Colaba's character is also drawn from its strength.
Seventeen years ago, Pakistani terrorists struck here -- at the core of Mumbai's soul -- in the deadliest attack ever seen in this country.
166 civilians and security personnel were killed in a battle that raged on for three days.
Colaba is easily the most charming city spot in Mumbai. There is no contest. In its colonial houses, old street names and root-abounding banyan trees -- Mumbai still remains Bombay.
'Town' to Mumbaikars basically means the stretch from Marine Drive to Churchgate to Kala Ghoda, past Regal Cinema, Radio Club and down Colaba Causeway. It is an interesting array of streets, lanes and by-lanes abutted by the sea, rich in memory and nostalgia.
One of the best Mumbai things to do is to spend at least half a day walking around Colaba -- from the grandeur of the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Gateway of India to wandering past old houses, some in poor shape, yet beautiful in their fading glory.
There is something for everyone in Colaba. This southern tip of the island can pull you in and give you something unusual, something unique. Large parts of Colaba's heritage buildings remain static in time, a welcome breathing space in a city that has and is changing rapidly with gleaming buildings, metro rail construction and builders' 'redevelopment' mania.
Colaba's character is also drawn from its strength. Seventeen years ago, Pakistani terrorists struck here -- at the core of Mumbai's soul -- in the deadliest attack ever seen in this country. 166 civilians and security personnel were killed in a battle that raged on for three days.
In the bloody carnage emerged tales of extraordinary bravery, commitment beyond the call of duty and human goodness.
Colaba and Mumbai rose up heroically.
Last weekend, under a bright morning sun, people were hopping into boats to get across the bay, guests were popping in and out of the Taj after going through a security check at the entrance, tables were occupied at Cafe Mondegar and Leopold's -- and work was afoot at the new jetty at the Radio Club to the dismay of many old Colabawallahs.
Colaba was dignified in its grand old worldly charm, gazing at you as much as you gazed at her. She had seen much and there was so much more left to see.
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff