Relax the at beaches, seafront promenades and parks of Mumbai’s affluent western neighborhoods. Visit caves, forts and temples and tour a Bollywood studio.
The Western Suburbs is a collection of upmarket neighborhoods set back from the shores of the Arabian Sea. Once a group of modest fishing villages, today the Western Suburbs is a destination of choice among beach lovers and celebrities. Tour the suburbs to discover Mumbai’s coastal lifestyles, admire architectural wonders, go shopping and visit a film studio.
Bandra West is the Queen of the Suburbs and famous for its breezy Bandstand Promenade, Portuguese-built Bandra Fort and hilltop Mount Mary’s Basilica. Browse street art on Chapel Road and boutiques on Hill Road. In Juhu, Juhu Chowpatty Beach is popular for cricket, street food and sunsets. See Krishna worship at the ISKCON Temple and contemporary Hindi plays at Prithvi Theatre.
Enjoy long walks and spot nesting turtles at Versova Beach, in Andheri West. Neighboring Andheri East attracts a hip crowd to its cocktail bars, nightclubs and restaurants that serve European cuisine. Don’t miss the 1st-century rock-hewn Buddhist monastery called Mahakali Caves.
Travel north to Goregaon, where the Oberoi Mall is home to dozens of brandname outlets and fast food dining options. Film City offers guided tours of Bollywood studios and the chance to watch a live movie shoot. Further north, Borivali is the gateway to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Spot wildlife on jeep safaris, hike nature trails and visit the ancient rock-cut Kanheri Caves.
More outlet shopping awaits at the Infiniti Mall Malad and Inorbit Mall in Malad. Relax amid the green confines of the BMC Forest Theme Garden and the landscaped Mindspace Garden. At the southernmost tip of Madh Island is Madh Fort, a watchtower erected by the Portuguese in the 1700s.
Trains depart regularly from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Central Mumbai station to the districts of the Western Suburbs. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is a 20-minute drive from Bandra West and Juhu. If arriving and departing from the airport then dedicate time to browsing the Jaya He GVK Museum. It has works by over 100 modern artists spread throughout the airport terminals.