So much more than 4 bungalows……..
As every new person in Mumbai feels when they land here, I was apprehensive of how I would fit into a new city, a new job, find a new set of friends and deal with life in a brand new neighborhood. Up till now, I had never thought that a neighborhood was something important that shaped how life pans out. I have always lived in my comfort zone in Bangalore and my neighborhood has practically been home in all ways.
From neighbors to shops, from transportation to amenities, a neighborhood defines an individual’s lifestyle. And after living in Four Bungalows neighborhood for the last 40 months, I can totally say that this neighborhood makes me love Mumbai!
The best way to talk to anyone about a neighborhood would be to walk down memory lane with them and show them the prettiest sights that it has to offer.
The existence of one of the old 4 bungalows is not the only unique thing about our neighbourhood. The N Dutta Marg is also one of the cleanest streets in Mumbai. Aren’t I glad I lived here! Here are a bunch of lovely things that has made me fall in love with ‘Chaar Bungala’
- The Yummy Food
The super yumm sandwiches at Manish Market and the Mumbaikar Dosas closer to the metro station are definitely must haves in the neighbourhood. The locality also boasts of having lovely eateries at walk-able distances from bars like Pop Tate’s to fine dine restaurants like Banana Leaf and even celeb favourite hangouts like Urban Tadka! I even recently found a tiny Momo place in the market!
Must Haves — Hot Rasam & Vada at Banana Leaf, Mixed Veg Soup at Versova Metro Station
2. The Amazing Fish Market
Paradise for the seafood lovers, the Chaar Bungala market boasts one of the cleanest and best fish markets in the western suburbs. Even a vegetarian like me is intrigued with the way the Bombay ducks are stacked up! Best part, the place doesn’t smell like a Fish Market!
Must Do — Chat up with the Koliwada women and get them to pose for a pic.
3. The Festivities of the Market
Have you ever felt that a place comes alive during a festival? This is just the case with 4 bungalows. Every festival has a charm and the four bungalows totally brings out the charm in the most special ways. For Ganesh Chaturthi one will see mammoth sized idols on street corners and in societies, with neighbours behaving just like family. For Christmas, the Good Shepherd Church is decked up and the midnight mass is absolutely a delight. Be it Holi, Raksha Bandhan or Diwali- the market is flooded with colours, rakhis and diyas! A total delight to the eyes for a culture monger like me!
Must Do’s — Shop for cultural tit-bits during festivities
4. The Attitude of the Hawkers
From knowing the nutritional value of green veggies that go into a salad, to finding indigenous ways to entice you to buy a new mobile phone, the salespersons in 4 bungalows are not only painfully convincing but also absolutely reliable. One of the most adorable things is that hawkers with bread, eggs and even coconut water, cycle into societies and ring their bells to alert the residents. Those who need to make a purchase then call him and he delivers things to the door. Networking at its best right?
Must Buy’s — Fresh green salad ingredients — broccoli & different types of lettuce
5. The Abundance of Pets
4 bungalows is definitely one of those neighbourhoods that has animal lovers! It’s more than a pleasant sight to see owners walk their dogs, even in the rain with raincoats and boots! The cats are community pets and are the healthy types thanks to the generosity of the fish market hawkers! From fish to birds, the locality is so animal friendly that it’s just difficult to not feel the awesome vibe. I too have bird feeders and my bird buddies drop by every single day to say hello!
Must See — Parakeets that flock to bird feeders hanging in the window sills
6. The ‘Oh So Many Choices’ for Shopaholics
The 4 bungalow market is not only famous but also a paradise for shopaholics. Where one can buy their pick from pin to piano; the market has small pockets that are truly delightful for fashionistas. From shops like Tirumala in Manish market to smaller stores that have the most trending dresses, a 4 bungalow girl will definitely rock the fashion statement in her group. Not to forget the experienced and expensive tailors of 4 bungalows who can design anything from a bikini to a wedding gown are accessible to all.
Must Shop — Designer material for all occasions at Tirumala in Manish Market
So when someone talks about ‘home away from home’ a neighborhood like this is probably the only thing that comes to your rescue! Everyone who has visited us in the last 3 and a 1/2 years will definitely agree. Right?
