Wednesday 14 March 2007

Beaches of Mumbai


If you come to Mumbai, you cannot miss the beaches of Mumbai. There are beaches all along the coast line of Mumbai that have shimmering sand, sun and surf. These beaches are like the soul of this city of dreams, where people enjoy their evenings.

If you are living on the south of the Mumbai, you can visit Chowpatty beach. This famous beach is no place for a sunbathe or a dip. In fact, there's not much going on at Chowpatty at all during the day, but in the evening it develops a magical atmosphere as locals come to stroll among the balloon sellers, nut vendors and beach entertainers. Eating bhelpuri at the collection of garishly lit stalls on the edge of the beach at night is an essential part of the Mumbai experience, as is getting a vigorous massage from a malish-wallah. Chowpatty is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September when large images of the elephant-headed god are immersed in the murky sea.

Other attractions at the beach are shooting galleries, snake charmers, monkey trainers, balloon sellers and masseurs. Recently, a "Nana-Nani Park" has been added to the beach, especially for elderly people.

At the end of Chowpatty is the most famous pathway called Marine Drive, where people walk and sit in the evenings. It is also known as "Queen's Necklace" because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night that surround the beach. Marine Drive is a fun place to be, here you can enjoy yourself by watching children playing with sand and vendors selling toys and food.

Located 18 km north of the city center is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India called Juhu Beach. This beach is one of the most exotic beaches on the shores of Arabian Sea. Areas near Juhu beach are one of the posh localities of Mumbai where bungalows of the famous film personalities are located. It is also the venue of many film shootings. Juhu beach is a famous hangout zone of Mumbai. The southern end of the Juhu beach is surrounded many luxury hotels and apartments.

A popular weekend spot, Juhu, also offers horse and donkey rides. Here you can enjoy yourself by watching dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers and other type of Indian beach entertainment.

Generally it is not a very good place to swim, but it's an ideal snack joint, with various food stalls. If you would like to try out Bhelpuri or a Kulfi in Mumbai, Juhu is the place to be. If you want a fancier excursion, visit Juhu's many five star hotels, for a steaming cup of coffee and a splendid view of the coast.

Versova Beach is towards north of Juhu, which is a home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community.

The Marve and Manori beaches are located approximately 19 miles from Mumbai. These attractive beaches are pleasant for bathing. At Marve there is a 5-star resort hotel to spend a refreshing weekend.

Marve Beach is located in the Western Suburb of Malad. It connects the Essel World (Amusement Park) and Madh Island to the city through the Ferry Service.


On the way to these lovely beaches lies the Madh Beach. The area is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Malad creek to the south. The area is accessed through a bus service (#272) from Malad or a ferry service through Versova. The area is a rural area inhabited by Kolis, East Indian Roman Catholics as well as by people from other communities too. Its proximity to the sea and secluded nature has resulted in hotels being set up here. Many of the city's rich have bungalows here. The area is also known for its rave parties. An old fort is situated in this area.


Gorai Beach can best be reached by ferry. You can take the ferry from Gorai creek (Borivali West) or Marve beach (Malad West). After crossing the creek, Gorai is just 4 kilometres away.

Some of the beaches in the north of Mumbai are perfect places to swim in solitude and enjoy the sunset.

No comments:

The name "Bombay" was derived from 'Bom Bahia' (The Good Bay),

.... a name given by Portuguese sailor Francis Almeida, in 1508 ....“Bounce back Mumbai” .....as it is called by the locals, it is a city that has been through a lot in the recent past – floods, bomb blasts, riots – and come out stronger each time.

Whats the Time Please?

Live Exchange Rates

Do you love what you read here? .....Copy, churn, reproduce, share or imitate....knowledge is for sharing....But, do acknowledge me, or better still.... send me a copy....... pmoorjani@yahoo.com