Before you drop the ‘hey, is it even possible’ bomb, we’d like to tell you it is. Trust your own company instead of feeling bad for not having a better half (you're your own full) So this Valentine's Day, instead of spending your time at home and checking mushy IG Stories, go out and explore the city from morn to night. You'll be surprised to know how much this city has for you to explore (and love) Get set going, dost and make the most of Valentine's Day!
For The Singles: Here Are Some Fun Things You Can Do Alone On Valentine's Day
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Visit Raj Bhavan
Start off your day with a visit to Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s home situated atop Malabar Hill. Stretch, do some yoga or just zone out (we do it all the time). The great thing about Raj Bhavan (for us introverts) is that people are banned from talking too much. It’s a place for silence, yoga, and maybe some table tennis.
Timings: 6AM to 10AM
P.S: We advise that you book ahead of time, because they take on very few visitors at a time and are usually fully booked.
Stroll At Hanging Gardens
The Ferozeshah Mehta gardens, also known as the Hanging Gardens, are one of Mumbai’s iconic, and rare green areas. The gardens are terraced and perched at the top of Malabar Hill. The area is serene and laden with animal-shaped plant installations, which are probably going to be your only company at the gardens. We love this place for its greenery, how well-maintained it is, and the shady areas that provide a respite from both rain and shine.
Timings: 8AM to 9PM
Hike At Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Dodge Mumbai traffic (for a while) and rent a bicycle at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Ride through the roads that lead to Kanheri caves and have yourself an adrenaline-filled yet a relaxed day. You can even take the bus if you’re not feeling the biking thing. The park is again, one of the city’s few but sprawling areas which allow for people to have a quiet moment with their thoughts, yet get some sight-seeing done.
Timings: 7:30AM to 6:30PM
P.S: Do not head there too late, or wander off the trails, since some parts of the park are quite secluded and unsafe.
Photo Ops At Bandra Fort
This spot is a little ‘out there’ but it never fails to surprise. This fort is located opposite Taj Land’s End in Bandra West, so if you keep walking ahead of the posh hotel, and the crowds waiting outside Shahrukh Khan’s house, you’ll find this beautiful and serene spot. The fort affords a great vantage point to see the waves crashing against Bandstand, as well as of canoodling couples (keep your eyes trained straight, as Mumbai etiquette demands).
Timings: 6AM to 6:30PM
P.S: This fort is also very close to a lot of eating joints (because Bandra), so after you're done snacking, just plug in your earphones and think about nothing.
Enjoy The View At Marine Drive
Can't miss this, can we? The icon's our favorite in the city for grabbing a cup of cutting chai and looking at the endless sea while we're at it. You're sitting on the parapet, there's traffic behind you, and you see the city going bonkers with the pace. But there's also the sea in front of you. Look at it, and stay calm. Maybe plug in and listen to an Iktara?
P.S: If you love clicking photographs, get your cam out and capture the pink and red hues of the sun in the evening at the Drive.
Explore Art At National Gallery Of Modern Art
Love art? Then head to the National Gallery Of Modern Art in Fort for an afternoon browsing their collection of art. The gallery is housed in a colonial building with three floors of artwork, consisting of mostly paintings and sculpture. The second floor, which is more of a mezzanine floor is dedicated to sculptures. They have works by artists S.H. Raza, M F Husain, and more. They also regularly host thematic and temporary exhibitions here.
Timings: 11AM to 6:30PM
Have A Coffee At Candies Cafe
One of the most iconic cafes in the city, Candies is our go-to for a great cup of coffee, their amazing cheesecake and salad bar. It's got plenty of nooks and corners where you can settle in with a drink and a book and just unwind and enjoy some well-needed me-time. If you've got a sweet tooth, don't miss out on their desserts either!
Shell Out: INR 200-500 for one
Dance It Up At Kitty Su
Kitty Su has got to be one of the more happening nightclubs in the city. If you're looking to let loose and dance off the week's stress we totally think you should hit this place on a Friday or Saturday night. Kitty Su's got a regular roster of DJ nights and live acts that amp up the energy, often featuring international artists from around the globe. It's especially popular for those of you who love EDM.
Catch A Play At Prithvi Theatre
If you love theatre, why not spend an evening catching a play at Prithvi. An intimate venue with an interesting line-up, it's a great place if you love theatre. Prithvi in Juhu has a great line-up of plays, plus they host theatre and arts festivals every year. You can also catch a workshops, musical performances and more here.
P.S: Don't miss out on their famous Irish Coffee at the cafe.
Take A Pottery Class At Potter's Place
Run by Shalan Dere, Potter's Place is a studio that specialises in handcrafted pottery. What's great is that you can sign up for one of their workshops or classes and learn the art of pottery, both wheel and hand techniques. Call them up to inquire about timings and class prices.
Shell Out: INR 1,000 onward for each session
Pamper Yourself At Areopagus Spa
We all need pampering every now and then, and what better way to do it, than to book a session at Areopagus Spa, a Japanese spa in Matunga. Their 70-minute signature massage costs INR 8,000 and promises to leave you relaxed and ready to face the world anew.
Shell Out: The starting price (for foot therapy) is INR 2,800