The difference between poor and rich in Mumbai, the biggest and most modern city in India, is easily noticeable. Starting with train rides, mainly dominated by a working class in movement, to the tracks, where still many impoverish people built their camps. The trains from Western Railways are certainly an experience, no doors available and almost impossible to get in without a fight, at least during the rush hour. They are divided into diverse wagons - first and second class, disabled, ladies and transport of goods. This helps the flow of people and goods, and at the same time brings in some security to the table.
The centre of Mumbai is kinda difficult to precise, because of the city's huge area. We started to walk from the Churchgate Station, last station in the line, south through the Fort area. There you can find a few old Victorian buildings, remains from the British Empire, as well as gardens and play fields - cricket and soccer. The most famous monument is the Gateway of India, a 26m-tall triumphal stone arch, which we kind of passed by.
Dozens of high buildings and new architecture are filling the city's skyline, making it more chaotic than usual. Also the well between poor and wealthy is getting bigger and bigger, and in a few years is Mumbai probably so expensive as some western metropolis.
The Haji Ali Dargah is a Mogul-styled island with a mosque and mausoleum in the middle, and one of my favourite places to visit. From there you can observe the contour of the new apartment houses, that grow like mushrooms in both directions.
Tip: take the connection to Elephanta Island from Mumbai's Harbour and visit a collection of ancient elephant caves, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next Stop: Chennai, India
For more information:
http://www.india.com/travel/mumbai
http://www.india.com/travel/mumbai
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