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It’s been long since I posted here on my Web Log. Well the reason was obvious I was away on a trip to Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. And there are several things I learnt from this trip (So the title Part I, will make sense now, as couple of my upcoming posts will be directly or indirectly be related to this amazing city)

The trip on the whole was full of excitement, tiredness, adventure, weakness and a lot more than I can write about. But some initial things I would like to mention, if you ever travel to Mumbai then these might be helpful.

These tips are for those who are right now planning their trips.

1. Check out the Mumbai Rajdhani: Yes, I must admit, that travelling on Mumbai Rajdhani Express can be a wonderful experience. Especially if you are travelling with your friends. Do Not spend humongous amounts on airfare, rather enjoy a decent 3-tier ride to Mumbai and you will know why!
2. Carry your Booze: Buying drinks in Mumbai can be an expensive business, and if you are travelling on a shoe string budget then this could be a major blow. Like prices of liquor from Delhi excise shops are much lesser than the Mumbai Excise shops. So, you can easily carry 2 sealed bottles per head. (I would not like to bombard the Indian Railways security but, even if you carry a crate of whiskey, they will let you through even through the X-Ray scanners.)
3. Don't forget to slip in some bribe: Slip in a Rs. 50 note the coach attendant and see your trip become magical, this guy will get you almost anything you want, be it cigarettes, booze or some flavored condoms, but even after this bribe the rates will be 2.5 times the original. Slip in the bribe only if you want what I mentioned; else refrain from such practices like we did.
4. Sleeping in the train, are you kidding?: Sleeping on the train is for the stupid, just move out and have a look outside, the world blurring out in the dead of the night is something you would not enjoy while sleeping. Did I mention you were carrying your booze? Just enjoy some pegs, make sure, do not create a ruckus, have a safe drink! (Do not blame me, if you fall off or you are thrown off!)
5. Hungry people find their own food: each coach has their own food heating ovens, near the exit. The best part is not all ovens are locked nor does all the food get consumed. So chances are bright that you will find a nice amount of leftover food from the dinner to fill in your 2am appetite. Please check if the look and smell okay, do not hesitate to finish all, that’s waste for them anyways.
6. Avoid the top bunk: at around 4am or 5am you will be pushing your eyes hard to keep open, you will have to finally admire the bunks the Indian railways made for you (and how incredibly small they are, dunno who thinks we could be comfortable in there). My personal experience says, the top bunks are disastrous, as the AC vents will kick the shit out of you!

These tips are definitely going to brighten your travelling to Mumbai, but these for those travelling friends, well if you are travelling with your family. Have a hard luck at trying out any of these.

Coming up soon, after you get down at Mumbai!

Cheers!