Places to visit... Colaba?

Question

i'm visiting mumbai in a week. i'm not allowed to shop or visit any places due to some issues with security. The only place i'm going is colaba. so.... any tips what special thing to look out 4? i think there is a mall there no? so... any tips? suggestions?

Answer 1

Go to Kailash Parbhat, (Indian Food0  Mings Palace

(Chinese), Gateway of India (boat ride),

Regal Cinema, Colaba Market (awesome shopping),

Taj Hotel (lots to see there).

Answer 2

I just came back from India (my first trip there).  I did not like Mumbai so much, but I did stay in Colaba.  I stayed at Bentley's Hotel in Colaba.  Sugestions: have the exact address, and even still, if you have a map of it from the internet, take it with you to show the taxi driver.  I arrived at 2am at the airport and didn't get to my hotel until almost 4am because the taxi driver did not know where it was and could not find the street (it should have taken an hour at the most).  We drove around for an hour asking around and no one knew where it was.  I would have liked to stay at the Ascot, which was around the corner, but a bit more expensive.  Instead I stayed at Bentley's Hotel, which is more like a hostel.  

I didn't have any problems with security, just use common sense and do not leave your things unattended.  Always carry valuables with you in one of those belt-type pouches (I hated the neck-style one).  I also carried a small lock for my suitcase that I left in the hotel when I went out.  Be careful of taxi and rickshaw drivers that take you to the hotels, restaurants, and stores they want because they get a commission for bringing tourists.  And you will have to ignore people asking for money, it becomes overwhelming after a while and you will get crowded with more people asking for money.  Also, if someone poses for your picture, they expect money, even the children.    

There are several malls in Mumbai, but I only went to one at the end of the trip and was not that impressed.  I liked the store called Good Earth though.  

Colaba is good for shopping because it has street vendors along all its sidewalks.  And there are also stores along the streets.  Do not buy in the "government" stores ("cottage industries" is what they call it) - they are much more expensive and the "certificate" of authenticity they give you is not that impressive.  Go where the locals shop and bargain everything.  A tip, even if you like the object a lot, do not show too much enthusiasm for it so you can bargain the price down.  And be ready to walk out, that is when you will get the best price (trust me, I realized this on my last coupe of days there after the suggestion of my driver/guide).  Once again, bargain EVERYTHING!!!  Rule of thumb is to make your first offer half of what they tell you at first.  They will pretend to be offended, but don't give in, it's part of their tricks.  You will probably have to go up a it, but dont go up too much.  Usually half of what they say at first is the right/fair price.  You are traveling in the off-season so you can expect less tourists and better prices on things - some are desperate to make a sell.

If you are traveling now, it is monsoon season, it was starting by the time I left a couple of weeks ago, so take an umbrella and/or a raincoat.  By the way, it is very hot and humid.  Also, bug spray and a roll of toilet paper will be your best friends.  Trust me, you'll see why soon.  Oh, and if you are not quick with numbers, take a small calculator with you so you can always know how much it will really cost you in dollars or whatever currency you have.

If you have time and some money to travel to other cities, I recommend Jaipur, which several people told it wasn't worth it, but it was my favorite place out of all the cities I went (I went to Delhi, Goa, Agra, Mumbai and Jaipur).  Umaid Bhawan is the best hotel in Jaipur and we paid about $25 a night for two people (tell the guys over there that the two Puerto Rican girls recommended it).  Service was excellent, food was delicious, clean pool, and a very clean hotel.  They treated us like queens!  If you go there ask for Manzuur if you need a driver/guide - he is the best, funny, affordable, and ask him to take you to where the locals shop.  He knew where to take us at all times, even for food, and he waited for us - you can imagine two women shopping...  

We got incredible deals in jewelry (emeralds, rubies, diamonds, etc. it was made to order jewelry, very inexpensive - less than $150 for 5 rings and a pendant in precious stones).  I also got 8 pairs of sandals and shoes for less than 28 dollars!!  

Next time I am taking a bigger suitcase.

I really liked India and I am hoping to go back as soon as I can.  

If you need more info, feel free to send me a message.