In Mumbai, Girgaon Chowpatty is among the most well-liked tourist destinations. In South Mumbai, Marine Drive is bordered by a sandy beach. Girgaon Mumbai never disappoints with its abundance of vibrant lights, the smell of street cuisine, the soothing murmur of the waves, and the appealing local markets.
You will always find a crowd of people engaged in a variety of activities by the sea, regardless of the time of day. If you want to spend some time alone, taking a stroll along the coast will give you new life. As you sit quietly in a corner and see the world going about its business in all its splendour, the chilly sea breeze occasionally serves as a reminder of its presence.
People can be seen jogging, running, or just taking in the sea breeze in the morning. The atmosphere is alive in the evenings as people are busy taking it all in. Romance and friendship are profound on moonlit nights.
The area is filled with fortune tellers, merry-go-rounds, a Ferris wheel, gun shooting ranges, and merchants trying to sell you peanuts, balloons, mats, sunglasses, cosmetics, and sunglasses. Thousands of people flock to the beach during the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations to submerge Lord Ganesha’s idols in the Arabian Sea, which is a sight to behold.
Where is Girgaon Chowpatty Beach
The beach, also referred to as Chowpatty, is situated in southern Mumbai along the western railway line. All visitors to Marine Drive who are visiting for the first time must stop at this small sandy beach, which is a popular hangout.
Location: Marine Drive, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007, India
How to Reach Girgaon Chowpatty Beach
South Mumbai contains a region known as Girgaon, which is considered the city’s center. Most areas in Mumbai have easy access to it. Your transportation issues are handled by a network of buses and local trains.
The closest local station to Girgaon Chowpatty is Charni Road.
By Road
Mumbai has an extensive local bus network, in addition to having good connections to other surrounding Indian cities. All of the major towns and cities in Maharashtra and the neighbouring states are connected to Mumbai by public and private bus services.
Most buses arrive at Mumbai Central Depot, which is close to Mumbai Chowpatty and about a 10-minute drive away.
By Rail
Mumbai’s intercity and local railroads are its lifeblood. All major cities, including Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, are connected to the city. The two main train stations that service the city are Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central (MMCT). Both are a convenient 3 kilometres away from this well-known beach in Chowpatty. Additionally, a large number of long-distance trains stop in Mumbai via various suburban rail stops.
If you are coming by local train from the western line, get down at Charni Road Station and take a taxi to reach the beach.
Things to do at Girgaon Chowpatty Mumbai
- Far Observing the Sun’s Set
Chowpatty beach is frequented by many locals who like to unwind there. Despite not being a peaceful tourist attraction, it has its appeal. Take a mat that you may rent from a vendor and relax in the breeze while enjoying popcorn and cotton candy. Observe the sun dipping beneath the Arabian Sea. A local alternative is a tail maalish, which is an outdoor massage.
- Participating in Enjoyable Activities
Girgaon Chowpatty never sleeps, just like Mumbai. You’ll always feel like you’re a part of a carnival wherever you go. Chowpatty is a terrific place to let the inner child out. Around the shore, vendors peddle toys and colourful balloons. Additionally, there are merry-go-rounds, shooting ranges, and ferry wheels along the beach.
- Try Some of the Delicious Street Food
Enjoy the local cuisine while visiting Chowpatty, including vada pav, chaat, bhel puri, kachoris, masala peanuts, baraf gola, sandwiches, etc. As you and your loved ones savour delectable girgaon chowpatty food while admiring the sea’s immensity.
- Take a Spin on the Ferris Wheel for Some Entertainment:
The beach is lively and full of fun activities. Bring out your inner child by starting with a spin on the Ferris wheel. After this, you can ride the merry-go-round.
- Taking a Ride on a Horse or a Camel
You can hire a horse or camel and go the entire length of the beach if you don’t want to stroll or participate in enjoyable activities. Watch Mumbai residents unwinding after a long day at work. Additionally, you’ll observe children constructing the sand castles of their dreams.
- Taking the Coast Road
Along the well-known Marine Drive promenade is where you’ll find Mumbai Chowpatty. And the drive by the sea while feeling the fresh breeze on your face will be an experience you’ll never forget. You might also stroll while taking pictures with your cameras.
Best Time to Visit
Early in the morning, when only a few people are there for their morning jogs and yoga asanas, you can enjoy a clear glimpse of Girgaon Chowpatty beach. The rest of the day, though, is bustling with activity. However, those crowded nighttime hours show Mumbai’s energy at its peak. For a relaxing journey to this beach, the months of October through March are ideal.
Additionally, the Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra celebrations occur between September and November. If you want to see the mayhem that occurs during visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty, be there. Events like the Ramlila and the Ravan Dahan in Girgaon Chowpatty are also worth watching.
Timing and Entry Fees
It is open every day of the year since it is a public area without barriers or entrance fees. You are always welcome to enter the beach area on foot. I do not, however, advise venturing close to the sea after midnight. During the day, there is a lifeguard on duty, but not at night. There is no charge to enter. Everyone can use it for free.
Places to visit near Girgaon Chowpatty Mumbai
- The ISKCON Temple
The international ISKCON organisation maintains the ISKCON Temple in Mumbai. It is located about 20 miles from Chowpatty Beach and is also known as the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple.
This 3 km long seafront promenade links Malabar Hill and Nariman Point. Girgaon Mumbai also collapses along the route. Locals converge on Marine Drive to watch sunsets because it offers an unbroken view of the Arabian Sea.
- Aquarium Taraporewala
The oldest fish aquarium in India is Taraporewala Aquarium. In a lengthy glass tunnel, there are more than 400 kinds of marine and freshwater fish. The structure also features a sizable glass aquarium where fish can be displayed.
- Hanging Gardens
A large green area close to Girgaon is called Hanging Garden. It is located about 4 km from the shore and offers a peaceful setting for exercise, yoga, and meditation.
The iconic Haji Ali Dargah was constructed in the Indo-Islamic architectural style and is well-known for being a place of pilgrimage. This 400-year-old religious building is situated on a tiny island that is connected to the mainland by a walkway.
- Temple of Mumba Devi
According to legend, Mumba Devi is the source of the name Mumbai. The Koli community of fishermen, who were the initial inhabitants of Mumbai, revered her as the Goddess of Power.
In December 1911, King George V and Queen Mary travelled to India to be formally proclaimed the Emperor and Empress of India. A famous arch called the Gateway of India was constructed to honour that formal visit.
Hotels and Resort Near Girgaon Chowpatty Beach
Here are the restaurants near girgaon chowpatty:
● Mirage Hotel
● Royal Castle Mumbai
● Krishna Palace Hotel
● The Shalimar Hotel
● Hotel Fortune
Conclusion
One of the most popular tourist destinations in India is Mumbai, and Mumbai Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, offers all-inclusive Mumbai tour packages to ensure that you have the best possible time there. Girgaon’s beach isn’t well recognised for water sports and tanning like other beaches are. To participate in the daily carnival, visit Girgaon Chowpatty after dark. Ramlila and Ganesh Chaturthi bring a lot of people to the area.