If you want to do something fun this weekend but don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, Rhea Dhanbhoora and Samreen Samad have found out just the things for you to try out...
Weekend activities don’t always have to leave you high and dry. Although doing things over the weekend can mean you’re spending thousands of rupees, it isn’t something you want to make into a habit. For those who have very little faith in the ability to do things for any less than that, there is a counter argument. Having a budget of `500, yes, only `500, doesn’t mean you can’t do anything at all. If you space it out and plan well enough, there are several things you can actually do over the weekend that won’t leave you bored or uninterested and broke. We take a look at some of your best options…
The Beach Shack Buffet
Buffet’s are a lifesaver when it comes to eating as much as you want for a fixed price. And if you have a large appetite that is never fulfilled with the amount you can afford to eat, The Beach Shack buffet is perfect for you. Opt for a breakfast or lunch buffet as prices are always hiked up in the evenings. At the Beach Shack you can get a variety of Goan seafood such as Goan prawn curry and Fish in Rechad masala among others.
Where Beach Shack, 104, Palm Spring, 1st Floor, Link Road, Malad (W)
Contact 65113666
Laugh Out Loud at the Comedy Store
The Comedy Store UK is well known for its comedy shows. Although going for a show with international comedians will set you back around `750, going for a show such as The Vagina Monologues or anything more home based will be well within your budget. The Comedy Store’s USP is mainly its international comedians every week but with it’s one of a kind set-up, its worth skipping those just to soak up the ambience.
Where Comedy Store, Palladium, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel
Contact www.thecomedystore.in
Soak in the culture at The Prince of Wales Museum
Want a taste of history but don’t quite feel up to reading a book? A museum is the perfect place to go then. It means you’re out exploring the intricacies of history without being holed up in a room with a fat book outlining the history of the world. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (although we still prefer saying The Prince of Wales Museum) is still one of the best museums to visit. The museum has an assortment of art, archeology and natural history in well panned out sections as well as artifacts from countries such as Tibet and Nepal.
Where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, 159-161 M.G. Road, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort
Contact 2844484
Art Attack at Jehangir
Art galleries are a brilliant place to spend your weekend. You can soak in culture and beauty for little or no cost at all. Although there are a number of art galleries that you can visit for free, even the ones that charge entry are affordable. The entry is nominal which means you get to visit the gallery and get a taste of painting and sculpture. At the Jehangir Art Gallery entry is free, and even when you tire of walking around and viewing some of the best works from established artists, Café Samovar next door will give your aching soles a break as you sit down with some steaming hot tea well within your budget.
Where Jehangir Art Gallery, Kalaghoda, Fort
Contact 22843989
Getting gig-gy with it
Live music is always a welcome treat. However, the reality is that most gigs cost more than `500, so it’s a little hard when you’re on a tight budget. Places such as Hard Rock Café and Not Just Jazz By The Bay have gigs that you can frequent for less than five hundred rupees. Don’t set your sights on Wyclef or Saving Abel (although sometimes they do charge `500 for those as well) but you can get your fill of music without burning a hole in your pocket. This weekend The Friends – Doctors Band (Mix Band) is play at Not Just Jazz By the Bay for `300.
Go for gigs at Not Just Jazz By The Bay, Marine Drive; Hard Rock Café, Lower Parel
Contact 22820957
Zorbing
All the way from New Zealand, Zorbing is an absolutely fun activity to indulge in. Just sit in this big plastic orb and get ready to roll! Weeee! Hiren Gaaglani, owner of Headrush says, “There are a lot of other activities we have such as paint ball, dirt bike, go-karting and more.” So you can head down to Headrush and take your pick.
Where Headrush Urban Extreme, Hiranandani
Contact 9096554899/ 9819177907
Victoria ride
Victoria is a shiny silver horse carriage that can be a lot of fun in you are in South Bombay and have nothing to do. Negotiate a fair deal with the owner and hop on. The route is usually down the roads of Colaba to Gateway of India to Marine drive along the sea face. It’s best to take a ride after sun set when its cooler and the city is lit up.
Where Around Colaba, Marine Drive and Gateway of India
Zoo
Jijamata Udyaan Zoo in Mumbai has a lot to offer. Besides the different species of endangered and rare animals and birds, it has a museum which has local archaeological finds. Entry is a nominal charge and you can take the whole family there for fun under `500.
Where Jijamata Udyan (Victoria & Albert Zoo Gardens), Dr. B Ambedkar Road, Byculla
Contact 3725799
Esselworld
While this is the only amusement park our city has to offer, it does not disappoint. It’s fun for everyone, no matter what age you are. A perfect way to spend your entire day with family or friends. We recommend going early so that you miss the big crowds.
Where Esselworld, Borivali
Contact 65280305
Single Screen movies
Remember the good old days when a movie ticket cost just `50? They may not be that cheap anymore but there are theatres in the city that offer a movie experience for under `100. If you aren’t a morning person and can’t catch the cheaper shows, you can save a lot if you ditch the swanky new multiplexes for a movie in your local theater. We recommend the G7 group because they screen 4-5 movies daily and their interiors are still pretty good. Sure, they might not sell cheese popcorn, but their samosas are pretty damn good.
Where 7G multiplex theatre, SV Road, Behind Bandra Railway Station, Bandra (W)
Contact 26558285
1. The Comedy Store has interesting shows lined up and charges `500 a show
2. If you want a day filled with fun filled activity, head over to Essel World for `380
3. For a unique, budget activity, try zorbing
4. Movies are cheaper at single screens
“I’d go zorbing. It’s a really great sport, a lot of fun. If you spend a little more you can do loads of other adventure sports too but if you’re on a tight budget then your options are a bit limited. So zorbing is a good option.”
— Reni Pandya
“I’d probably go for a gig at Hard Rock or Not Just Jazz by The Bay. They’re mostly always affordable and a gig is always a lot of fun!”
— Ankit Arora
“I love South Bombay! I love the architecture there, so I’ll take my camera and walk around. In the evening I’d grab a coffee and go and sit at Marine Drive. Fun for free.”
— Gargi Bansod
“I’ll go to the zoo with some friends and spend the morning there because I love animals and its fun to be a child again. The tickets cost `10. Then grab a lunch at Phoenix and share the cost of food and traveling with friends.”
— Natasha Baig
>> A Victoria ride across South Bombay will cost you `400
>> For family fun within a budget head to the zoo. Tickets cost `10 per person