Mumbai Mania

Mumbai with development at every nook and corner, it gets rare to come across places or objects to set you back in time. Bhavika recently decided to take a stroll through Kotachiwadi, a wadi (small cluster of houses like a village) that is a heritage spot in Girgaon after Chira Bazaar.

In the heart of the city Kotachi Wadi boasts of houses designed with the old-Portuguese style architecture. Founded in the 18th century, only 28 of these houses have survived out of 65, the rest have given way for new skyscrapers. Most of the houses are made of wood, they have large verandas in the front, a courtyard at the back and an external staircase to access the next floor.

It feels like you have entered an old Goan village with big houses and tiled roofs. It has a very calm atmosphere unlike the hustle and bustle of the city just a road away. When you are on the Girgaon main road and enter Kotachiwadi its like entering a time machine that takes you back in time from this modern era.

Kotachi Wadi was mostly inhibited by descendants of the original inhabitants of Bombay mostly Christians and Maharashtrians, but now its seems theres a mix between Gujaratis and Marwaris as well. The best time to visit Kotachi Wadi is during Ganpati or Christmas where the narrow streets and houses are decorated.

Don't forget to visit Anantashram, an eating house famous for its Malwani and Konkani seafood in Kotachiwadi. A brightly colored verandah of a house, embellished with figurines, ethnic wall pieces, bird cage etc.