It’s beautiful how South Bombay has such a lovely mix of heritage and cosmopolitan culture, isn’t it? And brownie points for areas like Kala Ghoda. While you’re walking around all those historical buildings and vintage architecture, you come across pubs, eateries, street stalls and fashion stores that don't even have to fight for your attention. They're all so pretty that you wish you had the whole day to check them all out. But hey, what if you were to explore Kala Ghoda someday? Don't know what to do or see? Here, take some help from us and get going!
Eat Parsi Food Or Admire Modern Art: Your Guide To Spending A Day At Kala Ghoda
Best Places To Shop
High Fashion Boutiques galore!
Cord has got to be one of the nicest stores in the city. They craft beautiful handmade clothing that is sustainable, great quality and very fashion-forward. We love their shirt dresses and blazers! Fort has a whole bunch of high-end options to shop from. Take your pick from many other designer stores, sustainable fashion stores, or the bylanes of Kala Ghoda for OG designer wear.
Other Stores To Look Out For: DVE, Ritu Kumar, Papa Don't Preach by Shubhika, JODI, and more.
Street Shopping at Fashion Street (or Colaba Causeway!)
The street stalls on Fashion Street and Colaba Causeway have always been haunts for those shopping for trendy casual wear, bags, and sunglasses. Score affordable work wear and tees, tops and more from these little stalls, many of which even have branded clothing. Make sure you bargain!
Prices for clothing start as low as INR 200.
Bond With (And Buy) Books at Wayword & Wise
This is undoubtedly the best curated book store in the city. Located in the by-lanes of CST, Wayword & Wise, with its blue windows and stone-framed windows will remind you of a cosy bookstore, much like the Julia Roberts- and Hugh Grant starrer - Notting Hill. You can spend some time reading here, or even pick up some great books to add to your collection. They even have a wonderful collection of poetry here.
Alternatively, visit the iconic Kitab Khana, especially if you're new to the city!
PS: Both spots have in-house cafes. Coffee and books on your mind? You know what to do.
Where To Eat
Catch Breakfast at Kala Ghoda Cafe
As they say, eat breakfast like a king/queen. So, here's to a healthy start to your day. The iconic Kala Ghoda Cafe favourite if you love kicking your morning off on a healthy note. Nothing better than sitting in a green corner with a bowl of healthy oats packed with organic fruits, isn’t it? Or maybe a power smoothie? In the mood to indulge yourself? Get their Desi Waffles!
Price: INR 1,200 for two
Other options in the vicinity include Poetry by Love & Cheesecake, Nutcracker, Jimmy Boy and Sequel. Make sure you have a sumptuous breakfast before heading out on the next routine. You don't wanna start off an adventure while hangry.
Enjoy Parsi Cuisine at Jimmy Boy
Fort is the hub of Irani cafes, with every nook and corner hosting one iconic eatery that serves soul-comforting chai and bun maska. Hungry for more? Enjoy a meal of chicken dhansak, farcha, berry pulao, soda and caramel custard, in a simple, authentic Parsi joint like Cafe Ideal Corner.
Price: INR 550 for two at Cafe Ideal Corner, and most of these spots are all ultra affordable.
PS: There are so many other Irani joints that you can check out like Café Excelsior, Café Military, Jimmy Boy, Britannia & Co. and more. Iconic places, and lip-smacking food. Great combo, no?
End It With A Bang At The Goose & The Gridiron
Restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars—Fort has something for every mood. When it comes to enjoying good nightlife, you can head over to the numerous bars and pubs in and around the Kala Ghoda area. One of our favourites is The Goose & The Gridiron. It's located in the Freemason building, and boasts of a lovely old world charm! Try the Mumbai Masala Mojito, the Honey Pepper Chicken, Spinach Ricotta Ravioli and the Almond Biscotti.
Price: INR 1,800 for two
You could also head to 145 Kala Ghoda for a night of dancing, or MITRON at The George.
Things To Do
Admire Contemporary Art
Fort has a lot of art, especially for those who love to discover new artists. One can visit curated stores, art galleries or even view the art exhibits on the streets! Also, what we love is that we can get free access to the art galleries here. They encourage expression and love to welcome all those who love art. Jehangir Art Gallery, and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), are some places that raise the bar with their artwork.
Check out the artists exhibiting their works right outside the galleries, you might just find something you really like!
Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM for Jehangir Art Gallery; 11 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 8 PM on weekends for NGMA
Soak In Some Greens
The Horniman Circle Garden spans across two and a half acres of greens, and is a great way to enjoy a break from the hustle bustle of the city around. Lie down with a book, enjoy a stroll, or simply sit around doing nothing, the greenery and freshness here is enough to rejuvenate you. Alternatively, walk across Cross Maidan or Azad Maidan. There are several quite spots in these maidans, too!
The gardens are located in the hub of all the shopping and eating, and the Asiatic Library is right around the corner!
Packing List: A blanket/mat, some snacks, water!
Visit the RBI Monetary Museum
Now this one's truly offbeat. The RBI has it's own little—but very interesting—Monetary Museum that houses ancient currencies, current currency, and lets you know a whole lot about the beginnings of the currency system itself. Learn about what the ancients used as barter, age-old embossed coins, and how paper money came to be, with a side of learning about what goes into making the schmoney we use today!
Entry fee: INR 30
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Visit One of the Oldest Cathedrals In Mumbai
Located quite close to Flora Fountain, just opposite Starbucks Reserve, St. Thomas Cathedral is a vestige of colonial rule, but is still an active part of the Diocese of Mumbai. The foundation stone of this Neo-Gothic marvel was placed in 1676, and it was finally consecrated in 1718. It's one of the first Anglican churches of the country. Who said Mumbai isn't filled to the brim with history?
Entry is free.
Timings: 7 AM to 3 PM, so plan accordingly!
Or How About A Jewish Synagogue?
The city's second oldest Sephardic Synagogue, the Knesset Eliyahoo synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish one. Made in the era when the people of Baghdad fled to India for political refuge, way back in 1884 by the Sassoon family. The space offers a rare insight into the Jewish way of life, which is a really rare opportunity for most of us!
Since the synagogue was unfortunately targeted during the 26/11 attacks, policemen are always stationed here, often asking why you want to go in. Just be honest, and let them know you're just absorbing some culture! You might get asked for ID Proof.
Entry: Free
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
