Next evening We, Michalle, my friend and I, went to see Juhu Beach. Located 18-km north of the city centre, it's a major beach site on the shores of Arabian Sea and is one the largest and frequently visited beaches of India. It is of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find the bungalows of the famous film personalities of Bollywood. It's also a favourite shooting site among the filmmakers as many film shootings are also held over here.

I found Juhu Beach, just like Chowpatty beach filled with screaming children, courting couples and rowdy adolescents.On the southern end of the beach,there are many five star hotels in the area. People retreat behind these hotels, for a steaming cup of coffee and a splendid view of the coast. The most popular of these beachfront hotels are the Sun and Sand and Holiday Inn. The government run Juhu Centaur also has a 24 hour coffee shop with a view of the sea. Here, one can take the pleasure of horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers and every other type of Indian beach entertainment. Vendors ply on the beach calling attention to their wares.

Eating Joints At Juhu Beach
I could not resist myself when I saw the food stalls on the beach. "Bhai, Bhaelpuri, nimbo mar ke" Michalle said to one food seller. (Bhelpuri is a famous eating stuff and nimbo is lemon, Bhelpuri is quite tangy in taste) I was quite impressed to see that Michalle has learnt hindi, and why not she had been in India for last 10 years.If you would like to try out Bhelpuri or a Kulfi in Mumbai, Juhu is the place to be.

Attractions Around Juhu Beach
I also thronged to other beaches in the close vicinity of Juhu Beach. And I especially admired the Versova Beach, the nearby attraction located towards the north of Juhu, which is a home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community. I also visite some of secluded beaches at Versova, Madh Island, Marve, Manori and Gorai. The beaches at Madh and Marve have their dangerous spots which are marked by signboards. The spots further ahead, Gorai and Manori, two fishing villages, are accessible by ferry.

I booked a hotel on Marine Drive, which borders on the Arabian Sea. Looking down Marine drive, with its condos, hotels and palm tree. Looking down the semicircular coastline, one can see Malabar Hill, an Indian yuppie area containing the most expensive real estate in the world. Bet you didn't know that!

Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, the home of Bollywood that churns fantasies and dreams and unreality. Sardines are packed less tightly. Street urchins so street smart they actually reach adulthood smiling.