Most of us have commuted via Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station or Flora Fountain, but hardly know the story behind them. Did you know that the construction of the Gothic-styled CST took 10 years for completion and resembles St. Pancras railway station in London? Or that St. Thomas Church at the beautiful Horniman Circle Gardens was the first church to be built in the city? These are just some snippets from stories you will get to hear on bicycling tours organised by Jayesh Morvankar and his troop at Odati Adventures.
Odati has been conducting these tours for 10 years now with a route that explores heritage structures in South Mumbai including Horniman Circle, Gateway of India, Radio Club, Electric House, Nariman Point and Ballard Estate followed by a food trail through Marine Drive, Bachelorr's and Metro Cinema.
Leisurely rides go on to explore the arterial roads of Town Hall and Ballard Estate with a rest stop at Asiatic Library, where one can lounge by the steps and share Mumbai's story. South Mumbai Cycle tours are a mix of culture and food trails. Depending on whether you choose the morning or the evening route, you can end your breakfast at Kyani & Co. restaurant (for the morning tour) or opt for a drink at Café Mondegar or Jimmy Boy (for the evening tour).
Mihir Sheth, who lives in Sion, has been working near Flora Fountain for 25 years but he barely knew about the stories behind it. He shares, "It was amazing getting to know the history of this part of the city; it was perfect for the kids, enjoying the most with them."
The group is always a mix of locals who want more than just movies or lunches on weekends. They often accompany their non-Indian visitors—travellers who want to explore the city—or Indians who have recently migrated to Mumbai. Similar guide-led tours are conducted by Reality Gives Tours, where you can opt for a 3.5-hour long ride around downtown with the benefit of knowing the story behind the places you cycle through.
Morvankar says, "Most people are not receptive to minor details given in an itinerary so we don't elaborate too much in prose. But while on the trip, in a specific location, the environment and the vibe provide the perfect setting to share the story of what that place once was and what it is now. So, our effort is to take them to the place, narrate the story there and then during the tour piece the larger story of Mumbai together."
Ashlesha Galgale shares, "A friend from Switzerland had come to visit the city. He is an outdoorsy person and loved the idea of a bicycling tour. So it was the perfect trip for him."
But I'm a beginner and I would like to test my bicycling skills before going on such a tour, you say? Worry not as you can easily rent a bicycle from Bickanix for as little as Rs.50 for an hour to Rs.500 for a day.
Once you are done exploring the city, you can consider going for longer rides such as Mumbai to Goa, which is a favourite with the outdoorsy kind. Until then, enjoy this gorgeous Mumbai weather with a Sunday morning bicycling ride around the city.
Odati Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
Cycle Tours in South Mumbai for 3-4 hours
Charges: Rs.1780 including bicycle, tour guide, a meal and refreshments
G 12A, Motlibai Wadia Building,
S. A. Brelvi Road, Fort
www.odati.com
Bickanix
For renting and servicing bicycles and bicycle tours
Charges: Rent a bicycle for Rs.50 (for an hour) or Rs.500 (for a day).
41/A, Sebestian Colony,
Rebello Road,
Near Mehboob Studio, Bandra (W)
Realty Tours
Cycle Tours in South Mumbai for 3.5 hours
Charges: Rs.1400 with bicycle and breakfast
Unique Business Service Centre,
1st Floor, Akber House,
Nowroji Fardonji Road,
Opposite Bademiya Restaurant, Colaba
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