By Rama Gaind
Sounds of the Arabian Sea were soothing as the waves rushed to shore on Juhu Beach, in Mumbai. Even at 6.30am, walking along the beach, feet sinking in the soft sand, I did not escape the humidity of Mumbai.
I could not escape the shrill noises made by young boys playing cricket. Every spare spot – on sand – had a cricket pitch. Running fast appeared effortless for these eager youngsters. It was fascinating to watch their eager faces as they hit the balls and scored high.
No doubt, they were aspiring to become ‘great’ cricketers in the future, emulating the success of India’s cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Maybe one of them will beat the record set by the ‘master blaster’ who is the highest scorer in the history of Test cricket with 15,183 runs and the first player to score a double century in the history of One Day International cricket.
It was prime time for reflection, watching families bonding during their morning walks, dogs running around with their handlers or making the acquaintance of stray canines – some roamed aimlessly while others slept oblivious to the activity around them.
Elsewhere along the beach, small shops were slowly opening their doors for trading that’s at its most brisk in the evening.
A coconut vendor stood by his cart, piled high with thirst-quenching coconuts, keeping a keen eye out for early morning customers. He didn’t have to wait for long.
Eager to get an early start, a lone beadmaker was busy putting out his wares on display in anticipation of quick sales. He also took the time to make new bracelets. There was an assortment of colourful and dainty beads to suit all tastes, styles and ages.
It was getting hot and sticky, time was marching on and my feet felt heavy as I ploughed through the sand. It was 8.30am – and time to take refuge indoors – at the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.
This is the flagship property of Novotel in India, opening its doors in July 2009. The prime beachfront property, sprawled over 2.5 acres, offers 203 rooms and suites with breath-taking views overlooking the Arabian Sea. Epitomising luxury, this was a comfortable home-away-from-home where I savoured not only the service in the lounge on the Premier floor, but also the wide-sweeping views of the beach and the city in the distance.
While there’s a lot to see and do on the beach, Juhu is also one of the most famous suburbs of Mumbai. It’s well-known for its affluence. Juhu is the address for wealthy business identities and some of the most famous stars of the Indian film industry including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Amrish Puri and Dharmendra. West of Juhu is flanked by the mighty Arabian Sea and Santa Cruz and Vile Parle are in the east.
While in Juhu, pay homage at the Shiv Mandir or visit the ISKCON Temple which is just opposite. Every day about 5,000 pilgrims visit the temple and on Sundays the number swells to more than 10,000.
Get spiritual and visit one of Mumbai’s oldest temples, Mahalaxmi Temple in Bhulabhai Desai Road. It is dedicated to the three shaktis – Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Kali.
Set aside some sightseeing time in Mumbai. Get a sense of the city’s colonial history in Colaba and Fort, home to the iconic Gateway of India and ornate High Court, and see ancient sculptures and miniature paintings in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum in Kala Ghoda. This dynamic city is overpowering from the Gateway of India!
See nature at its resplendent best. You must not leave without seeing the spectacular sunset. Watch the horizon light up against the vast seemingly endless expanse of the Arabian Sea as the deep red, orange and yellow hues of the setting sun mesmerises you!
DETAILS BOX
Getting there:
Get a tailor-made tour package from the Flight Centre in Australia. Call 133 133 or visit http://www.flightcentre.com.au
In a new venture, the Indian arm of the business is growing fast. Locally known as Flight Shop, five retail stores have already opened in Delhi with more to follow.
How to fly
Qantas Holidays have packages, call 13 14 15
Thai Airways flies to 14 cities in the Indian subcontinent, including Mumbai
Check out: www.thaiairways.com.au
Where to stay
Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach
Balraj Sahani Marg
Juhu Beach
400 049 Mumbai
India
Tel: (+91) 22-6693-4444
Fax: (+91) 22-6693-4455
Email: [email protected]
Australians can make bookings on the Accor reservations number in Australia on 1300 65 65 65
