Andrew Stakoun | Travel Blog and Photography

  Mumbai Mumbai is one of those places you hear a lot about even before getting there — usually words like chaotic, crowded, vibrant, and nonstop come up. All true, but they come with a unique feeling, a different color — chaotic in Mumbai is different from chaotic in New York City. You have to personally experience it to get the distinction. Formerly known as Bombay, the city has a history shaped by colonialism, trade, migration, and constant reinvention. It started as seven separate islands, gradually connected by land reclamation, and became a key port under British rule. Today, it's not only the capital of the state of Maharashtra but also the financial and entertainment hub of India — home to Bollywood, stock exchanges, tech startups, slums, skyscrapers, and just about everything in between. As of now, Mumbai has a population of over 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s a city where space is limited, time moves fast, and peop...

It was a hot, sticky day in Mumbai, the kind of heat that wears you out. After a busy morning, I was ready for a break from the city's usual chaos of noise, crowds, and vibrant sensory overload. My next stop was the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) museum , and even getting there was a refreshing change. The area around the museum is relatively green, offering some shade and a pocket of serenity in the bustling city. CSMVS is located at the intersection of Mahatma Gandhi Road and Regiment Road, right in the heart of Mumbai's historic Fort area. Just a short walk from the Gateway of India and across from the expansive lawns of the Police Headquarters, the museum is nestled among heritage buildings. I’ll admit — given the heat, I took an Uber even though the distance was walkable. Once you're nearby, be aware that the entrance can be a bit tricky to spot, especially if there’s traffic or you're coming from an unfamiliar direction. The signage is mini...