Tag: Bandra

Bandra, as you may know, is The Queen of Mumbai Suburbs.

But have you explored the Old Bandra?

It has undergone a huge transformation with the green cover reducing and giving rise to skyscrapers, clubs and new restaurants.

The restaurants long ago were run by locals, bakeries serving fresh bread. The new restaurants that have come up serve modern, global cuisines and crowds throng to this part of the city to dine here.

There was a time when life in Bandra was much more pleasant and relaxed. There were heritage cottages and bungalows which are slowly being taken up by land sharks.

#Bandrabyfoot initiative was taken up by fellow bloggers Branded Bawi and Sweet Annu to take Bandra lovers on a heritage walk to explore this heritage of Bandra.

So, we decided to go for an old Bandra walk and here is what we found.

The beautiful old cottages in old Bandra

Walking into the old lanes of Bandra in Ranwar village fascinated everyone.

Runwar village square postcard in Bandra
Old homes of Bandra postcards by Prashant Miranda

Street art

The Portuguese inspired homes and beautifully carved decorated Crosses that we saw on the way on #Bandrabyfoot

Food joints found in old Bandra

Kalpana Snack Mart, serves East Indian fare, the fugias were all sold out. We tried out their Mutton Pan rolls potato chops, flaky puffs and Patti samosas were amazing. Then as we walked further there was another food joint called Jeff Caterers, known for their kebabs and khichda and Chicken samosas. It was a delicious treat.

Overall the day proved to be extremely memorable for us.

Mount Mary Church and Bandra Fair

Mount Mary Church, Bandra
Mount Mary Church, Bandra

Mount Mary Church is located on a small hill facing the ocean. It is a semi-Gothic style structure which was built over 100 years ago. Legend states that Mother Mary’s statue is much older around 16th century.

A view of the sea while coming down the hill.
A view of the sea while coming down the hill.
Mount Mary's Church, Bandra
Mount Mary’s Church, Bandra

With the month of September setting in, it was Mother Mary’s birthday on September 8. The following week is the Bandra fair. With the Bandra fair beginning this week, the church and its ground have a festive look. Over thousands of devotees come to this church every year from all over the country and not just Mumbai. The duration of the fair is of 8 days which is part of the annual Feast of Our Lady of the Mount celebrations.

A glimpse into the fair that began on 13 September 2015

Candle stalls at the fair
Candle stalls at the fair
Bandra fair

You may like to read PILGRIM NATION: VIRGIN MARY IN VAILANKANNI – Best Places of Interest


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