity...the Renaissance peeking from behind...


The gem I was talking about. It falls in between Aaarey Road and Powai Lake. One can't miss it, because, the greenery will enthrall you rightaway. On my first visit, I actually mistook it for Aarey Colony itself because of its sprauling old trees. However, once I entered I realized its a garden which is adjacent to the lake. Its quite big ( 25 acres ) inface, biggest in the surburbs, and walking under the dense cover of trees, admiring the various botanical plants of interest, sitting on the benches under the leafy shades, jogging/ doing yoga or other excercise, spending time with friends or family, taking selfies or photoshoots - I can only imagine why so many people ( from all generations ) especially the locals adore and throng it. Irony, people cut down trees mercilessly to build buildings, and then, crave for soothing greenery like this garden. DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR UDYAN


Main entry - there are two side entry - one from aarey side and one near the L&T signal
Entry is free and the place is open for all from 6am-6pm


going inside...

this place is quite old...just look at those tall looming trees, making the place quite cool...


fishing pond, numerous benches to sit and relax...

main surprise attraction is this waterfall...its artificial but beautiful...
during monsoons the powai lake overflows and creates this magic...
The place closes at 6 pm. Unfortunately, certain corners of the garden ( the aarey road side ) also houses certain anti-social elements/vandals who indulges in drugs/drinking and litter or dirty the area. Hope the BMC looks into it and maintain this otherwise must visit beautiful public park.

Powai Lake is an artificial lake, situated in Mumbai, in the Powai valley, where a Powai village with a cluster of huts existed. ( wiki )
Address : Powai Lake, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Read next part - Here! Stay tuned for all my road, rail, flight, cruise & walk trips.
( Images - Google & ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕◕◕ - It was Awesome!

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CHOTA KASHMIR BOAT CLUB AT AAREY COLONY

Photo Travelogue :
Read first part - Here!


For a long time, much before we saw exotic locales of the Swiss Alps; or even nearer home - breathtaking Kashmir, this lake below served the purpose in many historic film songs and other scenic locales. Chota Kashmir - it wouldn't be wrong to call it that, because, it exactly lives up to its name. All its missing is the snow, of course ;-)
the rules - do's and dont's - videos, photography not allowed unless paid for :-)
if you ignore the skyscrappers in the background, you'll actually feel you are in kashmir...


being a green zone, with trees surrounding it, and being so near the SGNPark, it is much cooler...

I spent some time in the pleasant surroundings of the lake while visiting the Aarey Road. It lies on the way and one cannot miss it. There's an eco- park attached to it, where one can stroll or simply relax; some opt for picnics, kids play, while couples coo. Places like these are quite rare in Bombay, so make most of it while there, like I did.

Chhota Kashmir is the only place for Mumbai citizens as boating location to enjoy. Its a small lake located at famous Aarey Milk Colony at Goregaon (East) surrounded by greenery and birds like Cuckoo, Sun bird, Parrots and Other colourful small birds humming around the boating lake. Boating charges for citizens and tourists are same, At Rs.20 per person for 30 minutes. Boating timings at Chota Kashmir is from morning 11:00 am to evening 6:00 pm ( wiki )
Address : Chota Kashmir Boat Club, Aarey Colony, Goregaon ( east ), Mumbai, Maharashtra
Read next part - Here! Stay tuned for all my road, rail, flight, cruise & walk trips.
( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕◕◕ - It was Awesome!

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AN EVENING IN GIRGAUM CHOWPATTY

A Travelogue :

When you're in Bombay, there's one beach you wouldn't wanna miss!


Girgaum Chaupati is one of the most famous public beaches adjoining Marine Drive. Chowpatty is really Chau-pati ( four channels or four creeks ). It is famous for both Ganesh Chaturthi and Ramlila celebrations every year. And of course, famous is it's several bhelpuri, panipuri, ragda patties and pav bhaji vendors too, that one can find on the beach.

So, while returning from a meet, we decided to halt a while near the sea-face and stroll on this beach. But it was getting dark already so decided to do a quickie round. So here's a picture guide of the evening :-)


( above ) The road outside and the crowded beach. ( below ) People thronging the food courts! Making of the famous Pav-Bhaji, Kalla Khatta & Kulfi.


We had ordered from one pav-bhaji wala, but by mistake sat in a bench of another stall, and they kept hovering around us irritatedly.

( below ) The 'Mela' type atmosphere!


Chowpatty is a great place to hang around in the evenings. It's long well kept side-walk is ideal for walking or jogging around and it's beach - a great place to have fun along with your kids ( if you have any ). Whether Grant Road, Charni Road, Marine Lines or Churchgate station - each are at close proximity to the beach.

Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕ - I liked it!
( Images Courtesy : Mine & wiki )

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20 YEARS IN BOMBAY

Photo Travelogue :

Bombay - Exactly 20 years ago, I had shifted permanently to this amazing city of Bombay. I still call it Bombay and will always, since I had come to The Bombay! Well, I had been earlier too, 2 times, but those were school vacations. This time in the year 1993, I had shifted bag n baggage! Incredible journey it has been so far. So many things I've learnt and most importantly, I'm amazed at how quickly time has passed. It was here, I came as a nervous young girl with lots of dreams and transformed into a strong confident woman. At times I still feel exactly as I used to 20 yrs back.
Though there are lots of things to see in Bombay, I'm sharing here few pictures that left an impact on my mind! True they say, once you come to Bombay you can never leave it.


1. The Amazing Victoria Terminus with its Gothic Victorian ( Heritage ) Architecture.


2. The city-walk through once Colonial south-Bombay ( Fort-Colaba ) is a must.



3. In Bombay greenery is sparse; in south-Bombay thankfully though, one can lap it up.


4. The Navy Headquarters - a strict no-photography zone, but rich in history.


5. The famous Haji-Ali Dargah near Peddar Road.


6. The famous Girgaum Chowpatty beach adjoining Marine Drive!!


7. The famous Juhu Beach!


8. The Powai Lake!


9. The Paparazzi that has shaped Bollywoody Bombay into what it is - A Glamour City!


10. The Taxis - Oh! How would anyone survive in the city without one of those!


11. Bombay at night - Glittering! And the famous local-train speeding by!


12. Famous Air India Building both at day and night!


13. Siddhivinayak Temple at Prabhadevi


14. Gateway of India at night.

Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕◕◕ - It was Amazing!
( Images Courtesy : Mine! )

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