Mumbai 2026

It’s 12:21 PM on a festive Easter Sunday, and I’m currently at home, buzzing with excitement for our upcoming trip to Mumbai! The anticipation is definitely building as we prepare for what promises to be an incredible journey.

Our immediate plans involve a quick lunch, and then we’ll be heading out. Andrea is busy with some last-minute packing, making sure we have everything we need for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, I’m putting the finishing touches on some code for Neason. For those unfamiliar, Neason is my new WordPress bot tool, designed to run directly from Telegram. It’s built to manage my site and even write posts, making content creation incredibly streamlined.

In fact, this very post you’re reading right now is a testament to Neason’s capabilities – it’s being written completely by the bot, directly from my Telegram app! It’s an exciting step in automating my workflow.

We finally managed to leave home around 2 pm, though getting an Uber proved to be as challenging as ever. With all our luggage taking up most of the space, it meant mum couldn’t drop us off at the airport this time. Adding to the pre-travel rush, the skies opened up with rain and thunder, setting a dramatic backdrop for our departure.

Despite the slight rush, we just heard our flight has been delayed by 10 minutes. Honestly, we’re hoping that’s a good thing! Being a wee bit late, that extra breathing room is certainly a welcome bonus as we make our way to the gate.

It’s 2:43pm, and we’ve finally made it to the airport!

Thankfully, the rain has eased up quite a bit since we left home, which is a small relief after the chaotic drive.

Finally, we’re inside the terminal! It’s such a relief to be out of the rain and the general chaos outside. After the eventful journey, just walking through these doors feels like a small victory.

We’re currently making our way through the check-in process, which is thankfully going smoothly so far. The energy in here is infectious, and it’s really starting to sink in – we’re actually doing this!

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of an airport, and I’m super excited to be flying again. Mumbai, here we come!

After successfully completing our check-in process, we’ve officially made it to the boarding gate! It feels great to finally be settled in here, soaking in the pre-flight atmosphere and watching the last preparations for our journey unfold.

Naturally, a quick stop for some essentials was on the cards. We’ve stocked up on water and a few other bits and bobs, ensuring we’re perfectly set for the flight ahead. The anticipation is truly building now that we’re so close to departure.

Mumbai, here we come! The excitement for this adventure is palpable, and after all the preparations, we’re more than ready to take to the skies once again. Let the journey begin!

Our Mumbai flight, originally 4:10 PM, has been repeatedly delayed and is now set for 4:40 PM. The wait at the gate is growing, but the thought of Veronica’s and Magnolia Bakery keeps our spirits high. Fingers crossed we’ll be airborne soon!

After a bit of a wait, the boarding call was finally made, and now we’re comfortably settled on the plane, wheels up for our exciting adventure to Mumbai! This will be our last update for a while as we prepare to go dark – airplane mode is about to kick in, as you know! Already dreaming of the delicious treats from Veronica’s and Magnolia Bakery to fuel our journey and keep us sane.

The anticipation for Mumbai is buzzing, and we can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of the city. From exploring bustling markets to soaking in the rich culture, every moment promises to be an adventure. We’re eager to share all our experiences with you once we land!

It’s always such a breathtaking experience to be soaring high above the clouds, isn’t it? Today’s journey through the skies might have been a bit turbulent in patches, but I’m happy to report it was ultimately a smooth ride all the way.

We touched down precisely at 7:30 PM, right on schedule. The process of disembarking and navigating the airport was made much easier, thankfully, as Granny was whisked away by a friendly caddy inside the terminal. After ensuring she was settled, we headed off to collect our luggage, excited to finally be on Indian soil.

My initial goal was to be settled into the Airbnb and catching up with Veronica by 8:30 PM. However, as often happens with travel, luck had a slightly different itinerary in store for us. But before we delve into that unfolding story, I couldn’t resist sharing a few snapshots from the spectacular heavens above!

A Rocky Start in Mumbai

Having previously shared the serene beauty of the skies, it’s time to bring things back down to earth, quite literally. This is where the journey from “up in the heavens” took a sharp turn into what can only be described as a cascade of back-to-back frustrations. As soon as we grabbed our luggage, the real adventure began, and not in a good way.

My first task was to book a cab, which immediately proved to be an exercise in patience. After several disheartening cancellations, a driver finally connected with us, confirming he was waiting at the airport’s P4 area. We started making our way, navigating through lifts and a considerable walk to reach the designated parking spot.

But upon reaching P4, his location kept shifting on the map, indicating he was on the move. Despite our efforts, he didn’t pick up his phone, leaving us no choice but to cancel that ride. The search for reliable transport continued, and with it, my mounting annoyance.

Next, we connected with an Uber, located all the way at P7. This meant another lift ride and an even longer trek through the parking lot to find pillar 17D, which was quite a walk for Granny. And just when we thought we’d finally made it, we discovered it was a CNG Uber! This meant practically non-existent boot space for our luggage, forcing us to cram bags onto the seats and even have Andrea sit on my lap just to fit everything in.

The Airbnb Adventure

After a somewhat comical and certainly cramped 30-minute drive, we finally reached what we thought was our Airbnb. Or rather, we were 240 meters away. It was 8:00 PM, and a road closure due to construction blocked our direct path, adding another layer to the evening’s unfolding chaos.

I immediately called the Airbnb owner, only to find he was completely unfamiliar with the specific location, despite it being in his area. His caretaker, who was supposed to pick us up, was equally oblivious and couldn’t even figure out how to share their location on WhatsApp. It was a classic case of utter confusion on all fronts.

After a frustrating 25-minute wait with no resolution, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We began to drag our luggage through the broken, under-construction road, a tough and gritty challenge that felt endless. But eventually, after another 15 minutes of determined hauling, we reached the landmark and finally spotted the caretaker!

We then made our way up, settling into the Airbnb around 9:05 PM. However, the clock was ticking, and our dinner plans were still hanging in the balance. We left the Airbnb just 15 minutes later, around 9:20 PM, bracing ourselves for the next hurdle.

Veronica’s to the Rescue (Almost)

Getting an auto or another cab from the Airbnb proved to be another mini-saga. At this point, I was genuinely concerned that we wouldn’t get a spot at Veronica’s, our planned dinner destination, or even manage to eat at all given the late hour and continuous delays.

Thankfully, my friend Rohan Bhowmick came to the rescue! He’d gone ahead, secured a spot for us, and was masterfully stalling the staff with questions until we arrived. We finally reached Veronica’s via auto about 15 minutes later, relieved and ready to simply order food.

The moment of truth arrived, and we ordered big! I went for Veronica’s special smash burger, Andrea chose the pork sandwich called “The Italian Job,” and we ordered Veronica’s special beer to celebrate finally making it. Things were looking up!

But of course, the universe had one last twist for the evening. They forgot to add the extra two burgers to our order! So, my burger arrived, but Granny’s and Rohan’s took another painstaking 20 minutes. I was absolutely “pissed” at this point, but when they finally did arrive, the burgers were, thankfully, awesome. While waiting for the delayed food, we even snuck out to a nearby stall where Andrea found a charming heart mug.

We finished our meal, and I consciously opted for a lemon iced tea without ice, remembering my upcoming WordCamp Asia talk. Despite all the travel and logistical nightmares, Veronica’s finally happened, and in the end, I was genuinely happy.

One More Stop: Magnolias!

Just when we thought the night couldn’t possibly hold any more adventures, there was still one vital mission left on the agenda! Remember, I’d planned our Magnolias visit for tonight as well, a crucial part of my Mumbai return. With closing time at 12 AM looming, we realised we had a mere 50 minutes to make it across town. The race was officially on!

Getting there, however, presented its own unique challenge. Andrea managed to flag down an auto, but as is often the case, they can only accommodate three people at most. So, Andrea and Granny quickly hopped in, while Rohan and I waited patiently for another. Thankfully, one appeared shortly, and we rushed off, eager to make up for lost time.

We finally pulled up to Magnolias by 11:30 PM, just in the nick of time! And oh my, the anticipation had been building for this moment all year. Sinking my teeth into my favourite chocolate cake slice was pure heaven – truly the best way to wrap up such an epic night. After all the chaos and delays, enjoying that cake pushed my happiness meter from 75% straight to 100%! What a fantastic end to a day that certainly had its ups and downs.

And with Magnolias savored, it was truly a wrap for our eventful day! The journey back to our Airbnb, even in an auto, wasn’t without its final set of challenges, thanks to those persistent road closures and construction work. After a few more bumps and detours, we finally made it back to base.

Settling in, the next priority was stocking up on essentials, so a quick Blinkit order for water and other necessities was placed. It’s now 1:24 AM as I’m typing this update to Neason on Telegram, reflecting on just how much we’ve accomplished today.

Honestly, Neason has been an absolute game-changer, a huge success for day one of this trip! We’ve meticulously documented the entire journey, capturing every moment with all the images, and the entire post is structured so incredibly well. I’m loving this system so far; it makes me want to return to Kolkata just to make a video about it, and I genuinely believe this entire framework should be open-sourced for everyone. This system is truly something everyone should be using!

And with that, Day 1 in Mumbai officially comes to a close! It’s been an incredible start, filled with unique experiences and delicious treats right up until the very end. Time to rest up and recharge for whatever tomorrow brings. Goodnight for now, and I’ll catch you all bright and early on Day 2!

Good morning, Mumbai! It’s Day 2, and after the whirlwind of yesterday, I had grand plans to kick things off early. My intention was to wake up with the sun, dive into a bit of coding, and get some work done before we hit the streets. However, the late-night wrap-up meant I didn’t finally sleep until around 3:15 AM, and now it’s a comfortable 9:22 AM.

As expected, Andrea is still enjoying her well-deserved rest, which means our morning departure will likely be a little later than originally anticipated. But that’s perfectly fine; this journey is all about adapting and enjoying the flow.

No rush at all! I’m still buzzing with excitement for what today holds. Andrea is our fantastic guide for the day and has quite a few interesting things planned for us. Let’s see what incredible experiences Mumbai has in store for Day 2!

Our Mumbai adventure continues in Colaba! Taking an uber for a day of exploration, my bag is packed with essentials like water, a power bank, and my InstaX camera. Ready for fun and a delicious brunch!

Our journey to Colaba began in style with a premium Uber – an Uber Black, which we learned only operates in a select few cities. The experience was truly impressive; our driver was incredibly professional, and the car even featured window shades, adding an extra touch of luxury to our ride.

The drive itself was a treat, taking us past the stunning Sea Link and along the iconic Marine Drive before we finally reached Colaba. While I had to juggle an important 20-minute business call, Andrea made the most of the travel time by doing some quick souvenir shopping along the way.

With it already being 1:36 pm, our initial plan to visit Cafe Mondegar for brunch pivoted. While Mondegar is fantastic for snacks, we were after something more substantial. The decision was made: Leopold Cafe. This legendary spot is incredibly popular, known for attracting celebrities and foreigners alike – even the Guns N’ Roses band has graced its tables!

And for my meal? I naturally gravitated towards an old favorite: the Chicken Hawaiian Pizza. Loaded with chicken salami and pineapple, it’s a delightful combination. And yes, I’ll say it loud and clear – pineapple on pizza is absolutely amazing, no matter what anyone else tries to tell you!

We’ve just finished our delicious meal at Leopold Cafe! As expected, I savored my favorite Chicken Hawaiian Pizza, complete with chicken salami and pineapple – don’t let anyone tell you pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza! Andrea opted for a classic steak and a refreshing beer, while Granny enjoyed her traditional Chicken Tikka and Naan.

Leopold truly has something for everyone, and their combo deals are a great find. My pizza combo came with a refreshing Coke and a delightful French chocolate cake, which I happily indulged in. Andrea, however, decided to skip dessert here, already planning for more culinary adventures as we explore Mumbai further!

Before we officially wrapped up our visit to the historic Leopold Cafe, a profound thought crossed my mind. I’d heard whispers, persistent rumors, that this very establishment, this lively space we were enjoying, still bore physical scars from the horrific Mumbai 26/11 attacks – specifically, gun shot holes. What struck me even more was the story that Leopold chose not to repair them, keeping them intact as a stark, permanent reminder of that tragic day.

My curiosity, tinged with a sense of solemnity, prompted me to ask the security staff. True to the stories, they confirmed it, and without hesitation, led me to where they were visible. Seeing them firsthand was an incredibly potent experience.

It was scary, truly haunting. I found it hard to believe, even as I stared right at them. My mind immediately replayed the unimaginable – picturing people here, just like us, when the shootout happened, experiencing that terror and trauma. It served as a powerful, chilling reminder of the fragility of peace and the enduring strength of a city that carries its history so openly.

After the profound experience at Leopold Cafe, a walk through Mumbai’s bustling streets brought another stark reminder. On a nearby building’s facade, we spotted more bullet holes, an almost unbelievable sight.

To see such scars on multiple structures so close together made the reality of the attack even more terrifying and deeply unsettling, reinforcing the gravity of what happened here.

After leaving Leopold Cafe and contemplating the raw bullet holes, we took a short walk towards the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The Mumbai heat was absolutely relentless, making us rush through the bustling streets. We paused just long enough to snap some photos in front of its grand facade.

It was a stark contrast to Leopold; the Taj has meticulously repaired any bullet holes from the 26/11 attacks. It’s understandable, as the hotel undoubtedly prioritised creating a safe and non-traumatising environment for its guests, removing such potent reminders of the past tragedy.

Our quick tour then led us to the iconic Gateway of India. I was especially excited to finally see it properly, as it had been completely under construction during my visit last year. We got our photos with the historic archway, but the super intense heat meant we had to rush out and seek some shade almost immediately!

After all that sightseeing and battling the heat, we headed back towards the lively Leopold Area. It was a good spot to unwind and perhaps do a little more exploring.

Andrea managed to pick up some new tops, but my attention was quickly drawn to a fantastic toy store nearby. It was an absolute goldmine, packed with so many good collectibles! This was particularly exciting because we simply don’t get this kind of selection in Kolkata; they had a ton of amazing imported stuff.

I had actually spotted the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine outside, which was what drew me in initially. And after years of searching, I finally found one inside and bought it! What a brilliant find and a perfect souvenir from Mumbai.

After our exciting find at the toy store, our next destination was the much-anticipated Bombay Sweet Shop. Given it’s run by the same parent company as Veronica’s, I had specific expectations, imagining a place bustling with traditional Indian sweets like halwa. However, it turned out to be more of a modern cafe, and to our surprise, a professional shoot was actually underway! They mostly sold chocolates and namkeens, which, while nice, wasn’t quite the experience I’d envisioned from a place called a ‘sweet shop.’ Honestly, it felt a little anticlimactic and, dare I say, boring.

With our sweet shop visit not quite hitting the mark, we decided it was time to head back to our Airbnb for some much-needed rest. The Mumbai heat had been relentless, and a break was definitely in order. While granny opted to stay back and relax at the apartment, Andrea and I were already planning our next adventure for the evening: a trip out to Juhu!

Our evening adventure to Juhu Beach started a little later than planned, but we thankfully managed to arrive just before the vibrant Mumbai sky fully surrendered to night. It was the perfect window to capture some truly decent photos, bathing in the last whispers of twilight as the city lights began to twinkle.

Walking along the expansive shoreline, we let the gentle waves playfully crash onto our feet, enjoying the cool spray. While the urge to wade deeper was strong, we opted to stay dry, knowing we still had more exploring ahead of us. But rest assured, Juhu, we’ll be back to fully embrace your waters!

From the bustling beach, our next destination was the charming Prithvi Cafe area. We were immediately struck by the tranquility of these neighborhoods – a welcome hush where you could almost hear your own thoughts. Andrea, always on the lookout for a good brew, picked up some exquisite coffee beans from The Third Wave cafe. Following a long, leisurely walk through the quiet streets, we made another delightful stop at ab.coffee, where Andrea treated herself to a refreshing mango matcha.

It was near ab.coffee that we had an amusing encounter. We spotted a shop named ‘the smoke shop’ and instantly wondered if it was a branch of one we knew from Kolkata. Upon inquiring, the owner firmly stated that all their origins were rooted in Kerala, emphatically dismissing the Kolkata store as a duplicate! We found the whole revelation quite humorous and a bit of a mystery – though as non-smokers, it was purely a moment of curiosity, adding an unexpected footnote to our evening.

After a full evening of exploring Juhu and Santacruz, the city’s vibrant energy had finally started to wear us down. Feeling super tired and ready to call it a day, we hailed an auto and made our way back towards Hill Road, keen to get some rest at our accommodation.

But then, the dreaded travel FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) kicked in, hard! Andrea, ever the shopper, managed to snag a cool new belt. And just when we thought we were done, the thought of “singing light” (likely “something light”) to eat started buzzing. We headed to Subko Mary Lodge, hoping for a quick bite, but the vibe felt a bit too plain for me, so we decided to keep looking.

Our search led us to Veronica’s, a much better fit for our evening cravings. I settled for “The Big Floyd,” a deliciously tempting Nashville Fried Chicken burger, while Andrea opted for a local twist with the “Mumbai Chilli Cheese Melt” sandwich. We thought that would be the perfect end to our night.

However, the dessert gods had other plans, at least for Andrea! She suddenly developed an intense craving for tiramisu. So, off we went to Mr. Misu, a shop dedicated to the delectable Italian treat. She got her tiramisu, and then, inevitably, *I* got FOMO all over again!

Seeing my dessert-less plight, Andrea suggested a nearby cafe called Taatsu, known for its unique tarts with cheesecake inside. While it sounded intriguing, it just didn’t quite hit the spot for me. So, after a bit more searching, I finally managed to hail an auto that took me straight to Magnolia. There, I finally found my true calling for the night: a glorious blueberry cheesecake. With my dessert mission accomplished, we jumped back into the same auto and headed straight home, truly ready to call it a day.

After a full day of exploring, the moment I reached home, I dove straight back into my personal programming project. I’m currently developing an assistant that manages my calendar and provides reminders, but I’m keen to evolve it further. My goal is to make it run seamlessly within Telegram, moving away from relying on a custom app, and to integrate it with Google Calendar and Google Meet.

To achieve this, I’ve been busy building a bot with access to the Google Maps API, Google Calendar API, and Google Meet API, then hooking everything together. It’s showing promising signs of working, though there are still a few bugs to iron out. Hopefully, “Lisa’s Telegram bot” will be ready for action tomorrow!

Shifting gears from personal projects, I then had an important meeting with a colleague from Automattic. This session was dedicated to preparing and reviewing my slides for my upcoming speech at WordCamp Asia 2026 – a significant milestone I’m looking forward to.

As the evening wound down, I video called my parents to catch up, a nice way to reconnect after a busy day. And, of course, I finally got to enjoy that delicious cheesecake I picked up earlier!

Now, I’m typing these final notes for the day on Neason for WordPress, officially marking the wrap-up of Day 2 in Mumbai. I am super tired, truly ready to call it a night at 1:19 AM. Off to bed now 😴

My late-night coding session on Lisa, my personal assistant bot, wrapped up with some solid progress, but not quite a finished product. While she’s making great strides in integrating with Telegram, Google Calendar, and Meet, there are still a few minor bugs to iron out before a full deployment.

Given the hour – already past 1:00 AM – and the incredibly packed Day 2 I’ve had, from Automattic meetings to video calls and cheesecake, I’m officially calling it a night. Lisa will have to wait until the morning for her final polish and official launch. Goodnight for now!

It’s already Day 3 of our Mumbai adventure, and we’ve finally managed to get ourselves ready and out the door around 11:40 AM. Our morning has been largely consumed by an exciting project: converting my personal assistant, Lisa – who diligently manages my calendar and tasks – into a functional Telegram bot.

This integration work is what kept us busy late last night, though we ultimately couldn’t get Lisa fully deployed until the morning. The main hurdle was unexpected railway maintenance, which impacted operations until around 2 AM, preventing any successful deployment attempts.

With Lisa’s development now progressing, our next crucial mission is a trip to Colaba Sweets. We’re on a quest to pick up all the famous Mumbai halwa and other delightful treats to bring back home to Kolkata, ensuring we carry a taste of Mumbai with us.

Our plans for Colaba Sweets took a delicious detour! We changed our Uber destination mid-route, deciding a proper brunch was in order first, especially given how substantial the meals tend to be here in Mumbai. So, off we went to the vibrant and iconic Cafe Mondegar, ready for another delightful culinary experience.

The food did not disappoint. I ordered a hearty Chicken Roast, perfectly complemented by a side of garlic bread. My grandmother enjoyed a classic Pollo Cordon Bleu, which arrived as beautifully deep-fried chicken breasts, generously stuffed with cottage cheese and served with a rich, herb-flavoured creamy sauce. Andrea chose the elegant Filleto di Porto Fino, a tender fish fillet presented with mushrooms in a creamy cheese and white wine sauce – truly a feast for the senses.

My eyes, as always, immediately fell on the merchandise, and naturally, we couldn’t resist! I absolutely adore collecting merch and souvenirs, so I ended up with a lovely Cafe Mondegar plate, a t-shirt, a cap, and a mug. Andrea also picked up a charming square plate and a short mug. As an added bonus, we were given four free postcards each – two for each of us – along with branded Cafe Mondegar bags to carry all our new treasures.

The biggest surprise of the day came from our waiter, Subhodeep. Turns out, he’s from Kolkata Newtown and we instantly connected speaking Bengali! He asked about what I do, and when I mentioned building software, his face lit up. He revealed he’s a developer too, specializing in Android apps and cloud-related work, and works part-time at the cafe. We ended up exchanging numbers, and I gave him my business cards, explaining our purpose here in Mumbai. Subhodeep was a really nice guy, and it was a great unexpected connection!

Leaving the vibrant atmosphere of Cafe Mondegar, our next stop was Colaba Sweets. While it’s only about 850 meters away, walking in the scorching Mumbai heat at 1:30 PM was simply not an option. A quick cab ride was definitely the preferred choice over enduring that kind of midday sun – seriously, I’d take an Uber every single time!

We arrived at Colaba Sweets, a place we fondly remembered from our visit last year. This time, however, our sweet tooth seemed to have grown even more, as we ended up with an even bigger haul! My mom, a huge fan of halwa, made sure we picked up plenty of her favorite. It felt like everyone was in on the sweet spree, with Granny and Andrea also picking out their own delightful treats.

Of course, we didn’t forget Dad, ensuring he had some sugar-free options along with a box of soan papdi. For me, a delicious milk cake was absolutely essential! With our hands full of delectable treats, we’re now happily making our way back to our Airbnb, eager to drop off our sweet treasures and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

After coming back home and resting for a much-needed hour, we were refreshed and ready for our next adventure. The sweet haul from Colaba Sweets was safely stowed away, and our energy levels were back up!

Our destination was Bandra, where we made our way to the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Church. It was fantastic to finally explore the church properly this year, especially since our last visit saw it completely closed and under renovation. It truly felt like a special experience to walk through its peaceful grounds.

As we left the church, we took some time to browse the vibrant stalls outside. We managed to pick up some lovely, blessed souvenirs, perfect mementos of our visit to this significant landmark.

After a full afternoon of exploring, we made our way back to the Airbnb to drop Granny off, allowing her some well-deserved rest. My day, however, was far from over, as I had an important meeting scheduled.

This evening was dedicated to catching up with Peshwa Acharya, a formidable presence in the Indian business landscape. His impressive background includes senior CXO roles, business strategy, and consultancy experience across a diverse portfolio of major companies. From giants like Procter & Gamble, Reckitt, Dabur, and Reliance Retail (including Reliance Digital) to Sterling Holidays (Thomas Cook) and technology start-ups like Housing.com, Peshwa’s expertise is truly vast.

Our meeting took place at the iconic Candies, where I had the pleasure of not only catching up with Peshwa but also meeting his wife. We had a truly engaging chat, diving deep into everything about startups and the exciting, ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. It was incredibly insightful to hear his perspectives on the industry.

As if the conversation wasn’t highlight enough, I made a delightful discovery during our visit to Candies – they sell Bebinca! Unfortunately, it was sold out during our visit, but that just gives me the perfect excuse to make another trip back soon to get my hands on some.

From our engaging discussion at Candies, we decided to take a leisurely walk, soaking in the evening air as we headed towards the iconic Bandstand. It was a perfect opportunity to capture some more memories, and we spent a little time taking pictures, enjoying the beautiful Mumbai coastline.

Our stroll naturally led us to the delightful Magnolia Bakery, a place we simply can’t resist! As expected, Andrea couldn’t pass up the chance to indulge in one of their famously delicious cupcakes, a sweet highlight to our evening.

Andrea, ever on the move, decided to explore a bit further, making her way to DRNK in Bandra. There, she picked up a refreshing lemonade and a chicken sandwich, setting her dinner plans. I continued with her, and we soon found ourselves heading towards ARBAB – a delightful discovery indeed.

To my surprise, ARBAB had a branch right here in Bandra! My last memory of enjoying their delicious Lebanese fare was at the BKC Mumbai food court, so this was a pleasant and convenient find. The spot itself was nice and simple, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a casual dinner.

I couldn’t resist ordering two plates of their fantastic lamb kebab for dinner, which came perfectly complemented with a generous portion of rice and a small piece of bread. As we finished up, a light drizzle began to fall, signaling it was time to head back home and officially conclude our dinner adventure.

Here’s some snaps from DRNK too and we call it a wrap for the day!

I came home and fixed Lisa Bot for Telegram – it now reminds me about everything – it’s my personal assistant on telegram

It was day four of our Mumbai adventure, and an unexpected situation kicked off the morning with a surprising turn.

The evening before, my granny had made a concerning discovery: the delicious sweets we’d purchased from Colaba Sweet Mart were set to expire in just two days. Given we’d spent a significant amount, around 5,000 rupees, on these perishable treats, this was more than just an inconvenience – it was a potential major loss for us.

Facing the prospect of such a waste, an early start was unavoidable. It was quite a struggle to get out of bed, but I roused Andrea, and we were out the door by 7:30 AM, making our way straight to Colaba to sort things out.

Thankfully, we reached the mart, successfully exchanged the nearly expired sweets, resolving the issue before it became a bigger problem. With that mission accomplished, we were finally ready to properly begin our day and explore what Mumbai had in store for us next.

After exchanging sweets, we explored the charming Kala Ghoda precinct. Andrea particularly wanted to see its unique British-era architecture, a fascinating collection of old buildings.

Nearby, we stopped at Nandan Coffee, where Andrea found some fresh beans, a perfect Mumbai souvenir.

Our final stop was the iconic Marine Drive. Arriving early allowed us to enjoy the cool, crisp air and the serene beauty of the coastline without crowds.

We finally reached Marine Drive, and the early morning timing made all the difference. It was incredibly peaceful and beautiful, offering a truly serene experience that felt a world away from previous visits.

I distinctly remember last year’s trip, when we arrived closer to 8 pm during summer. The promenade was absolutely super crowded, with no room to even stand comfortably or capture a photo. While the sun set late, the sheer number of people made it less than ideal. This time, however, was a complete contrast and so much more enjoyable!

To make the experience even more delightful, we spotted little crabs moving gracefully on the boulders along the shore. They were incredibly cute and provided such a fun, unexpected element to our peaceful morning walk.

After our serene morning at Marine Drive, our next destination was Danda Market. The mission? To find some delicious dried Bombil fish for my mom – a local delicacy often compared to Sutki fish in Kolkata, and incredibly popular here. We quickly hailed a classic Mumbai cab, and before we knew it, we arrived at the bustling market, conveniently located near Chuim Village, where our Airbnb stood last year.

Once there, we sought out the familiar stall and bought our fish from the same lovely woman who had served us before. While she meticulously cleaned our Bombil – a process that took a good thirty minutes – we took the opportunity to wander and explore the vibrant array of other seafood on display. It was fascinating to see some truly incredible catches, from a huge shark fish to majestic stingrays, and even fresh oysters! The distinct, earthy aroma of the old fish market quickly enveloped us, adding to the authentic experience.

After finishing our fish shopping at Danda Market, we decided to take a short walk. Despite the intense heat, Chuim Village was just around the corner, and we couldn’t resist revisiting the area. Walking through the familiar lanes, a wave of nostalgia washed over us, bringing back fond memories from our Airbnb stay last year.

We spent a few moments soaking it all in, snapping a few photos to capture the feeling of revisiting our old stomping grounds. Soon after, we hailed an auto-rickshaw and began our journey back to Hill Road, eager to drop off all our purchases and take a well-deserved break after our market adventures.

After returning to our Airbnb, the immediate priority was to rest and refresh after our bustling morning. A quick bath helped us shake off the Mumbai humidity, and feeling revitalised, we were ready for our next indulgence: brunch at Subko.

It was a delightful return to a familiar favourite. Granny and I shared a sourdough sandwich that I had tried and loved last year – a surprisingly simple yet perfectly crafted combination featuring rich bacon jam and sweet caramelised onion. After our relaxed meal, Granny departed for Thane, where she was looking forward to meeting up with my uncle and his son.

Before leaving Subko, Andrea and I couldn’t resist picking up some of their exquisite chocolates for home. We fondly remembered how much we’d enjoyed them last year, so despite the little splurge, they were a must-buy! We quickly dropped our new treasures back at the Airbnb before setting off for our next destination: the sprawling Phoenix Palladium.

Our journey finally brought us to Phoenix Palladium, a destination we initially thought would be a quick 30-minute stop. Oh, how wrong we were! What began as a brief visit quickly extended into an almost four-hour exploration.

Once inside, we truly immersed ourselves in the mall’s vast offerings, making sure to explore every corner. We navigated through the East Zone, the West Zone, and even the impressive Grand Zone, taking in all the sights and sounds.

As often happens, our exploration led to some unplanned shopping. I stumbled upon a really nice Fast & Furious t-shirt at Bershka, which I promptly snagged, while Andrea found a stylish new bag. Soon after, I discovered Muji, a fascinating Japanese brand known for its minimalist aesthetic. I was instantly drawn to their Tech Kit bag and knew I had to have it, along with a new iPhone case and a compatible wrist strap – all seeming incredibly useful for future adventures!

Our shopping spree continued as we roamed, and Andrea, always with an eye for home essentials, ended up buying some lovely crockery from Le Creuset. It was quite the haul for an unplanned visit!

Just as we were about to finally leave Phoenix Palladium, our plans for IKEA were momentarily put on hold when we stumbled upon The Game Palacio. Despite already running behind schedule, the allure of premium arcade games and the promise of a bowling session proved too strong to resist, and we quickly found ourselves hooked.

This place was seriously cool! One of the first things we noticed was the fantastic, uncrowded atmosphere. It felt exclusive and relaxed, with comfortable couches perfect for unwinding between games, and even a bar to complete the experience. It was the ideal spot to simply play, relax, and enjoy the moment.

We paid for a session of bowling and had an absolute blast! Andrea, true to form, managed to beat me to it, but that just added to the competitive fun. It was such a spontaneous and super enjoyable detour from our original plans!

Leaving the exciting chaos of The Game Palacio, our next destination was the much-anticipated IKEA. If you ever find yourself there, don’t make the mistake of delaying the food experience – it’s an absolute must-do right away!

Our priority, without a doubt, was securing those famous cheesecakes. We grabbed ours immediately, and I can confidently say that IKEA’s cheesecake is hands down the best I’ve ever tasted! To sweeten the deal even further, we signed up for a membership and were pleasantly surprised with a free “buy two get one” offer on their adorable mini pasta. A perfect little treat!

With our stomachs happy, we began to explore the vast wonderland that is IKEA, a place Andrea absolutely adores. Among the myriad of interesting finds, I couldn’t resist picking up the iconic monkey soft toy, famously known from the “Punch incident” – a delightful nod to that heartwarming story of the zoo monkey and his beloved plushie.

Andrea, of course, found her own treasures, including a cute dog soft toy, a charming cloud lamp, and a few other small delightful items. Our IKEA adventure wrapped up with a call to my friend Rohan, who was keen to meet for dinner. With our shopping bags full and plans set, we then headed out, making our way towards Bandra, closer to home, for our next enjoyable stop.

After our marathon IKEA session, we decided to head back home. Andrea and I linked up with my friend Rohan, who was keen to grab dinner with us. A lot of research ensued as we tried to figure out the perfect spot for our evening meal, especially with Rohan joining in on the quest.

After much deliberation and scrolling through countless menus, we finally settled on Yoko Sizzlers! It was a classic choice, and we were looking forward to a hearty meal after a day full of exploring.

The food itself was good, quite satisfying in its own way. However, I have to admit, I’m still on the fence about sizzlers in general. While it was a pleasant experience, I’m just not entirely sure they’re “my thing,” if you know what I mean!

The evening continued with a visit from my friend Rohan. After our dinner, he joined us back at the Airbnb, where we settled in for some late-night chats and catching up.

We ended up talking and chilling until about 1:30 AM before he finally headed back home. Of course, this was all very unofficial – let’s just say our Airbnb hosts might have a ‘no visitors’ policy, but thankfully, no consequences yet!

Before calling it a night, I indulged in the highlight of my IKEA haul: the much-anticipated cheesecake. It truly lived up to its reputation – I loved every single bit of it! With that sweet treat, I was more than ready to head off to bed.

And with that, the stage is officially set for the main event, the very reason we journeyed to Mumbai: WordCamp Asia 2026!

And just like that, it’s officially the 9th of April! The day we’ve been anticipating since we booked our flights is finally here.

However, after a late night of chatting with Rohan and an unexpected midnight IKEA cheesecake snack, we might have embraced the vacation spirit a little too much this morning. We ended up sleeping in and waking up a bit later than planned, which means we’re running a tad behind schedule.

But no worries, we’re now wide awake, ready to roll, and currently on our way to the magnificent Jio World Convention Centre! WordCamp Asia 2026, here we come!

Despite a slightly late start to our day, we successfully made it to the Jio World Convention Centre! The moment we arrived, the excitement was palpable as WordCamp Asia 2026 officially kicked off.

Today marked a crucial event: Contributor Day. It was inspiring to witness over 1500 professionals gather, dedicating their time and expertise to the heart of WordPress. From refining the core platform and developing new plugins to enhancing design, crafting themes, and expanding polyglot translations, the collective effort was truly monumental.

Amidst the buzzing energy of WordCamp Asia 2026, it was wonderful to encounter our friends from the Kolkata WordPress Community, bringing an instant sense of camaraderie at such a large international event.

Taking a moment to catch up and chill was a perfect break from the intense day, reminding us of the strong bonds within the global WordPress family.

After catching up with old friends from the Kolkata WordPress Community, we took some time for a quick photo session here and there, capturing memories from this exciting event. Our exploration then led us to an interesting workshop.

We were thrilled to discover that the workshop was being conducted by none other than Jamie Marsland! As a big fan of his work, it was a fantastic surprise to see him presenting live.

This encounter was particularly serendipitous, as Jamie is also the host of the WordPress Speed Build Challenge, a competition I was scheduled to participate in on the 11th. It was great to finally meet one of the key figures I was looking forward to connecting with here at WordCamp Asia.

Today at WordCamp Mumbai 2026 was a welcome change of pace, deliberately designed not to be a very hectic day. It felt much more like a gentle warm-up for the main event, focusing on the crucial Contributor Day activities and a series of engaging workshops.

After these foundational sessions, we were ready to refuel and headed over for lunch. It was a delightful buffet spread, offering plenty of delicious options, and we certainly enjoyed the relaxed meal and good company.

After lunch, I returned to WordCamp and was thrilled my morning WordPress contributions were approved! This significant achievement on contributor day was made even better by earning a translation badge in the afternoon.

After the productive morning and a hearty lunch, we were just about to head out when something truly caught our eye. We stumbled upon a display of merchandise from Nita Mukesh Ambani’s own brand, NMACC – the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. Everything was undeniably high-end and quite pricey! But the allure was too strong to resist, and before we knew it, I’d picked up a stylish hoodie and a few other interesting pieces of merch.

Just as we were preparing to leave, I popped into the washroom for a quick change. To my absolute astonishment, stepping into that area felt like crossing into an entirely different dimension within the convention centre itself! It wasn’t just a washroom; it was the gateway to an incredibly high-end, premium mall.

This wasn’t just any mall; it was filled with luxury brands I never expected to see, especially not in such a setting – the kind you simply don’t find back in Kolkata. Think original, premium, and expensive names like Gucci, Armani, and more, all with their flagship stores. There was even an entire Samsung store, designed not just for shopping but as a full-blown experience centre. It was truly an unexpected spectacle, and I made sure to capture some photos of the entire mind-blowing experience!

Leaving the dazzling world of NMACC, our Mumbai adventure continued as we made our way to Jio World Drive. The plan was to meet up with a friend there before our day escalated into some thrilling go-karting!

While waiting, we took some time to explore the expansive mall itself. It was another impressive space, and a refreshing iced tea provided a welcome break from all the walking and exploring.

One of the most fascinating discoveries at Jio World Drive was a truly modern touch: a cute robot that guided us, showing us the way to various shops! It was incredibly interesting and perfectly encapsulated the futuristic vibe of Mumbai’s premium experiences.

Go-Karting Thrills at Ajmera IndiKarting

After exploring the modern marvels of Jio World Drive, our Mumbai adventure took a thrilling turn as we headed to Ajmera IndiKarting in Wadala. This premier, large go-karting track is truly something else, offering a variety of karts for all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Located conveniently near Carnival IMAX, the track boasts top speeds reaching an exhilarating 60 km/h on Level 2 karts and 30 km/h on Level 1, alongside specialized karts perfect for competitive racing, corporate events, or just pure recreational driving. Having loved it on previous visits, even going twice last year, I can confidently say there’s nothing quite like this experience back in Kolkata.

This time, Andrea, Bhowmick, and I were ready to hit the track and unleash our inner racers. For safety, we had to store our phones inside, so unfortunately, no photos captured the blur of the action. Opting for a Level 2 kart, I unleashed its 60 km/h top speed, tearing down the strip with pure adrenaline. The best part? I came in first, securing a thrilling victory on the track!

After our exhilarating go-karting session, Andrea expressed a desire to do some shopping at Hill Road, which was quite close to our home base. It sounded like a great idea, but unfortunately, my schedule had other plans.

I had a commitment to attend a social night at WordCamp, even if only for an hour. So, I couldn’t join them for the shopping spree. Instead, I quickly hailed a Rapido to make my way to the event.

During my ride, I discovered a rather interesting and surprising fact about Mumbai: apparently, you don’t always have to wear a helmet when riding a two-wheeler here! Definitely a first for me.

While I was off to WordCamp, Andrea and Rohan headed to Hill Road. They managed to get some shopping done, after which Rohan stopped at a cafe for a bite to eat, while Andrea found a different spot to relax with a refreshing drink.

After my brief but enjoyable visit to the WordCamp social night, it was time for another quick gathering.

The team got together for a small photo session, a quick snap to commemorate the day before we all dispersed.

From there, I headed out to Bandra, eager to finally meet up with Andrea and Rohan after their shopping excursion on Hill Road.

After the photo session, I made my way to Bandra, eager to catch up with Andrea and Rohan. We decided to meet at a spot called DRNK, a cafe known for its cozy ambiance and interesting menu. It was great to finally meet them there, settling in for what promised to be a delightful evening.

Once we were all comfortably seated, it was time to refuel. I was absolutely ravenous, so a substantial sandwich hit the spot perfectly – in fact, I was quite stuffed by the end of it! Andrea, true to form, enjoyed her beloved Matcha. But the real highlight was her “birthday coffee,” a whimsical concoction that truly lived up to its name, resembling a birthday cake complete with a candle on top. It was such a unique and fun detail, adding an extra layer of charm to our gathering.

After our satisfying stop at DRNK, and despite feeling quite stuffed from the sandwiches, a very specific craving began to assert itself. There was only one place that could possibly fix it.

I found myself heading straight for Magnolia Bakery, driven by an undeniable desire for their incredible chocolate slice cake. It was a craving I simply couldn’t ignore, especially since I knew just how good it was from previous visits!

April 10th had finally arrived, and with it, Speaker Day at WordCamp Asia! This was the main day we’d all been eagerly anticipating, a day packed with energy and excitement, especially since I was scheduled to speak. To start our momentous day, we hailed a local auto-rickshaw, navigating through the city streets towards the bustling venue.

Upon reaching the venue, the atmosphere was absolutely buzzing. Today wasn’t just Speaker Day; it was also Sponsors Day – which, in short, is a wonderfully fun day where everyone gets to collect ‘swags’! For those wondering, ‘swags’ is just our fun term for all the cool promotional stuff and goodies we receive from the generous sponsors.

And collect we did! As soon as we were inside, we embarked on a mission, making our way around to all the various stalls to gather our much-coveted swags. From familiar names like Hostinger and Spaceship to giants such as Automattic, Pressable, WordPress, Kinsta, Google, Mini Orange, and countless others, our bags quickly filled with exciting treasures.

With all the exciting swag collection complete and every stall visited, we transitioned to the next part of our day. It was time for a well-deserved break, and so we headed off for lunch.

This particular lunch wasn’t just about refueling; it was a significant moment, marking the direct lead-up to what I had been preparing for. Right after our meal, it was my time to speak!

The moment I stepped off the stage, I knew it had been a blast! The energy in the room was electric, and seeing everyone’s positive reactions to the session was incredibly rewarding. It was so exciting to share my insights, and truly, everyone in attendance seemed to love it!

Naturally, a successful session called for some celebratory snaps! I grabbed a quick selfie and a few pictures with attendees, soaking in the last bits of the Speaker Day buzz. With the official duties done, it was time for a change of pace – we were off to explore the vibrant Lil Flea, a renowned flea market!

But first, a quick practical detour. Our Airbnb checkout was scheduled for 11 am, and with a whole day of exploring ahead, we definitely needed a place to store our luggage. So, before diving into the market’s delights, we swiftly booked a hotel nearby the venue to keep our bags safe and sound.

After the quick detour to book a hotel and refresh ourselves, it was straight into full party mode! Andrea, Rohan, and I were finally heading to The Lil Flea, a place I had been looking forward to exploring. The energy was already palpable, even before we stepped foot inside.

Stepping into The Lil Flea was an immediate sensory delight. It was incredibly vibrant, bursting with colours, and humming with a lively buzz that instantly put a smile on my face. Honestly, it felt much cooler and more dynamic than any of the carnivals we have back home in Kolkata (sorry, Kolkata folks, but it’s true!).

This wasn’t just any market; The Lil Flea Mumbai 2026 is a renowned event held at the spacious Jio World Garden in BKC. It’s a fantastic hub featuring everything from unique boutique shopping experiences and independent music performances to wonderfully curated food stalls and engaging workshops.

This year’s edition runs over two weekends in April – specifically April 3-5 and April 10-12, from 3 PM to 11 PM. The market is famous for its distinct bohemian vibe, hosting over 100 pop-up brands. You can find an incredible blend of local fashion, quirky lifestyle goods, and some truly unique desserts here.

My time at The Lil Flea, while wonderfully vibrant, was limited to about an hour. It was a delightful whirlwind, where I managed to snag some charming crochet coasters and enjoyed a refreshing sugarcane juice – it had been ages since I last had one, and it brought back so many good memories! But duty called; I needed to pick up my laptop and head back to the WordCamp venue for a crucial tech check ahead of the next day’s Speed Build Challenge.

The journey back was an experience in itself. After a rather long auto ride and a small battle to secure a ride, I finally made it to the venue. Mumbai’s traffic always keeps you on your toes!

Upon arrival, I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie Marsland. With introductions made, I quickly got to the tech check for the challenge. I’m happy to report that everything was working smoothly, ensuring a stress-free start for tomorrow. With that sorted, I was off again, ready for whatever Mumbai had in store next!

With our time in Mumbai winding down on this last day, a major time crunch hit! Andrea was set on trying sushi at the adorable Harajuku Tokyo Cafe, and I had my sights on a seafood platter from Mahesh Lunch Home. Adding to the ambitious evening, my friend Reanne was in town and wanted to meet up, plus I absolutely had to make a stop at Magnolia Bakery. All of this needed to happen between 7 PM and midnight. Could we pull it off? Only one way to find out!

Harajuku Tokyo Cafe

Our first stop on this packed itinerary was indeed the Harajuku Tokyo Cafe, conveniently located at Jio World Drive. Andrea was particularly keen on this spot, not just for the sushi, but also for its super cool concept: a conveyor belt constantly circling with an array of dishes, allowing you to simply pick what you fancy as it passes by, and then get billed for your selections. A fun and interactive dining experience!

Upon arrival, the cafe was bustling, and I quickly discovered that all tables were reserved. After a bit of negotiation, however, I managed to secure a table for four, ready for us to dive into our first culinary adventure of the evening.

After an hour of delightful indulgence at Harajuku Tokyo Cafe, Andrea and my granny made a quick stop at the cafe’s bake house outside to grab some irresistible desserts. With our sweet cravings momentarily satisfied, we hailed an Uber and set off for Mahesh Lunch Home. Little did we know, Mumbai traffic had other plans for us!

What should have been a relatively short ride turned into quite the journey, thanks to the city’s notorious traffic. It took us almost an hour and twenty minutes to finally reach our destination, but the anticipation for some delicious seafood kept our spirits high. Once there, we wasted no time in placing our orders, and let me tell you, when our seafood platter arrived and we were done feasting, I couldn’t have been more satisfied! The wait was absolutely worth it.

The evening got even better when my friend Reanne, along with her boyfriend Andrew, joined us. We shared plenty of laughs, stories, and simply enjoyed each other’s company over a fantastic meal. Just when we thought the night was winding down, we made another one of our abrupt, spontaneous decisions. It was already 11 PM, but the idea of travelling another 5 kilometers to Magnolia Bakery suddenly seemed like the best idea ever! So, without a second thought, we booked both a cab and an auto, and off we went again, ready for another adventure.

We finally made it to Magnolia Bakery, arriving around 11:35pm. Despite the late hour and our extensive journey across the city, the excitement was palpable as we quickly placed our orders, eager to finally taste their famous treats.

The atmosphere was still buzzing, even as closing time loomed. We chatted, laughed, and savored our desserts, making the most of every last minute before our Cinderella moment. True to their schedule, the staff had to gently usher us out right around 12:10am as the shop officially closed its doors for the night – a truly fitting and memorable end to our spontaneous Mumbai adventure!

Our late-night bakery run at Magnolia brought a sweet, albeit sleepy, close to what felt like the final full day of our Mumbai adventure. As the clock hands met at midnight, we officially crossed over into the last day of our trip – a bittersweet moment indeed.

The journey back to our Airbnb felt longer than usual, and it was well past 1 AM by the time we finally stepped through the door. Despite the exhaustion, there was the inevitable task of unpacking a few things and ‘settling the swag’ – a collection of treasures we’d gathered throughout our explorations. I was utterly drained, feeling every single minute of the day’s excitement.

My fatigue hit hard, and in a daze, I somehow managed to pass out on Andrea’s bed. The sudden jolt of waking up at 3 AM was disorienting, and I realized my mistake immediately. Andrea was already awake, likely due to my unexpected occupation of her sleeping space!

A quick, embarrassed scramble back to my own bed ensued, and I thankfully fell back asleep almost instantly. When morning finally arrived, the reality of our departure began to sink in as we started the bittersweet process of packing everything away, preparing to say goodbye to this incredible city.

The final morning in Mumbai arrived, and with it, the bittersweet task of packing our bags. We tidied up, made sure everything was accounted for, and then, with a mix of gratitude and a touch of melancholy, headed out from Cochin Villa one last time. It had truly become our home for the past week, a comforting base for all our adventures, and we made sure to capture plenty of final pictures before bidding it farewell.

Our next stop wasn’t the airport, but rather a hotel I had strategically booked near the main venue. The plan was simple: drop off our luggage there, unburden ourselves, and then make our way directly to the venue for the much-anticipated WordPress Speed Build Challenge.

With our luggage safely dropped off at the nearby hotel, we made our way back to the heart of the action: the WordCamp Asia venue. It was the final day of the conference, and a definite buzz filled the air as we stepped inside, ready for the day’s events.

Soon after arriving, I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie Marsland. He wasted no time helping me prepare for the upcoming challenge, swiftly installing the essential blueprint project onto my laptop and getting everything ready to go.

And just like that, the moment was almost upon us. With only 50 minutes left on the clock, the highly anticipated WordPress Speed Build Challenge was officially about to begin!

With the challenge looming, we quickly got mic’d up and took our positions, ready for the speed build to begin! The mystery site was then dramatically unveiled: sudhamurty.in. We had a mere 30 minutes to recreate it as closely as possible.

My strategy for the build was to go completely analogue, relying solely on Full Site Editing (FSE) and absolutely no plugins or AI assistance. In contrast, my opponent, Player 2, was none other than Ajay Maurya, one of the brilliant WordCamp organisers, who opted to leverage AI for his build.

As the clock started ticking, we plunged into the intense 30-minute build. The atmosphere was electric, and I could hear the crowd’s energy building, cheering loudly as I meticulously crafted the site. Their support was incredible, and I felt a surge of pride as I realized how closely my manual build matched the original. The audience loved my approach and the result, voting for me wholeheartedly. I was a definite hit, and in the end, I emerged victorious, triumphantly defeating AI!

After the exhilarating speed build challenge and celebrating the win, it was definitely time to refuel! We headed off for a well-deserved lunch, where I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with some wonderful friends from the WordPress Kolkata community. It’s always great to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share experiences, especially after such an exciting morning.

Our afternoon then included a brief but productive meeting with the staff from Booking Press. They were keen for us to help promote their services, and we discussed some potential collaborations. It’s always exciting to see new tools and services emerging within the WordPress ecosystem, and exploring how we can support them.

Before finally calling it a day and heading out, we took some last-minute photo shoots, capturing the vibrant hallways, documenting the fascinating story of Wapuu displayed around the venue, and just soaking in the final moments of the event. With our memories captured and new connections made, we were then ready to leave Mumbai, filled with incredible experiences from WordCamp Mumbai 2026.

After picking up all our luggage, it was time to make our way to the airport. The next leg of our journey was officially underway as we began our departure from Mumbai.

Upon arrival, we promptly got our belongings checked in. Everything proceeded smoothly until we hit a minor snag at the scales – apparently, we had accumulated a bit too much! An extra 2,000 rupees later, our bags were cleared for departure, a small price to pay for carrying all our memories (and perhaps a few too many souvenirs! 😂).

We finally touched down in Kolkata, officially marking the end of our incredible Mumbai adventure. It felt good to be back home, though the memories of the trip were still incredibly fresh in our minds.

To truly cap off the day and celebrate being home, there was only one choice: a plate of delicious Arsalan Mutton Biryani. That, my friends, is undoubtedly one of the many wonderful things about Kolkata – its unparalleled food scene!

Reflecting on the journey, I already feel a profound sense of longing for Mumbai. It’s a city that has genuinely grown on me, stealing a piece of my heart. In my humble opinion, it stands out as one of the best cities I’ve ever visited. I’m already counting down the days until I can return, and I assure you, I absolutely *will* be back!

And with that, my Mumbai 2026 travelogue officially comes to a close. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable moments, and I’m so glad to have shared every step of it with you.

Before I fully sign off, I also wanted to share some exciting content from WordCamp Asia 2026. It was an amazing event, and you can now catch my full speech from my session and my participation in the Speed Build challenge!

WordCamp Asia 2026 Highlights

FULL SPEECH: https://youtu.be/lLAmQF0GiK0?si=K8cwyr5ihcHxyVh

FULL CHALLENGE: https://youtu.be/cgRYv2eGeDI?si=s2C8tmiyyuwIzRGn

The journey through Mumbai for WordCamp Asia 2026 has officially concluded. While the trip itself might be over, this is far from the end of the story; indeed, it feels like only the beginning of something much larger.

My heart remains in Mumbai, a city that has truly captured my affection. I’m already looking forward to my return, not just for the next WordCamp event, but very soon to immerse myself once more in the vibrant culture, the incredible people, and everything that makes Mumbai so special.

On a different note, many of you might be wondering about the documentation process for this entire blog series. As mentioned at the very beginning of this post, all the content you’ve read, detailing this incredible journey, was meticulously documented by ‘Neason for WordPress.’ Neason is an AI bot I developed, designed to streamline content creation directly from Telegram. I simply send it details and images, and it intelligently transforms them into engaging blog posts, effectively documenting the entire experience.

I’m incredibly excited about Neason’s potential and plan to share much more about it very soon, including a comprehensive video demonstration. The goal is to make this innovative tool available for everyone to use, allowing others to effortlessly document their own travels and experiences.

Until then, thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure. I look forward to sharing more updates with you soon!