Mumbai Diaries- The Forgotten


Remember , my last story on why I love Mumbai, Read here . I didn't know I will be doing a sequel to that story. Thanks to Jet Airways and me not sleeping through the 2hours. I was on a flight to Bangalore last week and read the inflight magazine where a particular article caught my eye. Featuring Mumbai 's oldest museum, looking splendid in a victorian style architecture- I couldn't believe I never knew about it. 9 years of being in this city and this thing was hidden from my gaze!  I felt excited there is a hidden gem , yet to be seen and decided to visit it as soon as the weekend begun!

So yesterday, if you followed me on Instastories, I walked into the premises at 11.30 am. Its funny but the entrance is through the Byculla Zoo, due to some restoration work. It took us ten mins to figure the entrance! On my way, I met a crazy bunch of monkeys, a blue bull , a deer, an ostrich and 2 mighty happy elephants (Surprise Surprise) I knew the day had begun well. The museum opens at 10am however there is a guided tour in English at 11.30 am free of cost. We were greeted by a smiling Vanessa who is an anthropology grad and is working with the museum .

Who built this museum?

This museum was established in 1855, as a repository for all the Indian art pieces that were sent all over the world to promote trade- an idea of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort. Most pieces in this museum are replicas that were sent to the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1855. Formerly known as the Victoria and Albert museum, this museum was opened to public in 1872 ,  restored to its glory between 2003-2008 and renamed as Dr. Bhau Daji Lad museum in 1975 as he was one of the patrons responsible for its existence. He urged the citizens to donate for this museum and managed a sum of 1,16,141 to build this along with a contribution of 1,00,000 from the government.


Why should you visit the museum?

- If you want to discover everything MUMBAI- this is the place to be. Infact, every person who comes to Mumbai for the first time must consider a visit here  . The reason- ? This is a Mumbai "city" museum which was built in 1872 to showcase the cultural elements of Mumbai as well as the country and the origins of Mumbai from the 18th century. Besides displaying the indian artefacts , this museum houses the oldest maps of mumbai as prepared by the Portuguese , french to conquer the city. The city was names " BOMBAY" - meaning good bay by the Portuguese and was called Heptanasia (7 islands) before that. The name "Mumbai" comes from the goddess Mumba-devi whose sculpture is also displayed here .

-You are a major Art-Lover: This museum was built to stun the citizens and has the most beautiful victorian interiors in India. Besides the building being a sight to appreciate, it  houses the oldest Indian artefacts that were sent all over the world for the purpose of trade. Divided into 2 sections- One for industrial arts and other for decorative arts- Most of the industrial art artefacts are replicas of the pieces that were sent to Paris in 1855 exhibition of the British colonies. The idea behind these exhibitions was to promote trade by showcase of the work of their colonies and India had a bountiful to offer. Prince Albert was the pioneer of these exhibitions and the artefacts by Indian artisans were produced to suit the European shapes and forms - for example english tea-pots were made to suit the British style. The exhibits underwent changes since its establishment and the most unique collection is clay-models of how different sects and religion men and women dressed in Mumbai. I've never seen such an attempt anywhere else before. Its truly outstanding. I can go on and on about the collection, but then I want you to see it yourself and absorb the art.


















How to get there?

You can take a taxi from wherever you are- this is the most convenient and please ask for Rani baug. If you take the train, you will need to take a taxi and the same goes for the bus.

ADDRESS
Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Rani Baug),
91/A, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, 
Byculla East Mumbai 400027 India


Tickets:

TIMINGS
10:00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Closed Wednesday. 


Indian Nationals 

(including PIO, OCI, NRI with ID)
Adult, 13 and above – Rs. 10/-
Child, 6 to 12 years – Rs. 5/-
Infant, 5 and below - Free
Student, under 12 (with school groups or valid ID) – Rs. 2/-
Student, 13 and above (with school/college groups or valid ID) – Rs. 5/-
For school and other group bookings contact education@bdlmuseum.org or +91 22 2372 1234

International Citizens

Adult, 13 and above - Rs. 100/-
Child, 6 to 12 years - Rs. 50/-
Student (valid ID) – Rs. 30/-
Infant, 5 and below – Free

FREE entry for

MCGM employees (with valid ID card), MCGM school children, Press, NGOs, visitors with disabilities
* Entry Tickets are required for all public programmes at the Museum.




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{ FASHION } Suede-ing a lot



Its that time of the year again.  The pseudo-winter and definitely the most welcome time in this otherwise sweltering city steals hearts.

I can't contain my happiness as I get to layer my jackets that lie for most time of the year in my cupboard. Not only that, my appetite for latest winter fashion, always keeps me searching and adding a little more warm options to my wardrobe because I can use it for my travels abroad.

I have always fancied faux suede fabric. When I saw this dress at VIPME, the colour and the fabric had me sold besides the brilliant silhouette of this dress. It came with a belt, but I wanted to create a sporty look and decided to remove the belt and just style it with my sneakers.

It is so cosy and the fit feels like it was tailor-made for me. This is slightly lose at my waist because i chose SIZE L . However, I don't mind that extra space for days i stuff me with food . Haha.

I was glad I found so many suede dresses at VIPME and I only know that I will be getting more of these. With this dress covering up the entire upper body, you rarely need accessories and that is the beauty of it. I can't wait to wear it with the belt and hot red pumps.

The delivery from VIPME was swift . However the Indian customs office will ask your identity documents as well as a little customs fee they calculate. In my case it was 2$ , which is ok . I am definitely choosing more outfits from this website. They have the most stylish dresses ever! And for you, they have been sweet to give a discount coupon! Use Ila362 on www.vipme.com to get 5$ off on your order above 50$ (Plus more discounts on site, Yay) ! To see my dress, scroll down and check the link. Happy shopping!





My dress:
https://www.vipme.com/khaki-suede-cloth-stand-collar-flare-midi-dress_pV0003948401?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=SI&utm_campaign=Ila_Johari




Till next time, CIAO!
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Mumbai Diaries- The old World Charm


I have written about the fascinating travels across the globe. But today it is for Mumbai. I have slowly and steadily fallen in love with the city and its ways. No , this is not going to be a WHAT TO DO IN MUMBAI kind of a post because its one of the most obvious things and I don't want to write what you have read so many times . But I am going to tell you about some very personal favourites and experiences that make me call this place my home.

Meet me on a Monday and I will scream - It can't get worse. This place needs new roads, traffic sense and disciple! On weekends , I am like- Oh I love Mumbai! Thats what this place does to you.

A bitter-sweet feeling run through the city. As you drive through the marine drive towards Fort, the route most tourists would take, you see the melange of palatial sea-side mansions interspersed with unkempt slums. The moment you start exclaiming- This is Beauty- the next scene is that of dust and randomness. Something like clothes lying on road dividers to be dried in the sun! Just how random yet the city moves on.

On the other hand, the victorian era architecture, the portuguese style bungalows with pigeonhole-like windows speak a story you'd eagerly want to hear but know not whom to hear it from. I have always wanted to meet someone who lives in those sea-side mansions. If you know someone, I would love to meet them. Then, There is a mysterious aura about those abandoned houses on the most lust-worthy addresses across Worli Seaface, Marine Drive and many other places & you only sigh- Wish you knew why its lying in misfortune. Places like Malabar hill leave you in awe because the hilly settlements transport you into a quaint Mumbai you will not see anywhere else. The Irani cafes, the Leopolds and the Kyaani's must have been the places your grandfathers frequented. So cool, isn't it! Thanks to bloggers like me, some South Mumbai places like the Asiatic Library brims with amateur as well as professional photographers capturing couture moments and memories as they do wedding shoots. And if this sight-seeing didn't make you hungry yet , there's much more to absorb if you head to Navy Nagar and see the old church. By now you are hungry & if you don't wish to burn a hole in your pocket- Places like Crystal (Estd 1950, Girgaum Chowpatty) and Pancham Puriwala (Estd 1840, Fort) make sure you eat tasty food at your heart's content in under 300Rs for Crystal and under 200 Rs for Pancham.

While I can die to spend at least 48hours of my life in the market of Sarojini Nagar in Delhi, nothing beats the Victorian style accessories in Colaba Causeway( bargain is tough) and of course the stunning Kolhapuri Chappals at Pioneer in under 750Rs for each pair. As I walk the street, there is so much more to absorb and the vibrance of the city gets me exhausted and I return to my nest. This is why i love Mumbai, for most of it. I know you would be tempted for pictures of food that I spoke about and much more, but sometimes I like to sound like a Novel.









DRESS- KOOVS.COM
SHOES- CLARKS
Sunnies- Ray-ban
Choker- Swarovski Slake bracelet worn as a choker
Leather sling- Dharavi (Another reason i love mumbai )
On my Lips- L'oreal True Reds collection- Sonam's red


Till Next time,
From the CHAOS, CIAO!
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The Piscean speaks



Ever drowned yourself in the maze of Zodiac? I have known my zodiac sign since the earliest times I can recall because my mother relied heavily on zodiac traits. My creativity comes from the fact that I am a piscean but not to forget the creative genes from the mother. So i put some of my skills to use in these shots.

The fact that I am dreamy and live in my own world is also what the zodiac sign represents- a dreamy happy fish. Perhaps this is my most favourite trait because I believe anything and everything is possible. I don't give up . Positivity comes easy to me but it is after a constant battle in my mind where the positive fairy wins all the time.

The empathetic trait drowns me in sorrow sometimes because the misery around makes me absorb it and feel terrible about the situation and constantly so. Pisceans tend to absorb the sorrow and hence make for good healers. But in turn , they suffer internally as they have exchanged sorrow for smiles. This is the most challenging trait and to balance this is a battle in itself.

Pisceans are painfully shy; I have always been. But I had to learn the ways of the world. I constantly want to undo this trait. Its so inherent , i have to push myself out of the comfort zone. But there, its happening gradually!

Pisceans are the kindest and truest of friends and can do anything to make the friend feel better . Well, this trait is lovely to have and as a child I must have exhausted myself in friendships that were meant for selfish motives and I came out stronger. Every trait has its pros and cons. Isn't it?

Do you identify with the traits of your zodiac sign? Happy to know in the comments box.







Jumpsuit: ZARA
Tie-up Choker: ( Please don't laugh. Its the drawstring from my old shorts :D)
Earrings: KAZO
Sandals: Nine West

Till next time, CIAO!

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Day Trip to COLMAR, FRANCE


Hello Guys!

Its been a lovely year so far as I have been traveling to my heart's content . You know it already, if you have been following my travels on Instagram. My base station was Geneva and I did my homework to plan day trips for weekends. Colmar features in the list of one of the most beautiful villages to see and pictures of this town over the internet had me determined.

A 4 hour train journey from Geneva , Colmar was blazing hot at 31 degrees Celsius on arrival at 10am in the month of September. I knew it would be hot but I had to see this place as I have already seen a bit of France in 2014 and didn't foresee going back to cover this town alone.

Colmar is beautiful with its pastel houses in partial woodwork from the 15th Century.  An abundance of colourful and dense blooms across the city and in the cute windows of the houses, makes every frame instagrammable, as I would like to call it.

However, there is not much to see beyond the houses and the Venice -like canals which the town-dwellers have smartly commercialised with boat trips. Colmar also boasts of a lot of Michelin star restaurants which are priced to drive a lot of us away . I instead decided to dine at a Lebanese joint which had very good Tripadvisor ratings. A family run restaurant ,it serves all-time favourites like Falafel, Fattayer, Hummus and the likes. There were 2 ladies making this in the kitchen so the service was very slow. However it tasted homely and was brimming with people in no time. Though it must be a long wait to get your food once the place is full. Half a day is enough to stroll along the quaint streets in Colmar and if you had to travel a long 4hours to be here in the heat , you may not feel it was worth it. However, if you are closer to this town and the weather is good,a half day trip to this picturesque town makes all the sense. After all, who doesn't like pictures straight from a fairytale?


Cutest souvenir shops



These narrow lanes in COLMAR are dollhouse heavens with these old houses intact & it made me wonder who lived here

My dress is from PLAVATE , a designer label that brings sustainable fashion to the connoisseurs. Handmade from Khadi, this is a delight in the summer weather wherever you are.





No tourist place is complete without a few known brands that up the fashion quotient.
Artisan Soaps moulded like Desserts. How would you avoid biting into them!

Till next time, CIAO!
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{ T.R.A.V.E.L} Annecy to perfection

A beautiful Day trip from Geneva , is the beautiful shopping hub in France- Annecy. Since Geneva happens to be really expensive, Annecy welcomes the people of this neighboring swiss city with its French boutiques and high- street brands- All at lesser prices. But if I have to visit Annecy, it will be for this picture-postcard-perfect town. Just around every corner is a chance to capture a frame with old stone walls, flowers and glimpses of the Alps. The lakeside lawns are a great picnic spot. Carry your food and spend the day gazing at the expansive sky and the blue lake.
There is something for everyone in Annecy , and If I were given a chance, I would love to visit this stunning place again, maybe I missed some corners?  Annecy is also called as Venice of the east. Well, too many Venice-s but its a delightful little town. Also featuring in one of the most beautiful towns in France, I need not repeat how much charm this place oozes . I am at loss of adjectives to describe this place and will let the pictures please you !










Does this inspire you enough to spend a day in Annecy? 
Till next time , CIAO!
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