A Return to India—Eleven Years Later

It’s hard to believe it’s been eleven years since Frode and I last found ourselves in Mumbai, back when we were globe-trotting with backpacks and open itineraries. That trip was full of spontaneity, rickshaws, and vibrant street scenes—the kind of travel that stays with you forever.

This time, however, the circumstances were a little different.

Mumbai

I returned to Mumbai on a short, four-day work trip—less adventure, more agenda. Though my schedule was tightly packed with meetings and commitments, I still managed to soak in a few moments of the city’s energy. A quick stroll past local vendors and a couple of delicious Indian meals were enough to spark memories of our previous visit. It felt good to be back, even if only for a short visit.

Street vendor selling earrings!!

Getting There: Not Exactly Seamless

What I didn’t anticipate was just how complex getting to Mumbai from Sydney would be—particularly when flying with Qantas (which, I admit, I remain loyal to for the sake of those frequent flyer points 😅).

My outbound journey took me from Sydney to Bangalore, and then on to Mumbai: 

✈ Sydney – Bangalore – Mumbai

Airport bus

Flight QF67 from Sydney to Bangalore clocked in at just under 12 hours, departing mid-morning and arriving mid-afternoon local time. Upon landing in Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 (the international terminal), I had to transfer to Terminal 1 for my domestic connection. What should have been a straightforward layover turned into a bit of a marathon: sluggish immigration lines, a wait for the inter-terminal shuttle, and another round of security.

Thankfully, I had a 3-hour-and-20-minute buffer, which I ended up needing. I even managed to squeeze in a brief call with Frode before his bedtime—no small feat given the 5.5-hour time difference.

The final leg to Mumbai was operated by IndiGo, a budget Indian carrier. It was a short two-hour flight, though the experience was distinctly utilitarian—no frills, minimal legroom, and a definite budget-airline feel.

Still, I arrived in Mumbai around 9:20pm, where a driver from the hotel met me for a seamless and civilized transfer—quite the contrast from our transportation choices back in our backpacking days (refer to the “transport” chapter of that trip for a good laugh 😂).

Land of Chai!

The Return: Not Quite an Upgrade

While I had assumed the journey to Mumbai would be the more chaotic of the two, the return trip proved even more eventful.

I flew from Mumbai to Singapore (again on IndiGo), and unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired. The aircraft felt cramped and tired, with no hot meals and very limited space—six hours felt considerably longer in that setting.

Welcome to IndiGo!

That said, the crew was exceptionally courteous, addressing passengers by name as they served what can only be described as a curious mix of snacks: a half corn-and-cheese sandwich, pomegranate juice, date cookies, and rice crackers. Unusual, but oddly charming.

Once I landed in Singapore, I made a beeline for the Qantas Lounge, where a quick shower and a proper meal worked wonders. Refreshed and recharged, I boarded the final 8-hour leg home to Sydney.

 

Champagne and barramundi at Qantas Lounge

Despite the less-than-glamorous flights and a packed schedule, being back in Mumbai after more than a decade was a joy. Even a brief visit was enough to stir memories and remind me why India holds such a unique place in my heart.

Until next time, Mumbai.