Bandra: The Queen of the Suburbs

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिये
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाना
  [Kripya menu dikhana]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khata/khati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chahta/chahti hoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मुझे ... खरीदना है
  [Mujhe ... khareedna hai]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [Ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे अड़ह घंटे हैं
  [Das baje adha ghante hain]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket .... ke liye]

Bandra's history dates back to the 16th century when it was a small fishing village inhabited by the Koli community. With the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 1500s, the area began to transform. The Portuguese established Bandra as a strategic coastal settlement, building several churches, including the iconic Church of Our Lady of the Mount, which was completed in 1570. This marked the beginning of a significant cultural and religious influence that would shape Bandra's identity.

In the 19th century, Bandra became a popular retreat for the British elite, who built lavish bungalows and gardens along the coastline. The construction of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in the 21st century transformed the area into a vibrant urban space. Many of the colonial-era structures, such as the Bandra Fort, remain as testaments to this period, showcasing British architectural styles and the colonial legacy.

From the mid-20th century, Bandra emerged as a cultural hub, particularly for the film industry. The 'Golden Age' of Bollywood saw numerous film studios and celebrity residences sprouting in the area. Today, Bandra is known for its connection to Bollywood stars, with places like Pali Hill housing many prominent actors and filmmakers. This has contributed to Bandra's reputation as a trendy and cosmopolitan neighborhood.

Bandra's neighborhood is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, with diverse communities coexisting harmoniously. The presence of various religious institutions, from the iconic Mount Mary Church to the historic Mahim Dargah, reflects the area’s multicultural heritage. Festivals such as the Bandra Fair celebrate this diversity, drawing visitors from across Mumbai and beyond to partake in the communal spirit and cultural festivities.

In recent years, Bandra has undergone significant gentrification, transforming from a traditional locality into a bustling urban center. High-end boutiques, cafes, and art galleries have proliferated, attracting a younger demographic. However, this rapid development raises concerns about preserving the historical and cultural characteristics that have defined Bandra for centuries, leading to discussions about sustainable urban growth and cultural preservation.

Bandra is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Mumbai. From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, you can take a taxi or book a ride through car-sharing apps like Uber or Ola. The Western Line of Mumbai's local train network connects Bandra to other key areas, including Churchgate and Andheri. If you're coming from South Mumbai, the best option is to take a local train to Bandra station or a taxi for a quicker ride. For those in the suburbs, buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available.

Bandra is a vibrant neighborhood, and getting around is quite convenient. The local train station is a major hub, and the Bandra Terminus serves long-distance trains. Buses are operated by BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport), providing access to various parts of the city. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available, offering flexible transport options. For a unique local experience, you can rent a bicycle to explore the quieter lanes and visit the beaches.

Bandra is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Areas like Bandra East may have occasional petty crime, so it's advisable to avoid isolated streets at night. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using your phone in crowded places. As a tourist, always maintain awareness of your surroundings to enhance your safety.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for an ambulance. The nearest hospital is Lilavati Hospital, located in Bandra. It is wise for travelers to carry a copy of their travel insurance and have emergency contact numbers readily available. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues, and many have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes when entering temples or mosques. Public Transport: Do be mindful of local etiquette; offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Namaste' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try street food but ensure it's from a hygienic vendor. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Bandra like a local, explore the lanes of Pali Village, known for its quaint cafes and boutiques. Visit the Bandra Fort for stunning sunset views over the Arabian Sea. Join a yoga session on the beach or participate in local festivals, which are vibrant and welcoming. Don’t miss the iconic graffiti on Chapel Road, an art hub that reflects the neighborhood's culture. Engage with local shopkeepers and residents to gain insight into Bandra's rich history and traditions.