As I wrote earlier, I wanted to visit BSE on a
working day. So I walked from CST and reached BSE building. To my
disappointment, there was hardly any chaos or scenes like traders running
around in hurry. Calm and quiet building; surroundings were equally calm. Only
difference on that working day was, BSE was open, and employees - wearing their
tags - were frequently coming in and out.
After spending some time there, I walked towards ‘Gateway
of India’ to catch a boat to Elephanta. Ticket cost was 160 INR. By the way,
Elephanta Island is located some 10km away from Gateway. I boarded a boat and
slowly started our journey towards the caves.
It was an interesting journey through Arabian
Sea. Apart from being the biggest city of India, Mumbai also have one of the
biggest harbors in India. On both sides, there were ships waiting to enter
the harbor; oil tankers emptying out their stomach to big oil storage tanks
located at Butcher Island.
After a while the journey becomes monotonous.
This lasted till we reach somewhat close to the island. From there onward birds
joined us till Island’s jetty. There is a toy train running from the jetty till
the steps (ticket - 10 INR). From here one has to climb a lot of steps to reach
the entrance to the caves. Vendors selling souvenirs are located on both sides
of the steps.
Finally I climbed last of those steps and reached
in front of the white board indicating ‘Elephanta Caves’, a designated UNESCO
world heritage site.
History of Elephanta (aka Gharapuri in Marathi)
The debate is still on the question of who built
the caves at Elephanta. It can be Konkan Mauryas, Kalacuris, Chalukyas or
Rashtrkutas.
“The Portuguese named the
island "Elephanta Island" in honour of a huge rock-cut black stone
statue of an elephant that was then installed on a mound, a short distance east
of Gharapuri village. The elephant now sits in the Jijamata Udyaan zoo in Mumbai” - Wikipedia
Many accuse Portuguese as the main culprits for
the destruction of these caves - “Portuguese
soldiers used the reliefs of Shiva in the main cave for target practice,
sparing only the Trimurti sculpture. They also removed an inscription related
to the creation of the caves.” - Wikipedia.
Apart from first cave, there were hardly any
statues/carvings or rock works on other caves. After spending some time on
first cave; I just checked other nearby caves, but skipped caves on other side
of the hill (there were some renovation work going on there.
I was so hungry that, I had a veg biriyani from a
hotel located in the island. That was one of the worst Veg biriyani I ever had;
and I believe that, it was the reason behind by stomach sickness started from
next day.
Naval Area
While coming back to Gateway, one can get a good
view of naval area. A number of naval ships were docked there. One is not
allowed to point their camera in that direction and take photographs!!!
Vile Parle
On the way back, I met a couple of localites who
was standing on a queue to board a boat to Alibagh. Unfortunately there wasn’t
enough time left; hence I politely declined the offer and went back to CST. Probably
on another day…
There wasn’t any plan for the afternoon. So I
thought of having some good street food. After going through some food related
articles, finally decided to try street foods along western line, starting from
Vile Parle. Needless to say, Vada Pav from there was really tasty.
Mumbai Monorail
After trying metro, I decided to try monorail as
well. At the time of writing this article Mumbai monorail is operating from
Ghatkopper to Wadala. A skywalk from Ghatkopper station took me to Monorail
station. This is a combination of Metro and Mumbai local. A journey through
excellent air conditioned coaches at local’s ticket rate. I believe that,
constructed and operated by government agency, this is going to become another
white elephant. At this ticket rate, Monorail may never breakeven or generate
profits.
Last stop for Mono rail was at ‘Wadala Road’ and
I got down there. Security guards at station told me that, GTB station is
closer than Wadala. I walked and walked, but GTB was nowhere in sight.
This is a big problem in Mumbai (and later in
Gujarat as well). People often say a place is very close and I start walking, only
to discover later that the destination is quite far away. So whenever someone
tells you that a place is close, never rely on that info!!! Check in maps and
board some bus or hire a taxi!!!
Finally I reached GTB station and boarded next
train to Seawoods.
Next day, veg biriyani - from Elephanta - showed
her real face I wasn’t able to wake up properly form bed.
That was my last day in Mumbai. For all those
days I was staying at Ammu Chechi’s home with Ammu chechi, Setuettan and Saju.
As a matter of fact, I was seeing them after a very long time. All those
moments were really great and enjoyable. Without their help the journey would
never have been so easy and comfortable.
To Vadodara
Setuettan came all the way to Seawood Station to
drop me. From there I went to Kurla Station, and then in an auto to Bandra
Terminus through ‘Bandra Kurla Complex’. It was a place I wanted to visit for a
long time. In that night, I was able to see the board of NSE building along
with so many other famous names in the industry.
I reached Bandra Terminus just on time; therefore
I had to run through platforms and tracks to reach Avadh express. Fortunately,
I was able to make it.
Sajeev.
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