Mumbai is a coastal city and has many beaches along its western edge however, many
of the beaches are polluted, and are unfit for swimming. The favourite beaches for
the residents of Mumbai are Juhu, Chowpatty, Madh Island, Versova, Marve and Manori
where numerous food stalls serve dishes such as Bada Pav, Bhel Puri or kulfi.
Chowpatti Beach (Girgaum)
You will seldom find a Mumbaikar who does not have his or her favourite memories of visits to Chowpatti beach. The beach, which is in the very heart of the city at the Northern end of Marine Drive, is very popular, mainly at the weekends and the holidays with people strolling up and down, chatting, flirting and sampling foods from the many stalls.
After the Monsoon festivals like Coconut Festival and Maharashtra's signature festival - Ganesh Chaturthi - are celebrated here. Chowpatti Beach hosts the highlight when idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in the Sea amidst the chanting of mantras and loud songs.
Getting there
City bus services run by BEST connect to Marine Drive from almost all over the city. The nearest railway station is Churchgate railway station, which is quite close to Chowpatti Beach.
Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is a pleasant beach if you're not expecting a quiet sunbathe or a swim. The real attraction here is the carnival atmosphere that develops on weekend afternoons and evenings. Huge crowds paddle in the sea, stroll along the shore, play beach cricket and enjoy the fresh air. A small army of snack sellers, fruit vendors, fairground ride owners and fortune tellers will accompany you.
Getting there
From the local train stop at Andheri, take an auto from the west side till Juhu Beach.
Versova Beach
The picturesque Versova Beach is set North of Juhu Beach (which it is separated from by a creek) and is home to Mumbai's largest fishing community - the Kolis. One of the best times to be there is when the fishermen are ready to barge into the sea to get their first catch, all armed with their fishing nets and lines.
Swimming in Arabian Sea at Versova Beach has it's hazards as treacherous whirlpools that can suck fishing boats and trawlers form here. During High tides the whole of Versova Beach is submerged.
Getting there
Catch a suburban train from Churchgate or VT using the Harbor Line to either Santa Cruz or Vile Parle stations to reach Versova Beach.
Madh Island
Madh Island Beach is renowned for the high class techno and house music parties that are thrown here by Mumbai's elite. By day Madh Island has a number of unspoilt sandy beaches where you can revel in peace and calm against a rural backdrop where you can escape from the heat and dust of the city. The sea, however, can be treacherous with strong sea currents so it is advisable not to swim.
Another attraction on Madh Island is the Madh Fort, also known as Versova fort. It is believed that this fort was built by the Portuguese as a watchtower and later used as a training camp for cadets.
At low tide you can walk across the sands from Dana Paani Beach in Erangal to Aksa Beach. Erangal village is a lovely farming village place on the Madh Island. Here, you can rent holiday cottages on top of bungalows. The Portuguese Church of St. Bonaventure dating from the 16th century is also on the island.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Malad, about 12kms from the Churchgate Virar suburban section of Western Railway.
Aksa Beach
Aksa Beach is a popular beach and vacation spot in Aksa village at Malad close to Malvani. It is popular with the young as a weekend destination and is dotted with many private cottages to rent and hotels.
It is unsafe to swim as the currents are strong and the sands of the beach keep shifting. At one end of the beach lies INS Hamla, an Indian naval base.
Getting there
Catch a bus (BEST numbers 271, 269) to Malad W station or from Borivali Station.
Marve and Manori Beaches
Marve and Manori beaches are among the most picturesque beaches around Mumbai boasts of with unspoilt sand and an absence of the crowds of vendors that are so common on Mumbai's beaches. Marve beach also boasts a 5-star hotel. They both lie about 19 miles from Mumbai.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Malad, about 12kms from the Churchgate Virar on the suburban section of Western Railway.
Gorai Beach
Gorai beach is a beautiful unspoilt and isolated beach in Gorai Creek and close to Essel World Amusement Park & Water Kingdom.
Getting there
Take bus from Bhayander/ Mira Road (Stn) or catch a ferry from Gorai creek (Borivali West) or Marve beach (Malad West).
