Visit Parel to witness the lifestyles of a contemporary Mumbai neighborhood. Discover a fascinating range of stylish bars and restaurants alongside the latest trends in worldwide fashion. Parel was once a center for the cotton and textile industries. Today old mills have been turned into innovative art, culinary and shopping venues.
The Lower Parel area is the heart of the neighborhood’s retail, gastronomy and nightlife. Home to dozens of brandname stores, a food court, cinema and five-star hotel, High Street Phoenix is among India’s largest malls. Browse the outlets of exclusive brands, such as Burberry and Gucci, at Palladium Mall. Keep the children entertained with a trip to the Skyzone trampoline park and adventure playground.
Art lovers will find several interesting exhibition spaces in Lower Parel. The Volte Gallery showcases the works of both established and up-and-coming contemporary Indian artists. Catch screenings of arthouse and independent films at Deepak Talkies cinema. Attend stand-up comedy shows at the Canvas Laugh Club.
Observe traditional Indian customs through the religious ceremonies held at the area’s temples. Among the many are the Shree Mankeshwar Mandir and Shri Mahalakshmi Temple.
Restaurants in Parel serve up everything from experimental Indian fare to American fast food and British pub-style meals. Sample the lively nightlife at cocktail bars, nightclubs and taprooms after dinner.
A popular place to visit on the outskirts of the neighborhood is Jijamata Udyan (formerly Victoria Gardens). This 50-acre (20-hectare) public park features themed gardens and zoological exhibits. See hippos, penguins, primates and rhinos. Within the park, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum has a superb collection of 19th-century fine and decorative arts.
The neighborhood of Parel is located in south-central Mumbai. It’s main transportation hub is the Lower Parel railway terminal. From here it’s a 20-minute train ride to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Travel around by using some of the hundreds of taxis and auto rickshaws that ply the streets of Mumbai.
