Mumbai

Mumbai, often referred to as the heart of India, is a vibrant metropolis that impresses with its diversity and dynamism. South Mumbai in particular offers a fascinating mix of culture, history and modernity in Colaba.
That’s why I was drawn here at the beginning of my trip, even though I am aware that this area of Mumbai is more of a tourist hotspot.

After all, I was able to take the bus directly from the airport to the Gateway of India.

Colaba, a historic and tourist district, is known for its lively street markets, charming cafés and the iconic Colaba Causeway. This is where tradition meets modernity, while I was able to find everything I needed to start my trip (SIM card, restaurants, idly stalls).

I once again stayed at the “YMCA Branch Colaba”, which is not really a hotel in the strictest sense. But with an incredibly reasonable price, this place to stay is in the middle of Colaba, right “next to” Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace.
And with the table tennis players and the typewriter course in the hall, it also has a “strange” atmosphere.

A highlight in the south of Mumbai is the Gateway of India. This imposing structure on the harbour was built in 1924 and symbolizes the city’s colonial heritage. It is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists and offers a breathtaking view of Mumbai’s natural harbor.
This is also where some ferries depart, for example to Elephanta Island or Alibag, which I took.

Directly opposite the Gateway of India is the famous Taj Mahal Palace hotel complex. This luxurious hotel, which was opened in 1903, is not only known for its magnificent architecture, but also for its role in Mumbai’s history. It has hosted many prominent guests and remains a symbol of elegance and hospitality.
Here I treated myself to a seafood menu with wine accompaniment in the restaurant “Masala Kraft”. By Indian standards, it was incredibly expensive. But the thought of trying out the cuisine of the Taj Mahal has been running through my mind for years; and then one day it will be time to make it happen.

My good friend on this trip has become Chowpatty Beach, a popular city beach at the end of Marine Drive, which comes alive especially in the evening. Families, couples and friends gather here to enjoy the cool sea breeze, sample local snacks and watch the spectacular sunset. Chowpatty Beach is a place where the relaxed joie de vivre of Mumbai is palpable.
I came here several times to enjoy my beloved pav baji, which is a potato, tomato, ginger and coriander dish eaten with soft buns fried in butter

Daman Daman, a charming coastal town on India’s west coast, offers a fascinating combination of beaches, historic architecture and culinary delights. The beaches are perfect for relaxing walks and cozy picnics. I stayed at the Hotel Brighton, within walking distance of the beach. That was a good decision. The hotel was well-kept, the rooms were clean and spacious. What more could you want? The historical significance of Daman is reflected in the impressive Moti Daman Fort, a 16th century fortress that houses relics from the Portuguese colonial era. However, given the short time available, I only saw all of this from the outside. At least I was able to see my first camel in India on the beach. It was probably intended for tourists or children to ride up and down the beach. Culinary delights in Daman are a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian influences. Fresh seafood dominates the menus, with special delicacies such as fish curry, prawns and grilled fish. I also ate the famous Bombay Duck here, a delicious fish dish. The main ingredient is a lizard fish caught off the coast of Mumbai.

Surat

From Daman I took the train straight on to Surat, a city in Gujarat, India. It is known for its diamond industry. The city on the banks of the Tapi River combines historical significance with modern progress. Important sights include Surat Castle, a fortress dating back to the 16th century, and the lively Dutch Garden. However, I skipped these and explored the city on foot, visited a few temples and also passed by the Parsi Hospital. Unfortunately, non-Parsi people are not allowed to enter the Parsi temples, which I thought was a shame.

Vadodara

We continued to Vadodara, also known as Baroda, a historic city in Gujarat, home to a fascinating sight: the Shiva statue in Sur Sagar Lake. This majestic statue of the Hindu god Shiva sits enthroned amidst the tranquil waters of the lake and is an impressive landmark of the city.

The Shiva statue in Sur Sagar Lake is not necessarily a super important pilgrimage site, but a popular destination for tourists. Surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere and a picturesque ambience, the statue attracts visitors who want to experience its spiritual significance.

Within walking distance, I was also drawn to one of the usual Indian markets. I looked everywhere but found nothing.

Ahmedabad

A major destination of my trip was Ahmedabad, a city in the state of Gujarat, a vibrant center of history and culture. As one of the oldest cities in the country, Ahmedabad has a rich historical significance that is reflected in its impressive monuments and historical buildings.

Fun fact: Hotel Lucky, a small breakfast café, has a few Muslim graves in the middle of the dining room, of which no one knows how old they are or who is buried there. Nevertheless, they are lovingly cared for.

Another remarkable building is the Green House. The Green House is a relaxing café surrounded by greenery in the middle of the old town and is located under a covered pavilion in an inner courtyard. It serves delicious dosa and other Western-style delicacies.

I personally found the New Irani Restaurant on Salapose Road more authentic and at least as delicious.

Palitana

The penultimate stop on my trip was the town of Palitana with its sacred Jain temples at the top of a mountain.

Palitana, a city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is a major center of Jainism and an important pilgrimage site for followers of this faith. The city is famous for its stunning collection of Jain temples built on Shatrunjaya Hill.

A prominent feature of Palitana is the importance of veganism in the Jain community. Jainists believe in the principles of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings, hence many of them practice a strictly vegetarian or even vegan lifestyle.

The Jain temples of Palitana are an impressive testimony to the religious devotion and artistic splendor of the Jain tradition. With their ornate carvings, intricate architecture and spiritual atmospheres, the temples attract worshippers and visitors from all over the world who want to experience the spiritual tranquillity and beauty of this sacred place.

The temples can be found at the end of a climb of over 3500 steps and a total of 600 meters in altitude. I had to think about this event for months after my visit to Palitana because I suffered a painful bruise in both knees on the descent.

Mumbai

After a 12-hour journey on the night train, I arrived safely back in Mumbai.

Here I planned to stay in the Andheri area.

Andheri, a vibrant neighborhood in Mumbai, is known for its diversity, culture and lively atmosphere. A major commercial and residential district, Andheri is home to a mix of traditional markets, modern shopping malls and vibrant street markets. It is also home to numerous restaurants, cafes and entertainment options.

From Andheri, it is quite easy to get to Versova Beach by metro. The young and affluent crowd seems to be running out here. In any case, in this area it is quite possible to enjoy home-brewed craft beer alongside Viennese-style schnitzel or a wine bar.

Years ago, this was unthinkable in Mumbai. All in all, this was a good trip through today’s Mumbai with a few temples and time for contemporary life in this metropolis.