|
|
|
Mumbai Nightlife
Drinking is more an accepted part of the culture in Mumbai than in other parts of India and the city has a burgeoning modern bar and club scene, which would not look out of place in any European capital. Bars tend to be the places where the city's bright young things eye each other up, as many nightclubs adopt a couples only policy.
The most famous bar in Mumbai is undoubtedly Enigma. It is also one of the hardest to get in to but if you manage to edge past the bouncers you will find yourself surrounded by top Bollywood actors and models, all enjoying the bangra beats. Insomnia is also a top place if you are intent on mingling with Mumbai's rich and famous. This is a dangerously cool establishment situated across two floors and doesn't get going until much before midnight.
If these two are beyond your budget, there are many cheaper places to try.
The Juha Beach area of town has a number of decent bars and clubs and J 49 is famous for its wild Sunday nights, while Rock Bottom offers plenty of floor space.
Those looking to find an old colonial drinking establishment will be best off heading to the Leopold Café & Bar on the corner of Colaba Causeway. First established in 1871, travellers flock here to take in the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy a cold beer.
For the hipper visitor, Red Light is a swell bar to try. Head down the MG Rd and look for the red traffic light, the only indication that you've arrived at this moody establishment. Cool cuts play on the turntables in this red and black-lighted haunt.
If you've have always wanted to visit a bar that offers both grunge and bangra but never known where to go, try Ghetto on Bhulabhai Desai Marg. The place is widely regarded as the original Mumbai alternative venue and can get lively on the weekends. Feel free to write something pithy on the walls.
Strangely, Mumbai does a fine line in disco era establishments and Polly Esther's off the Colaba Causeway is the pick of the bunch. The place has a Saturday Night Fever style dance floor and waiters in afro wigs.
Mumbai also has a fair live music scene. One of the top joints to head to is Not Just Jazz By The Bay in the Churchgate part of the city. Here you will find the best jazz in town but often the bands will also play a touch of blues, pop and rock to keep the audience on their toes. Live acts are on most nights of the week.
If you're wondering where all the smartly dressed couples keep disappearing to, chances are they have headed to one of Mumbai's numerous cinemas. Many picture houses were closed down in the 1980s and 1990s but they have recently been making a strong comeback and the city has well over 100 to have a go at, with the majority showing the latest Bollywood blockbusters.
|
|
|
|
Nightlife
