Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Khotachiwadi

Mumbai (Bombay)


This storied wadi (hamlet), a heritage village nearly 180 years old, is clinging onto Mumbai life as it was before high-rises. A Christian enclave of elegant two-storey Portuguese-style wooden mansions (of which only 23 out of 65 have survived), it’s 500m northeast of Girgaum Chowpatty, lying amid Mumbai’s predominantly Hindu and Muslim neighbourhoods. The winding lanes allow a wonderful glimpse into a quiet(ish) life away from noisier Mumbai.

It’s not large, but you can spend a while wandering the alleyways and admiring the old homes and, around Christmas, their decorations. You can also plan an East Indian feast in advance or sleep at the home of celebrated fashion designer, Khotachiwadi activist and amateur chef James Ferreira (www.jamesferreira.co.in – find his rooms on Airbnb).

To find Khotachiwadi, head for St Teresa’s Church, on the corner of Jagannath Shankarsheth Marg (JSS Marg) and Rajarammohan Roy Marg (RR Rd/Charni Rd), then head directly opposite the church on JSS Marg and duck down the third lane on your left (look for the faded Khotachiwadi wall stencil map that says 'Khotachiwadi Imaginaries').


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Mumbai (Bombay) attractions

2. Bombay Panjrapole

0.44 MILES

In the middle of bustling Bhuleshwar bazaar is, of all things, this shelter for 350 homeless cows. Ducks, parrots, rabbits, pigeons and other small birds…

3. Girgaum Chowpatty

0.47 MILES

This city beach is a favourite evening spot for courting couples, families, political rallies and anyone out to enjoy what passes for fresh air. Evening…

4. Mani Bhavan

0.65 MILES

As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The leader formulated his…

5. Mumba Devi Temple

0.73 MILES

Pay a visit to the city’s patron goddess at this 18th-century temple, about 1km north of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Among the deities in…

8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

1.46 MILES

Imposing, exuberant and overflowing with people, this monumental train station is the city’s most extravagant Gothic building and an aphorism of colonial…