India’s Mumbai and Bangalore cities offer a rich and diverse experience very different to Sydney.

From swanky and garden-variety bars to eye opening locals on the streets and monkeys stealing your coke at the Elephanta Caves… India’s Mumbai and Bangalore cities offer a rich and diverse experience very different to Sydney.

I’m on my second-leg of Smirnoff’s Nightlife Exchange Project trip, spending three days in Mumbai and two days in Bangalore where the Toronto-themed party will be held this Saturday. Excitement! My goal is to explore local nightlife and get a feel of Indian culture. So if you ever venture over here, you ought to hit up these hotspots and see the streets:

Elephanta Caves

Located on Elephanta Island – approximately a 10km boat trip from the gateway of India port at Mumbai – resides the Elephanta Caves; a tourist destination inhabited by monkeys and most importantly features sacred rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century. Our lovely guide took us through the various rock manifestations dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva, including the impressive three-headed Shiva, Trimurthy.

Rock temples aside, I will never forget the monkeys. I was standing with a coke bottle in my hand chatting away when this “devil monkey” [pictured below] lunged onto my bottle and began his attach. All I could feel was a strong, human-like tugging sensation. As I looked down, this devil monkey peered into my eyes with an evil gesture and hissed; declaring his territory. It all happened so fast! In that split second I thought he was going to pounce on me and scratch the entirety of my face. I squealed and let go of my bottle. The monkey fled and devoured my coke just as quick. End of story.

  

Gateway Hotel, Bangalore

Without a doubt would I stay at this beautiful 4-star hotel again. Everything was lovely from the lunch buffets to the massage service and the delicious macarons for deserts. What’s even cooler, however, is that the Gateway offer designated Green friendly rooms as part of the EARTH initiative. I’m going to miss my favourite attendant, Sundip, who made my restaurant experience a real treat!

Mumbai Streets

It’s an absolute honour to walk Mumbai streets and meet the locals. Obviously, the first thing to strike your attention is the dire state of homelessness. Some people sleep on the pavement, some on the beach, some where they can; some even in prickled bushes under the bridges or with no clothes on. It makes you wonder what their story is and how they got there.

The atmosphere is chaotic. Cars and taxis toot their neverending horns on repeat; it’s all you will hear, particularly when you attempt to get some shut eye at 3am if you can. Sometimes a few cows will roam the sidewalk while children bustle tourists with souvenirs so they can eat. Still, amid this rambunctious, sticky-hot city live affable folk who exude warmth and are quick to smile at foreigners. A few monks would approach with their blessings. I felt startled by the amount of people wanting photos with me. It was nice how accepting they were of foreigners walking into their space; even on the second anniversary of the 26 11 Mumbai attacks. We stood out like a bunch of sore thumbs!

Hawaiian Shack, Mumbai

If you want a fun night out without glam or attitude, then this is the place to be. The music catalogue boasts the trendiest hits from the eighties, luring you to sing-a-long to your table or bust out some karaoke upstairs so the entire floor hears. (Note to readers: Darragh Doyle has got the eighties karaoke down pat… you’re such a good sport, D!). I thought the little touches of Hawaiian decor were admirable. For one, the unassuming boat-shaped bar was cute.

Kenji Mixology [Round 2]

I survived round one of Kenji Jesse’s exclusive mixology session with my fruity Mishalicious cocktail in Johannesburg last May. Now, the Smirnoff drink master returned to Mumbai to test our mixing abilities once again. Thank gosh he loved my exotic concoction made from cranberry juice, lychees, grated Indian palm sugar, ice and a hit of cinnamon garnished with an orange. Le Mish II. How’s that to tantalize your taste buds? Yew!

Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai

Although I didn’t check-in here, sipping cocktails and shooting down Smirnoff tasted so good when you’re at a VIP party on the top floor! The view of the city was breathtaking. You could literally see affluent homes and corporate buildings sporadically juxtaposed with slums. It was a total mashup of  housing castes.

Henna Tattoos, Mumbai

You have to get a henna tattoo if you’re in India! It just feels more authentic being there, getting it done by a native Indian as opposed to a random elsewhere. Anyway, Darragh and I were the only two who got some natural ink done. He opted for a tiger on his forearm, while I asked the lady for a lotus for my back. She did it freehand since it wasn’t in her book to my shock. Now I just need to get a real lotus on my back.

View the remaining gallery snaps below x.