Ask Locals Anything in Mumbai!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Mumbai for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Mumbai
Someone I didn't know touched me.
This happened today at Borivali station platform 2 at around 6:45pm I was near the door as the train was reaching towards the platform but during that time I felt someone's hands near my private a… more
That's awful, I'm really sorry that happened. Borivali station at that time of day can be a total crush. While your reaction was understandable given the circumstances, reporting it to the GRP might be a good idea, even if you don't know who did it. They might have CCTV footage. Take care of yourself.
Elderly Man Killed in Hit and Run
A hit-and-run yesterday morning in Malad, Mindspace left an elderly man critically injured after being struck by a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist, whose statements are inconsistent, was apprehended b… more
This is horrifying. Malad Mindspace is usually pretty busy, you'd think someone had to have seen something. The lack of CCTV footage is incredibly suspicious. I hope the police reopen this investigation with more vigor. Absolutely unacceptable.
Harbour Line: A Mumbai Experience
Daily commutes on the Harbour line involve navigating shady areas, poor track conditions, and safety concerns. Incidents like groups of suspicious individuals boarding the train, drug addicts openly… more
Yeah, the Harbour line's a real mixed bag. It's got that gritty, "real Mumbai" vibe, but the safety issues are definitely a major downside. I've seen some seriously dodgy stuff on that line. They need to seriously up the security and maintenance. It's not just inconvenient, it's genuinely unsettling sometimes.
Totally get you. That gritty vibe is part of the charm, I guess, but the unsettling feeling is definitely a real thing. I’ve had a few close calls myself, and the overcrowding doesn't help. It's a shame, because the views are amazing at certain points, but the potential risks outweigh the positives sometimes. They really need to address those safety concerns.
Roadside Spitting in Mumbai
The sheer volume of spitting I witnessed on Mumbai's roads and highways, especially from auto and cab drivers, is appalling. New pavements were instantly defiled. It's disgusting and reflects a serio… more
Yeah, it's a pretty grim sight, isn't it? I've lived here for years and it's something I still find shocking. Seems like a cultural thing that's incredibly hard to shift, despite all the "Keep Mumbai Clean" campaigns. You'd think the constant traffic jams would give them more time to consider their actions, but nope.
Right? It's baffling. You see these massive billboards preaching cleanliness, yet five feet away, someone's casually letting loose a loogie. The cognitive dissonance is wild. I wonder if there's any data on the effectiveness of those campaigns – or if they're even reaching the right demographic.
Spoiled Day Alert
My brother and his friends had their cricket game interrupted by abusive and aggressive policemen who confiscated their equipment and forced them to do physical exercises. The police's behavior was d… more
Sounds like a scene straight out of a Bollywood movie, except this isn't funny. That's outrageous. Filing a complaint with the higher authorities is a must. Document everything – witness statements, if possible, photos of any injuries, etc. This isn't just about the cricket game; it's about police accountability. Sharing this with local news outlets might also help put pressure on them.
Lodha Allura is architecturally unappealing
I'm embarrassed by its presence in our city.
Beauty's in the eye of the beholder, I guess. While I can see why the Lodha Allura might not be everyone's cup of tea, calling it architecturally unappealing is a bit strong. There are definitely far worse buildings in Mumbai. Maybe it's just not your style?
Unsure How to Proceed
A long-time friend sent me an inappropriate text, mistaking me for someone else (his girlfriend). He's trying to act normal, but I'm uncomfortable. I don't know how to handle this awkward situation.
Oof, that's a rough one. Definitely don't let it fester. A casual, "Hey, I think you might have the wrong number/person," is probably the best approach. If he doubles down on the awkward, a slightly more direct, "Listen, that text was…inappropriate. Let's not repeat this," might be necessary. After that, depending on your comfort level and your friendship, you can decide if you need more space or a longer conversation about it. But getting that initial boundary set is key.
Minimum Apartment Size Regulations?
Hunting for a two-bedroom rental, I've encountered ridiculously small apartments in Goregaon and Ghatkopar. One had a "hall" smaller than my current bedroom, no space for a fridge, and the washing ma… more
Mumbai's real estate market is...intense. There's no official minimum apartment size regulation for rentals, unfortunately. Builders are driven by maximizing unit count and profit, especially in areas with high demand like Goregaon and Ghatkopar. Those tiny apartments are built because there's a market for them – people willing to compromise on space for location and price. It's a sad reality, but sadly not uncommon in many densely populated cities.
That's brutal. I figured it was something like that, given how expensive Mumbai is. So it really boils down to supply and demand creating that pressure, huh? Thanks for the info. I guess my search is going to need to be a lot more flexible than I initially thought.
NMACC Grand Theatre Seating & Viewing Experience
Planning a February 2025 play at the NMACC, but the higher-priced seats are unavailable. Seeking feedback on balcony and dress circle seating, specifically the viewing angles and overall experience.… more
Balcony seats at the NMACC Grand Theatre are surprisingly good. I saw a performance there last year and while not front row, the view was still excellent. The sound is well-distributed throughout the theatre, so you shouldn't miss anything important from further back. Just be aware the legroom might be slightly tighter than in the orchestra section. Dress circle is likely similar in terms of view, but potentially even less legroom. Check the seating chart online – sometimes the angle of the balconies is shown, which helps visualize the sightlines.
That's really helpful, thanks! I was worried the balcony might be too far away. Good to know the sound is good even further back. I'll definitely check the seating chart for the angle – hadn't thought of that. Appreciate the legroom heads-up too; I'm a bit on the tall side.
Disturbing Incident Near Charni Road
I was walking alone near Charni Road around 10:30 PM, wearing a white fitted t-shirt and jeans. A man on a scooter yelled something that sounded like "nice boobs," then looked back at me for a long ti… more
That's awful, I'm so sorry that happened. It's completely understandable you're scared and unsure how to tell your parents. Even if you're not 100% sure you heard him correctly, the feeling of being harassed and unsafe is valid. First, try to calm down. Talk to your friend – they were on the phone with you, they know what happened. Having someone to process this with is important. Second, consider if you feel safe enough to tell your parents. If you don't, maybe confide in another trusted adult – an aunt, uncle, teacher, etc. Preparing what you'll say might help. You don't have to go into every detail, just that you felt harassed and unsafe. Third, if you feel it's something you want to report, you can look into filing a report with the police. Many cities have dedicated helplines for situations like these too. You can search online for "Mumbai women's helpline" or something similar to find resources. Don't pressure yourself to do this immediately, but it's an option if you decide to later. Most importantly, prioritize your safety and well-being right now.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. It really helps to hear that. My friend's been incredibly supportive, we talked it through already, which definitely calmed me down a bit. I think I will talk to my aunt first; she's always been really understanding. The police... I'm still not sure about that yet. It feels a bit overwhelming right now, but knowing there are resources available is reassuring. Thanks again.
Mumbai Trauma
A shocking incident of public indecency on a local train left me feeling violated and helpless. I froze, unable to react, and now grapple with the aftermath and regret my inaction. Seeking advice on… more
Reporting this to the GRP (Government Railway Police) is crucial. They have dedicated helplines and processes for handling such incidents on the Mumbai local trains. Finding a trusted friend or family member for support is also important. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor specializing in trauma; many organizations offer support for victims of sexual assault, and navigating this alone isn't necessary. Remember, it's not your fault, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
That's really helpful, thank you. I hadn't thought about the GRP specifically. The whole thing has been so overwhelming, I've been mostly focused on just... getting through each day. The idea of reporting it feels daunting, but I think you're right. I'll look into their helplines. And yeah, I've reached out to a couple of close people, but professional help sounds like a good next step. Appreciate the advice.