Bandra West is the Queen of the Suburbs, a neighborhood where fishers live harmoniously alongside hipsters and celebrities. Once a group of tiny hamlets, today Bandra West is one of Mumbai’s most-loved coastal hangouts. Find centuries-old churches on the corners of streets lined with fashion outlets, pubs and upscale restaurants. See and be seen while strolling esplanades and attend a concert inside an old fort.
When you visit Bandra West, do as locals do and spend a balmy evening wandering and jogging along Bandstand Promenade. Climb the stairs to the remains of the Portuguese-built Bandra Fort for superb sea and sunset views. Concerts and festivals, such as Celebrate Bandra, take place at an amphitheater in the fort’s Land’s End Gardens. Nearby is Mannat mansion, the home of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.
Carter Road Promenade weaves north along the coastline and is a popular location for impromptu acoustic concerts, capoeira displays and yoga classes. Delight in the lush greenery of Jogger’s Park. A short walk from the promenade, the colorful cottages of Chuim Village hark back to the area’s traditional fishing roots. Admire uninterrupted views of Mahim Bay and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge from BWSL Promenade.
Dedicate time to visiting impressive religious landmarks. The 16th-century Mount Mary Church (Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount) sits on a hilltop and houses a revered statue of the Mother Mary brought by its Portuguese Jesuit founders. St. Andrew’s Church and St. Peter’s Church are among other striking colonial landmarks.
Bandra’s art scene comes alive via colorful murals that decorate Chapel Road and Saint Veronica Road. See contributions by the Bollywood Art Project and the world-famous street artist Gomez. Shop for bargain clothing, footwear and accessories on Linking Road and Hill Road. Feast on everything from bhel puri (puffed rice, vegetables and tangy sauce) to bagels and Mangalorean seafood.
Reach Bandra West by traveling on a train from Mumbai Central to Bandra Station and then take an auto rickshaw from there. The Bandra Worli Sea Link provides a direct road connection to the upscale Worli neighborhood.
