Fiona Fernandez: Confessions of a city walker

"Let's organise a heritage walk! It will be a great way to get the public involved," a senior official suggested to a heritage expert while planning weeklong activities centred on a city landmark recently. "But sir, what about the rains? Won't it be a deterrent for the participants?" another official wondered aloud. To this, the expert remarked assuredly, "The public will enjoy such a walk in the rains." This columnist who was present at this meeting very nearly rubbed her eyes in disbelief. After all these years, this was music to the ears.

After all, this was a far cry from even a few years ago. Apart from Mumbai's ‘pleasant-weather' season from November to February, signing up for a heritage walks, or for that matter, any kind of walk, was a strict no-no. We recall being part of such heady adventures, where yours truly would be among a smattering of enthusiasts: grey-haired bumbling researchers, camera-totting Japanese tourists, and the odd collegian forced out of the comfort of the cafeteria, trailing along to wrap up the last chapter in his/her history project. Together, we would trudge along the bylanes and gullies. The ‘oohs' and ‘aahs' would be heard at the sight of a date etched on a pillar or a plaque on a non-functioning water fountain. It was a fun way to explore SoBo and its outer city; and after a point, even the boring, sometimes, off-track guide didn't matter. Numbers would barely touch double digits.

Today, Mumbai is in the middle of a good run. These days, and going by the frequency with which we're bombarded by mails, it's baffling (in a good way, that is) to note the steady rise number of walking tours that contour Mumbai, and the big plus, is, that this continues all year round. So from Bhuleshwar's temples and Grant Road's decrepit cinemas, to quaint Khotachiwadi and the old world magnificence of Byculla, not forgetting vibrant Parel-Labaug (especially during Ganesh Chaturthi), you'll find emboldened organisers charting routes in sweltering April or rainy August.

"It's the new cool thing to do; you'll see," we overheard a teenage collegian whisper to her friend, also a fellow participant at the start of a walk around Bandra's charming villages.

In fact, another arm of this experiential high is the popularity of night cycle rides along the city's coastline. One of our colleagues, an out-of-towner signed up and was able to see the otherwise crowded city in new light on a bicycle. There are flipsides too. On another occasion, we heard about the ordeal of a participant who had endured a five-hour (yes!) free walk. The word ‘free' meant that a trail around the historic Banganga Tank and its temple precinct was reduced to slow trudge of a crowd of impatient enthusiasts engaging in incessant Q&A sessions.

But we aren't complaining. Rain or shine, this augurs well for the city. The intent to create new walks and discover new sights can translate into an increasing awareness for Mumbai, and all its treasures, big or small, historic or otherwise. It's a mini awakening, and we're wide-awake in the hope that this one goes the whole mile.

mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana. Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com