Top 5 Shopping Malls in Mumbai

Mumbai-Thane has over 40 malls altogether, however not all are worth exploring. I have prepared a list of top 10 shopping malls/ shopping destinations to check out in Mumbai/Thane. Although I am not a shopaholic person myself, but i like to visit such places once in a while and spend an evening roaming about the Malls. I avoided mentioning the names of brands present in the malls as it would make the article very long and boring.

High Street Pheonix
The best mall of Mumbai as mentioned by me in my previous articles, this place is also the house for the poshest brands of the world. located near the Lower Parel railway station, its as such a compound accomodating two malls : Pallidium and Grand Galleria. Some of the major stores are still under construction. A variety of brands, mostly premium ones are present here in addition to the designer-wear stores which makes for a quite costly shopping experience. I bet you'll find brands here that have just one store in India. Overall the location is superb, ambience and crowd is amazing and brands are nice but costly. You can go to spend an evening here and watch a movie at PVR followed by dinner at several multi-cuisine restaurants. Food-court like other such malls is absent and is replaced by full-fledged resturants.
Website: www.highstreetphoenix.com/ 
Address: High Street Phoenix
The Phoenix Mills Limited
462, Senapati Bapat Marg,
Lower Parel (West)
Rating:
Brands: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10
Overall: 9/10

R-City Mall Ghatkopar
Self acclaimed largest mall of Mumbai is indeed quite large I'd say. Only 70% of the stores and space is in use presently and the remaining 30% is under construction. But the place which is open is developed very nicely. This mall has got the widest mix of the brands and i find it the best shopping destination for everyone as the range of brands present is very broad. Located between Ghatkopar and Vikroli, the mall has revived the area. The mall looks very lively to me because of its nice architecture. A large food court which is mostly over filled on weekends and Deccan City Pride Multiplex are the two places to check-out here. Dining can be quite truobling as you'll have to be really quick to steal a table from the crowd.
Website: http://www.rcity.co.in/
Address: R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar, Ghatkopar West
Rating:
Brands:8
Ambience:9
Overall:8.5

In Orbit Mall Malad
I have visited all the Inorbit mall in like Pune, Vashi and Hyderabad and you bet they have an appetite for excellence. This place is no exception. Beautiful architecture and plentiful brands make it the ultimate shopping destination. Food court which houses the maximum number multifrious kiosks is an appetizer for anyone, I bet. The mall is very large and has many stores so you'll sure get what you are looking for here.
Website: http://www.inorbit.in/malad/
Address:Inorbit Malls ( India ) Pvt. Ltd.,
Link Road, Malad (W),
Mumbai – 400 064
Rating:
Brands:9
Ambience:8
Overall:8.5


Atria The Millenium Mall
Its the most popular mall among the people of So-Bo. Located in the posh locality like Worli the brands are obviously expected to be hi-end and expensive. Apart from the retail and fashion outlets it also is the premium auto destination The world's top brands like Ducati, BMW and Rolce Royce have their showrooms here. Also present here is the popular entertainment zone Orama- which has a 4-D theater, an ice skating rink and a gaming zone near by the multi-cuisine food-court. Some stores are not fully operative possibly due to high cost but low turnover.
Website: http://www.atriamumbai.in/
Address:Dr. Annie Beasant Road, Worli
Rating:
Brands:8
Ambience:7
Overall:7.5

Korum Mall
I couldn't resist myself from adding a Mall from Thane.
The most popular shopping destination for the people of Thane is located in the heart of the city. The mall is beautifully build. You can see 90% of the stores from the ground floor and thats the beauty of its architecture. Its like a megastructure with stores fitted into the walls. Architecture is simple and the ambiece is pleasent. The brands are from all ranges and affordable I'd say. So after enjoying the shopping you can go out for a movie in Inox or have a pleasent dining experience. But the food court doesnot house too many stores and hence the choices offered are limited.
Website: http://korum.in/
Address: Mangal Pandey Road, Off Easter Express Highway, Thane(W)
Rating:
Brands: 7
Ambiece:7
Overall:7


More on Malls and Shopping in my next article.

Emotional Independence -2

In my previous article i gave a general idea about emotional independence. Now I am going to take the point further and define emotional independence and tell why is it important.
Emotional Independence can be defined as the ability of the mind to be free from the affect of emotions of others, to feel whatever it pleases without being affected by the activities of other people.
Looking at it practically it looks quite natural and obvious that why should an individual be affected by activities and actions of others. But in real life scenario the case is completely different as we know. Human beings will always continue to be dependent on other people emotionally. The ideal case for emotional independence is very hard to achieve as we are very much attached to our loved ones. But it can be achieved to a level where we can modify own behavior and actions irrespective of the emotions. We can supress our emotions to such an extent that they no longer have an affect on us and we can behave normally even in case of extreme emotions.

The whole idea behind being emotionally independent is to be self sufficient and every sense. An emotionally stable individual will always be stronger than someone who is emotionally sensitive. The sensitive individual will bring in emotions into the situations where logic is required and might end up taking a wrong decision directed by emotions. On the other hand an emotionally stable and I'm afraid to use the word but also, an 'apathetic' indivudual will take a better in case of calamity which gave rise to extreme emotions. Being a living being and furthermore, a human being, emotions are meant to be a part of our life. I don't deny that. But I deny the fact that we need to take support of our emotions while taking decisions. Let alone support, one should not even consider ones emotions while taking decisions lest one regret it later. Yes, emotions can be supressed and by doing so one can take better decisions in life. After all its your decisions that will decide the course the course of your life.
I've heard people saying my mind is saying No but by heart is saying Yes. We know that the mind is the only organ in body capable of taking decisions and thinking. Obviusly, heart can't think. So here in this case, we can say that the person is bringing the emotions into play and I bet most of you will go with what you believe your heart is saying. Nevermind.

Finally i'd like to add that emotions can't be fully annihilated as they arise as a part of hormonal and neural signals, but we can achieve a mastery on them with practise.
 

Emotional Independence

Please don't read if you don't like the subject, because it will only get worse from here.

Human beings are meant to live a life of happiness and enjoyment. Yes, pain and suffering are a part of life,but these feelings don't define life. Pain is never to be taken seriously. Life is defined by the positive emotions. Personally, i always try keeping myself calm and regret the few times I've got angry or frustrated because of some other human being. I regret being perturbed because of someone else and I consider it to be my weakness and inability. Why so?

The expression of negative emotions or the mere existence of it shows your dependence on others. If someone else's actions incite you or cause anger, then you should realize you are weak. Anger is the biggest sign of weakness. Weakness, not physical but emotional. You are weak because you are dependent on others. Your emotions are guided by other people's actions. How can it be left to someone else that what you are supposed to feel. Emotions is what you feel, and what you feel is what you are. So, if you grant another individual the previledge of defining you, perhaps you need to start taking life more seriously now.

I have my own way to keep the emotions under control. Whenever I experience a negative feeling like frustration or anger because of someone else, I make conscious efforts to supress it. I supress it by saying to myself that I can't let anyone affect my emotions. My emotions can't depend on others. I repeatedly say this until I am able to supress the feeling to a lesser significance.

However by saying all this i dont implicate that one should not feel sympathy or empathy towards the loved ones. Here i am only talking about the negative emotions that arise due to others. The positive ones should be lived and enjoyed to the greatest extent, because it is how life is meant to be, happy and joyous.

More on the topic in my next article.

And they call it Freedom

The Indian constitution has listed seven rights, one of which is right to freedom. Although I am against the idea of democracy altogether, but for the time being I will not talk about it. I will just like to write about the Right to Freedom which is a fundermental right of citizens of India.

By definition:
Right to freedom includes freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association or union or cooperatives, movement, residence, and right to practice any profession or occupation (some of these rights are subject to security of the State, friendly relations with foreign countries, public order, decency or morality), right to life and liberty, right to education, protection in respect to conviction in offences and protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.

First of all, I find the definition flawed in itself. I don't think anyone has the authority to grant freedom to someone else. Now, even if you grant a right to freedom, there can be no exception to it. Freedom doesnot come with any chains or chuches. It is absolute. Freedom is the independence to do anything one wishes, whatever be the consequences. Obviously, absolute freedom can be disastrous because world is full of psychopaths and anti-social elements. But this doesnot changes the definition of freedom. If you grant freedom to someone, you can't put conditions on it. Freedom, if not absolute, cannot be called freedom. It can be anything but it.

So now, even if you can't grant unquestioning freedom, atleast fulfill what you claim to grant. You say one has freedom of speech provided it doesnot infringe the National security. But then you ban individuals from Social Media sites like Twitter and Facebook for instance. You ban people from protesting peacefully. Again, not that I care too much about the protests as they almost all go in
vain and are fruitless means of fulfilling ones demands. But even then, if one wishes to protest and feels that by protesting and rallying like this, he will get what he wants, then why block him. Why is he locked behind the bars for a peaceful procession. Aren't they trespassing the rights they have granted themselves?

Right to freedom cannot be granted by anyone. No one has the authority to grant this particular right to anyone else. Be it the government or parents. One is born with it and if it is compromised in any sense then one must fight till he dies for it. Because if you are not free, then life is worthless.


My inspiration for writing this article is the song 'Aazaadiyaan' from the movie Udaan.

10 places you should visit if you are in Mumbai

Top-10 Hotspots of Mumbai you must visit if you are here:

1. Marine Drive - Nariman Point
Location: 10minutes walk from Churchgate Station.
This is by far the best spot of Mumbai. The three km long strech of road is like "jannat" on earth. Its expensively clean and tidy (which is quite unexpected by Mumbai standards). You'll find people from all age groups here. Couples spending some solitary time, old people chattering, college students enjoying a bunked-day, an mid-aged lady jogging, an old man walking his dog are the types quite frequently visible. So as you walk enjoying the skyscrapers on one side and sea on another, you reach Nariman Point, the end of the road . You can spend an evening full of solitude, watching the stillness of the sea and get lost in some random thoughts. Sometimes I wish I could go there everyday.


2. Gateway of India - Hotel Taj Palace
Location: 10minutes ride from CST station.
The place has great historical significance for India. There are two historically important monuments in the area: The Gateway of India and The Hotel Taj, built by Jamshedji Tata. The place is usually crowded by tourists from all over the world. You can stand there all day, just looking at the blend of ethinical diversity. The horse-carts (or Vicoria as it is called here) is a popular ride here for the famalies. However you may not see it the next time you visit this place because of the protests against its use by activists. So while you are busy looking at people and clicking a few snaps, your attention will be caught by a convoy of BMWs and RolceRoyce passing through. The convoy will stop near at The Taj and you'll learn to ignore it the next time. The place is not as clean as Marine Drive but its undoubtedly the most popular tourist spot in Mumbai.

3. Colaba Causeway
Location: 10minutes ride from CST station

The ultimate shopping destination for college students and foreing tourists. Long strech of street shops placed on pavements outside the branded stores make a wonderful shopping spot for everyone. Right behind the Taj hotel the area is the costliest and the liveliest place in the most lively city of India. If you are in Mumbai, you can't go without visiting this place. Here you'll find some famous bars like Cafe Mondegar and Leopold Cafe and amazing street food restaurant like Bademiya and one of the oldest theater in Mumbai- Metro. You can come here with anyone and spend a good evening shopping and have awesome street food.

4. Siddhivinayak TempleLocation: 15mins walk from Dadar Railway Station. Dadar(West)
Although I am not a religious fellow myself but I couldn't resist giong to the most important temple in Mumbai. The temple is devoted to hindu god Ganesh and Mumbai has lots of devotees of him. So whenever you come here, you'll find long queues of devotees waiting for a glimpse of the idol of Ganesha for a few seconds. The place is usually crowded and has tight security provisions just like any other tourist spot here. The temple is large and the ambience is pleasent. The structure is made up of marble and overall the place gives a soothing feeling. Do visit it if you are even a bit religous. Also if you are not.



5. Haji Ali Dargah and Mahalakshmi Temple
Location: 10 mins cab from Mahalakshmi Station

The Dargah is located on a small island and is accessible through a narrow walking lane. The lane will be full of dreadfull looking beggers (who might be earnings by the hundreds everyday). As you reach the dargah you'll get to listen Sufi Music and quawallis. The place is a popular tourist spot among the Muslims. The place is heavly crowded most of the times. But if you are in Mumbai and want to acquint with every aspect of this city, then this place can not be missed out.

About 10mins walk away is the famous Mahalakshmi Temple of Mumbai. Its the second most popular temple here. However I didn't feel so as it was not very large and flambouyant as other rich Indian Temples. The temple has a feeling of serenity and peace which is quite unusual in Mumbai.

6. Essel World - Water Kingdom
Location: 30mins ferry from Gorai Beach or 30mins BEST bus from Bhayender Station

I don't think this place needs and description. We have grown up hearing to the famous Essel World anthem. Its and amazing amusement park streched over more then 50 acres. There are numerous rides for people of every age and I bet no one can get enough of it. You'll spend the whole day arguing over which ride to miss out as you can't enjoy all of it in a single day. You'll have to keep some of it for later visits.

Similarly exiting is the slides of Water-Kingdom. Large pools of water and numerous slides for everyone makes it the best water park of the country. But visiting both the places on a single day may not be a good idea as you won't be able to enjoy either.

7. High Street Pheonix Mall
Location: 10mins walk from Lower Parel Station. I could not resist myself from including a Mall in a list of 10 places worth visiting in Mumbai. Its the best mall of Mumbai in terms of the Architecture, Brands available and Crowd. Located in the heart of the city, its a great place to shop, provided you have a heavy pocket. Actually High Street Pheonix Mall is not a mall in itself but a collection of 2-3 malls and compounds which makes it a perfect destination for shopping and dining. The place is not completely developed yet, but you won't even realize that.

8. Girgaum Chopatty
Location: 10mins cab from CST.
Its more commonly called as chaupatty by people here. Chaupatty is the most popular picnic spot for the famalies in South Mumbai. You'll see lots of famalies and college students enjoying themselves at the beach. You'll get enough space here to run all day long and play. After you are done with roaming about the beach and start feeling tired, you can rent in a 'chatai' floor mat for rs10 and have awesome chaupatti food like pav-bhaji, bhel-puri, chaat and fruit juice sold by the numerous vendors here. Alternately you can also bring in you home made food and spend an awesome day out with your family and friends.

9. Band Stand
Location: 15mins cab drive from Bandra railway Station
Band-Stand is more of a lover's point of Mumbai. You'll find plentiful couples sitting here during evening, spending a pleasurable time together. The sea-shore is primarily rocky here so you can't enjoy the sea at large. But you can always have a nice time with your special ones, with cool sea breeze making the evening all the more pleasent. Not just that, the Band-stand is also home to many bollywood super-stars. SRK and Arbaaz Khan are just the two of many. So you might also get lucky some day to have a small chat with them. Further, another positive factor about band stand is that its not occupied by irritating street vendors and is quite clean. 


10. Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Location: Between Bandra-Worli through the Sea. I couldn't resist myself including this marvel in the list of 10 Places worth visiting in Mumbai. The 7KM long 4lane road is a spectacular man-made structure.As you pass thruogh the road for the first time, you'll get a chance to see Mumbai from a completely different angle. You'll see a beautiful image of Mumbai's skyline in the night. It will look more of a scenery than reality. During rains it looks all the more marvellous. Do take a ride here whenever you get a chance to. Please drive safely.