Finding the Calm in the Chaos: A First-Timer's Mumbai Story

I’ve lived in Pune for quite a long time now, and for just as long, Mumbai has been this glittering, bustling neighbour I’d always meant to visit. After years of meaning to, I finally got the chance to plan the trip with my Mom.

Of course, the city decided to give me a dramatic welcome.

The day we were supposed to travel, a red alert for heavy rain was declared. Part of me should have been sensible, maybe postponed. But I just didn't feel like cancelling this plan. We went ahead, driving straight into the heavy rain.

The Calm After (and During) the Storm

The journey was wet, to say the least. But as soon as we reached our hotel on Marine Drive and checked in, the rain subdued. And then, I saw it—my first proper look at the sea.

I don't know what it is about the vastness of water, but watching the waves from our window just calmed me instantly. Everything started feeling better. The air felt different, the energy was new. It was so completely different from where I live, and in that moment, I got it.

The City That Welcomes You

I know it’s not right to gauge a place so quickly, especially as a tourist just checking in. But I immediately understood the hype. I’ve heard so many people say that once you have lived in Mumbai, you don’t feel like living anywhere else.

Just a few hours in, and I could already feel why.

• It was so easy to navigate. We found our way around without any fuss.

• The people were genuinely helpful without being intrusive or annoying.

• The food! The options were plentiful, right from the get-go.

• The streets (in most of the places we saw, at least) were clean and wonderfully walkable.

The Heartbeat of Mumbai

What struck me most wasn't just the famous skyline or the sea. It was the feeling that there is so much culture, history, and so many stories still etched into the very heart and soul of the city.

You can feel that it's a city that is constantly evolving. It’s built to fit every single person who comes in with hope and dreams, looking to create a life and to call it home.

I don't know if I'll ever move there. But for sure, Mumbai has given me so many smiles in just one short trip. I will definitely be going back to visit.