If the day was a place and not a time, here's where in Mumbai you would head to get the feels
Make a stop at Matharpacady
This is a quaint little Portuguese hamlet in Mazgaon, which was the once outlying, yet elite suburb and one of the oldest islands of Bombay. The village was built, nurtured and populated by the East Indians and is distinguished by its history, architecture and culture. Its picturesque architecture characterised by its two-storied coloured houses with staircases, skilled woodwork and sloping Mangalore tiled roofs and the East Indian Catholic culture, all come together to make this village a unique place in Mumbai, which has been granted grade III heritage status. And, with Christmas festivities on in full swing, there's no better time to explore the town.
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Where: Matharpacady, Mazgaon
When: Dec. 25, 4 PM YOU PAY: R720
To Book: instamojo.com/ SomePlaceElseIndia
Call: 9833163486
Visit one of the oldest churches
The 18th century Our Lady of Health Church in Cavel
If you are someone who doesn't want to stick to guided tours, and are still curious about places where you can experience the Christmas spirit, go visit some of the oldest and lesser-known Christian pockets near South Mumbai's Chira Bazaar area. A stone's throw away from Khotachiwadi in Girgaon, Cavel and Dabul were where the earliest Goan Christian and East Indian settlements were once found. Cavel, in fact, boasts of one of the oldest churches in the city — Our Lady of Health, originally built in 1794. Now, a shadow of its former glory, the once bubbling Christian hamlets continue to celebrate the festival with the good old swing. If you go on a Christmas evening, you'll get to see the community stars light up the lanes. Not to forget, the centuries-old buildings that are a sight for sore eyes.
Where: Cavel in Dr Viegas Street, Dabul in St Francis Xavier's Lane, Chira Bazaar
Enjoy a suburban experience
For those living in the suburbs, who prefer sticking to home turf, check out the old East Indian village of Amboli in Andheri West. In the early 20th century, cottages with extended backyards, full with mango, love apple and pine trees, and horse stables, speckled the pastoral township. While most of those gorgeous homes may have long disappeared, the area still nurtures the Christmas spirit like no other. Get-togethers and carol singing sessions continue to be the highlight of the celebrations through the Xmas season. We bet you don't want to miss it.
Where: Amboli Village, Andheri West
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