Kalbadevi, Mumbai
About
North of Crawford Market, are the narrow lanes
of Kalbadevi a predominantly Muslim area hemmed
in by laundry-draped chawls, which is home to
a seething mass of people. It is a complete
contrast to South Mumbai's cleanliness and orderliness
and is a different world in itself giving insight
into the lives of people living in such chawls.
No visit to Mumbai is complete without a foray
into the bazaars of Kalbadevi, north of Crawford
Market. It is a perfect foil to the relative
space, orderliness and modernity of South Mumbai.
Strange Experience
These bazaars are both a spectacle to watch
and a place to shop. Entire streets are often
devoted to a single product, which can be a
strange experience as you suddenly encounter
shop after shop selling bathroom fittings or
copper pipes. The main areas are Zaveri Bazaar
(jewellery), Mangaldas Market (cloth), Dhabu
St (leather goods) and Chor Bazaar (Mumbai's
'thieves' market'). Mutton Str. in Chor Bazaar
specializes in antiques, clever duplicates and
assorted junk.
The Best Solution
It's best to venture into the bazaars without
a clear destination in mind and wander aimlessly
until you've had enough.
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