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Malad's Mindspace Garden, Space for your Mind

Situated on the banks of Malad creek, in western suburbs of Mumbai, is the Mindspace Garden, which was originally a garbage dumping ground. But now its a huge garden with space for everyone to relax or do their own thing! The park has different species of blooming flowers, a zodiac walk, kids park, jogging track, and much more that provides that extra space for your mind!

Banganga Tank: Heritage in a Concrete Jungle

Situated in Walkeshwar temple complex on the southernmost tip of Malabar Hill in South Mumbai is the historical Banganga tank. It has holy significance, dating back to the 14th century, and today it shows the contrasting landscape of Mumbai. With traditional temple complex and slums on one side and towering buildings on the other, Banganga is the oldest surviving structure in the city.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali

A city where trees and open spaces are being destroyed and replaced by concrete structures, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a jewel and a quick getaway from the maddening urban life. We wanted to visit Kanheri Caves, the ancient Buddhist caves, unfortunately a pretty bizarre incident at the park ruined the plan.

Dharavi the Industrial Slum in Mumbai

Dharavi is known as the largest slum in the city, but apart from that we have never cared to know what happens in those slums. Dharavi is just not a slum, its the recycling super-hub of Mumbai, believed to be host to at least 15,000 single room factories dealing with at least 80 percent of Mumbai's plastic recycling as well as other recyclables.

The Ingenious Dabbawallas of Mumbai

Who would have imagined that a food delivery service started century ago would gain so much popularity that it is considered to be a successful business model at present. It has helped to salvage the traditional habit of eating home-cooked food for lunch in a rapidly globalized city. Yes, I am talking about the popular Mumbai dabbawallas.

Mumbai's Super and Vintage Car Rally

The vintage and super car rally in Mumbai had a line-up of beauties adorning the roads. The Supercar Show had cars that cost Rs 1 crore and above, so you had the Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Maseratis, Porsches, Bentleys, and many more, on parade. On the other hand were the gleaming vintages that welcomed us with their big round eyes and long faces! We were fascinated to see so many beauties from the past.
variety of earthen oil lampsIn the narrow gullies of Bhuleshwar, in South Mumbai, lies a tiny little shop filled with earthen treasures. As luck may have it we were suppose to find a shop selling safas (wedding turbans) for our wedding.

Just outside this gully was a woman selling some interesting earthen ware, not captivating but enough to attract any one looking for some ethnic home decor or gift items. As we walked down this tiny by-lane, that could barely accommodate two people walking side by side, we reached a shop displaying a lovely range of assorted pottery , besides that were vast range of oil lamps, which was fascinating.
woman selling earthernware
assorted earthernware outside shop
Outside the shop there were piles of the common earthen lamps or diyas used especially by Hindus for Diwali, Pujas or other festivals as oil lamps.
oil lamps
The entrance to the shop was tiny, so you might have to hunch a bit to avoid banging into the hangings at the door. Once in you have to avoid carrying any baggage cause every turn you make, there's a good chance to bring down some art work to the ground.
mask to hang on the wall
Assortment, variety, unique, beautiful, simple, it was all there in a shop that spanned not more than 6 by 10 feet. Every corner had a spot for something, every something had a spot of beauty, some had many.
clay fruits and vegetables
There were flower pots, fruits and vegetables, lamps, lanterns, chandeliers, Gods, wind chimes, vessels, wall hangings, decorations, candle stands, jugs, piggy banks, everything made out of clay. Some of them were painted, while some were plain and they also take orders if you want a piece in a specific colour.
a sculpture of goddess kaliAn attractive and yet simple oil lamp was priced at Rs 35 while a wind chime, which we picked up included 9 bells, parrots, leaves and beads, was priced at Rs 360. Yes it seemed very steep even to us, but there's a sign that said fixed price and the owner stuck to it.
artifacts displayed on the wallsWorking with earthen ware to him was an expensive task, he had to recover the cost for the goods that broke during the manufacturing process. Plus he has to get his stuff transported from his kiln on the outskirts of Mumbai in Badlapur.
clay coconuts or modaksAccording to him 40% of his produce is worthless, a figure too high for us to believe, but we choose to take the wind chime any way. The sad part, its been 6 days since we have put it up and there hasn't been any breeze strong enough to make it chime!
wind chimesIf you perhaps have a fetish for earthenware we definitely suggest a visit to this place. Although we have no clue what the rates are elsewhere, but we assume this place is cheaper than most. The earthen ware shop can be found at Bhuleshwar, Bhagat Wadi, Shop No. 11, (its close to Kabutar Khana) have fun shopping there!
The Streets of Mumbai

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