About a month earlier, I got the rare opportunity to head to Mumbai and Coimbatore, India for a work research trip. I was excited to not only experience India for the first time but also observe and hear about how people from a very different culture, use social media. 

Since this was a business trip, I was fortunate enough to fly business class —in a flatbed seat. I’ve always envy those in these comfortable seats as I made my way into the economy section… Now I was the one, worthy of envy. It was my turn! 

These seats really do make a difference in comfort for a long haul flight. The food is better than economy class but it’s still airplane-quality. The bathroom was exclusive to business class patrons only but it was the same size and design. You also get a small amenity kit, with hand creme, lip balm, sleeping mask, and socks. I was spoiled… Can I always fly business?

Mumbai, India

Mumbai was described to me as the New York of India due to its hustle and bustle and modern influence from Britain. I would agree with this comparison. Mumbai was dirty, chaotic and lively. It was a busy city that felt like it never sleeps. 

With a free afternoon, my team and I went on a 4-hour city tour with Reality Tours to see the main sights of central Mumbai. We visited dhobi ghat, the world’s largest laundromat, Banganga tank, Gandhi’s residence, Chhatrapati Shivaji Station and Crawford Market. 

Our tour guide entertained us with local anecdotes about him marrying a tree to avoid the death of his first wife, a 100-year-old lunchbox delivery system that cost 50 cents a day and his friends that were disowned because she married a middle-class man and her dad literally wants to kill her. It was fascinating. We ended the tour with the most touristy view in Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and the Gateway to India.   

We stayed in Bandra West, the area where Bollywood stars lived. This area was pretty clean and nice to walk around. There some hidden gems; charming shops and cafes.

My favorite meal was at the Taj Mahal Tea House. Their nibbles had such bold flavors and unique textures. It was paired perfectly with a hot cup of masala chai. 

Coimbatore, South India

I’ve heard there is quite a difference between north and south India, from the languages, food, values, and even way of life. These differences didn’t stand out to me as much as the pace of this smaller city compared to Mumbai. Coimbatore was still busy with traffic but seemed more relaxed. At least here, I could see the blue sky and not smog caused by pollution.

We spent one afternoon walking around the town square and visiting a Hindu temple worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. We even stopped for a cup of filtered coffee, a must-try in the south. It was cooled and foamed by pouring the coffee between a metal cup and saucer. It was so good… milky and sweet, just the way I like my coffee.

Another night we ended up on a popular shopping street, Cross Cut Road. It was lively and filled with bright lights for Diwali. Nothing to buy but great to wander and watch people.

While this trip was mostly business, it was a great introductory experience to two different cities in India. It was enlightening to hear about how locals lived and their different traditions. Mumbai and Coimbatore definitely piqued my interest to see more like Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, and Udaipur. I’ll be back someday to see the popular sights including the world wonder Taj Mahal in Agra.