Saloni Jhunjhun walla goes on an unusual city-hopping tour. And survives the madness to tell this story The first thing that surprised me was the blend of simplicity and hospitality that I received at the start of my Namaste City Tour. Its proprietors, Naini Mehta (former Miss India, now a full-time travel agent) and Kunal Vahalia (a software engineer) started this business as a passion. The tour presents Mumbai and its potpourri of cultures to any one seeking to discover the city in luxury. Our half-day tour began at Dhobi Ghat in Mahalaxmi. I was surprised that I had not noticed the huge laundry inspite of getting down at the same station every day. We then left for Mani Bhavan, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed and worked from for 17 years. It was the hub of the Congress and all the major movements were launched from here. The most amazing show was a display of Gandhi's life in mini figures. I wondered if many people in down town Mumbai had even heard of it. The Haji Ali and Jain Temple appeared on our way to Malabar Hill, home to the SoBo rich. The Hanging Garden didn't amaze me but it was the spectacular view which did. One can measure the entire Mumbai landscape in a single view, and I wondered why they didn't build a 360 degree viewing tower there. I was taken aback when I was told that the Tower of Silence (where the Parsis depart their dead souts) was visible from quite a few apartments on this hill, and the residents coutd actually see inside the rings! Next in line were Chowpatty, Marine Drive and Taraporevala Aquarium. The CST and Fort buildings pleased with their ornate architecture. Meanwhile, the company provides various tours including the Bollywood tour, the Temple tour and the Night tour. Foreigners can breathe easy as the guides speak all lan guages and the mode of transport can also be chosen. Prices range from Rs 1350 to Rs 6000 per person (depending on the tour). Hop on and savour the Mumbai magic (www.namastecitytour.com). Mail: visitus@namastecitytour.com, Ph : (022) 23888711 / 9323652111. saloni@yuva. net. in