Lo and Behold
If youve lived and worked in Mumbai long enough, you will be familiar with the city, warts and all. But there are places you could go to where you can see the city through different eyes. DNA’s Kishore Rathod takes you to the spots where you can get the best views of your beloved Mumbai
* Queens Necklace from Hanging Gardens
A lot has changed over the years at this iconic Malabar Hill landmark but one thing remains the same, the fantastic view of the Marine Drive.
Right from Chowpatty to Nariman Point, Mumbais costliest mile stretches in front of you, wearing varying hues at different times of the day from the laidback air in the afternoon to the brilliant lights of the night. It is the perfect spot to catch the citys pace and energy.
* Skyline from Bandra Worli Sea Link promenade
This is the place where Manhattan meets Mumbai. The lazy canoes from Mahims fishing village and the sparkling sea, with the towering high-rises of Prabhadevi and Worli in the backdrop, make for a fantastic contrast.
You may not get to see the tide coming in, but the sheer magnificence of the old meeting the new is truly captivating.
* Mahalaxmi race course from Gallops
Its the best kept secret of the Sunday-races set and the burly executives who come in for long, lazy lunches during the weekdays.
The green carpet of the race course rolling out into infinity, handsome steeds being put through the paces by their svelte jockeys, children on the trot in the evenings just take a table on the sides and soak in the sight.
* Aarey Colony from Westin
Get to the Seasonal Tastes Cafe on the 18th floor of the Goregaon five-star hotel and you are in for not one, but two fantastic views. By the day, the lush green cover of the Aarey Colony forests and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park make for a soothing sight – especially in the rains.
And once the sun is down, turn the chair and witness the dazzling lights of the rush hour on Western Express Highway. Yes, it actually makes for an exciting view.
* Powai Lake from Renaissance
You could well be looking out of a European resort hotel by the lakeside. The view of the tranquil Powai lake from the coffee shop at Renaissance will make you spellbound.
The manicured lawns, the still lake, the heavy clouds in the horizon and the high-rises in the background this is as picture perfect as it can get.
* Kharghar from Belapur Hills
The perfect place to drive down this weekend. Leave the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, feel the wind in your hair on Navi Mumbais sprawling Palm Beach Road and go up the hill for a piece of paradise.
If the tree-lined road and the dense greenery doesnt captivate you, the panoramic view of Kharghar node beyond sure will.