Been there, seen that.

While we were faffing around the place, clicking pictures and watching out for snakes that might want to Hissss at us, we bumped into a couple of people who were amused to see us acting all tourist-like. Because this place sees tourist-like people as often as Mumbai sees the likes of Obama. Yes. That often.

This is what they had to say about ‘their’ caves.

(Names have been changed to protect identity. Pictures have been posted to reveal the same.)

Sachin, local, Student:

(We found him studying all by himself in one of the many caves.)

“This place is as it has always been. I’v been coming here for quite some time now. I usually come here on weekdays because there’s barely anyone fooling around. It’s an extremely safe place and I have never come across any sort of illegal or anti-social activities happening here, considering the fact that it’s quite a deserted place. The crowd only gets a little rowdy on Sundays with the local boys crowding the place.”

Sharda, local, Housewife:

(She passes the place regularly while picking her daughter from school.)

“I shifted to Mumbai only a couple of years back and have been passing this place on a daily basis. As a woman, I believe it’s very safe and there’s always a security guard around. On Sundays, all the kids from our locality gather around here to play. There’s some construction going on for building a park which will make the place look beautiful and they say there will be film shoots happening too. We have no issues with the construction. Infact, we are excited! Who know, we might get to see stars!”

Kadam, local, Cleaner:

(His family, wife and kids, stay at a stone’s throw from the caves and he is in charge of the basic cleaning and maintenance of the caves.)

“Nobody knows much about this place and its history. They mistake the Buddha stupa to be a Shivling. The place is however well maintained and we have our head office in Sion. I stay right here with my family and I can vouch for the safety. The air is usually pleasant and we are hoping that the place becomes more tourist friendly once the construction of the park is complete. Until then, let the lovers and the couples find solace here!”

Mr and Mrs Kamath, non-locals:

(Residents of Kolhapur, they are in Mumbai to visit a relative. They were the only fellow ‘tourists’ we spotted at the caves.)

“My brother lives in Jogeshwari and suggested we visit these caves. These caves are beautiful, mostly because they are quiet and it’s much more peaceful out here. I’v had enough of visiting ‘The Gateway of India’ everytime I come to Bombay. And this place isn’t desolate and for a change, unlike other caves, it is very clean and smells pleasant!”

They are less ignorant than YOU. Feel bad, go there, know more.

Much love, brownies and lemonade from The CaveWomen.