Lanes less travelled: Know about Chimbai Village, home of coastal Koli folks in Mumbai

Skyscrapers pierce the Mumbai sky along Bandstand, a gleaming testament to the city's ambition. Hidden behind all this chrome and glass is Chimbai Village, a spot that murmurs tales of the city's fishing days. Here's where the Koli folks, Mumbai's original residents, have been living their fishing life for ages, completely unbothered by the modern hustle around them.

Chimbai Village is a vibrant reminder of Bandra's roots, a chill spot where time seems to slow down even as the city zooms by.

The narrow, winding lanes of Chimbai tell a story far removed from Bandra's trendy cafes and boutiques, with its existence dating back to about 400 years. The pungent aroma of fresh catch mingles with the salty sea breeze, while the cacophony of haggling voices rises above the gentle lapping of waves. This is no sanitized tourist attraction, but a raw, authentic slice of Mumbai's soul.

As dawn breaks, weathered fishermen return from their night's labour, their boats cutting through the same waters that have sustained generations. On the shore, fisherwomen display remarkable dexterity, sorting and cleaning the day's bounty with practiced efficiency.

Yet, Chimbai faces its share of challenges. Unchecked littering mars the shoreline, and the stench of neglect is hard to ignore. But amidst these struggles, a strong sense of community prevails. In the evenings, badminton matches and spirited conversations in communal shacks bring villagers together, creating a support system for families whose men often spend days at sea.

Modern touches have found their way into Chimbai – televisions and smartphones are now commonplace in homes. But tradition still reigns supreme. The rhythm of life here is dictated by the tides and the night fishing expeditions, a delicate dance that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

As Bandra races towards an ever more cosmopolitan future, Chimbai serves as a poignant reminder of the city's roots. This spot feels like a whole different story - a chilled-out reminder of Mumbai's fishing roots. The Koli people, who've been here forever, still live their fishing life completely unbothered. It's a real throwback vibe, a place to escape the craziness and soak up some history.