Trains too hot and cabs too pricey? Explore the city in air-conditioned style on the Metro and get to know the ‘burbs intimately
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Mumbai's Metro network is still under construction, but even with around half the system operational, you can explore many places, all for less than R100, if you don’t mind short walks under 20 minutes, or quick rickshaw rides under 10 minutes. Here are destinations you can reach using Mumbai Metro’s oldest line, that connect Versova to Ghatkopar, and latest line that recently opened till Worli, from Aarey Colony.
Aqua Line
» Aarey JVLR: This station lies on acquired forest land, and is technically enveloped by Aarey forest from three sides. So if you’re lucky, you can spot parakeets, Golden Orioles, Indian Spotted Eagles, and even Barn Owls near the station. But beware of the leopards! Just a 10-minute rickshaw ride from here takes you to Hiranandani Gardens, where you will find a slew of cafés, fine-dine spots.
The Powai lake promenade is perfect for walks, and the area stays cooler, thanks to Aarey’s greenery. The neo-classical European architecture of Hiranandani Gardens is also a visual treat. For history buffs, an archaeological site is just around the corner, just a seven-minute rickshaw ride from here — the Mahakali Caves!
» BKC: This station is in the heart of Mumbai’s central business district. It’s also the closest station to Jio World Centre, NMACC, and some of the best fine-dine restaurants. It’s also deemed one of the most walkable suburbs of Mumbai, so you can use the broad promanades to walk to the above mentioned places within minutes!
Blue Line
» Versova: Right below the metro station, you can find Pop Tate’s, a classic restaurant and bar which still has its 2000s charm. However, if you’re a coffee and books lover, a 20-minute walk through Yari Road’s shaded canopies and Versova’s quiet lanes leads to Leaping Windows Café, a cosy spot with nearly 5000 books and comics. This pet-friendly café also retains its charm from 15 years ago, with barely any changes in its ambience or menu. For evenings, Versova Rock Beach is also just a seven-minute walk from the metro station, a much quieter beach than Juhu, though you can’t walk further west towards Silver Beach due to a nullah blocking the path.
» DN Nagar: For pizza lovers, Joey’s Pizza is just a five-minute walk from here, also a nostalgic joint with its same old interiors, but more importantly, its cheese-loaded pizzas. Located in Upper Juhu, this is also the closest metro to Prithvi Theatre, which hosts some of the best plays in India, and has one of the city’s cheapest cafés where you can have a hearty meal in R150. The theatre is also home to Paperback Bookstore, which has an excellent collection of both the latest books and classics. Also, just a 15-minute walk away is PVR Juhu, a flagship theatre frequented by stars for film premières. Other must-visit gems, also just a 15-minute walk away, are Silver Beach and Silver Beach Café.
» Western Express Highway: The metro ride can be a treat for photographers, as they can catch a snap of the cherry-like taillights of northbound vehicles post-6 pm in the brief seven-second window when the metro is above the highway. Even without a camera, the metro offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of Mumbai’s lifeline highway.
» Dodge Saki Naka: One of the biggest blessings of this metro line is that you can skip Mumbai’s most infamous traffic signal in seconds. Even Google Maps can’t predict!
» Ghatkopar: At a seven-minute walk from this station is a 100 per cent vegetarian street food hub, the Khau Galli, with most dishes below R100. It’s especially famous for Gujarati and Jain delicacies.
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