Goodbye Goa, Hello Mumbai (Part 4)

6/15 ~ Haji Ali and Market Tour with Reality Tours.

Peggy and I got out of the apartment late today, but made it to see Haji Ali before our Market Tour with the same tour company from the day before.

Haji Ali itself was beautiful. The pointed archways and dome characteristic of Muslim architecture made the building and tomb majestic. But the walk on the pier to reach it was dispiriting. We saw too many homeless children and handicapped men begging for money. Many of these men were missing hands, perhaps they were cut off as punishment for stealing. However, a family of baby goats cheered us up on the way out.

Goat with Haji Ali in background

Peggy visits Haji Ali

Visitors walking to and from Haji Ali on the pier connecting it to the main land

Market Tour ~ An informative and fun experience – we walked through multiple markets (list and more info below) and on the way saw Mumbadevi Temple – the Hindu temple from which Mumbai got its name. At Crawford Market – the first building with electricity in Bombay – I bought a variety of spices and an aromatic chai tea for a peaceful sip later. After the markets, we saw a marble Jain temple being built. I found it amazing that in 2011, Indians are still constructing such elaborate temples by chiseling away at stone by hand.

Fruits at Crawford Market'

MARKET TOUR OVERVIEW :

Crawford Market: See the mix of Romanesque & Gothic architectural styles that define South Mumbai. This fruit and vegetable market is also famous for its sales of exotic animals!

Mangaldas Market: Some of India's most famous fashion designers purchase cloth for their creations here!

Kalbadevi and Khau Galli: Taste something spicy at this popular market! From chaats to masala dosa, every Indian street food can be found here.

Mumbadevi Temple: This is the historical Hindu temple after which 'Mumbai' city was named. Here, one can receive 'prasad,' blessings from Hindu priests.

Flower Galli: A market that has been famous for flowers for nearly 100 years!

Bombay Panjrapole: This is one of the oldest spaces used for the welfare of cows: over 400 cows live here! The cow is considered sacred by Hindus, and to increase their karma, people will come to the shelter to feed the cows.

(Source: http://www.realitytoursandtravel.com/markettour.html)