Zoroastrian Club (Marriage Hall)

Does it get more exclusive than a Parsi club? On the other hand, at the rate of Rs. 10 a month, if this club wasn't picky about who it let in, it would go under in exactly five seconds.

For the 1,500-strong local Parsi community, the Zoroastrian Club offers a friendly place to socialise, play sports and generally bond. Activities here are primarily social, cultural and religious; alcohol is a strict no-no. This last clause, however, hasn't kept away the 550 members who frequent the place.

Clubbers are keen on cricket, billiards, table tennis and tambola. The Club regularly sponsors out of town cricket matches like the annual G G Irani Challenge Cup, which has 5 participating States and is held at the Gymkhana or RRC Grounds. Boxing matches are popular, and billiards tournaments here have hosted greats like Horace Lindman and the late Wilson Jones.

Guests are allowed only if they're sponsored by a member. But this shouldn't be difficult to manage, since Parsis are known for their warmth and generosity. At least, that's what you should tell one when you're trying to cadge dinner at the Club.