The Arabian Sea bounds Madh Island to the west and Malad Creek to the east. There are many beaches like Erangel Beach, Dana Pani Beach, Marve Beach, and Aksa Beach, which are very close to Madh Island.
A popular weekend destination, far away from the busy city life, Madh Island is all about sunshine, breeze, and fantastic seafood. It still may be a haven for those trying to find some unique experiences.
The Island is mainly a village comprising Kolis, Marathi, East Indians, Roman Catholics, and people from other communities.
You will find Hotels, Restaurants, Resorts, Shacks, Bungalows, and even Villas on Madh Island. However, the Bungalows are usually hired for Movies or T.V. serials.
Attraction in Madh Island
1. Madh Fort
Madh Fort is a small fort in north Mumbai, India, situated at Madh Island. It is also known as the Versova fort.
It was built by the Portuguese when the Portuguese occupied India. They lost the fourth to the Maratha army when the Maratha Empire captured it in February 1739.
It is situated south of Madh village. It’s a 2 km walk from the Madh Mandir bus stop. The Portuguese built the fort as a watchtower around the 17th century.
It offers a strategic view of the coastline and helps guard Marve Creek. Its external facade is unbroken, but internally it’s dilapidated.
2. Madh Church
There is a beautiful church here, known as “Our Lady of the Sea Church” The Church has beautiful architecture and many beautiful paintings inside.
The Church is within the Madh village and very close to the beach. Words cannot experience the experience inside the Church, and it needs to be witnessed in person.
3. Madh Island Beach
The beach is one of the famous beaches in Mumbai. Aside from being a renowned tourist spot, the beach is also one of the state’s cleanest. This beautiful beach is made from a cluster of little villages and farmlands on Mumbai’s North-Western coast.
Mangroves surround the shore, adding to its scenic beauty and separating the beach from the mainland. To require an opportunity from the hustle and bustle of city life, people in Mumbai often visit this heavenly beach with friends and families.
This tranquil beach also is a perfect venue for lavish parties hosted by Mumbai’s elite society. Many Bollywood movies and soap operas have also been shot at this magnificent venue.
An ideal destination for anyone who wishes to require an opportunity from the town. Madh Island Beach attracts an outsized crowd of individuals thanks to its calm waters and soothing scenery.
Some Bollywood films like Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega, Manmohan Desai’s 1985 film Mard, Baazigar, Shootout at Wadala, Zamana Deewana, Khalnayak, Shatranj, and Tarazu were shot at this location. Many episodes of the favored serials Naamkarann, Chandrakanta, and C.I.D. were also shot during this location.
4. Ferry boat from Madh Island to Versova
Madh Island is around 20 Km from Versova (Andheri). The current route is via Malad West railway station and takes around 20 Km and more than an hour to reach.
Therefore, the Ferry jetty takes just 5 min to cross and is a preferred mode of transport for villagers on Madh Island.
- Versova to Madh ferry timings: First Ferry at 5:00 am and Last Ferry at 10:00 pm.
- Versova to Madh ferry Fare: Rs. 10 per person and Rs.10 for a bike.
5. Visit Erangal Villiage
Erangal Village can be described as a picturesque fishing and farming village situated on Madh Island. You will be able to understand how residents live their lives when you visit the village. The village residents can also provide you with first-hand information about the community’s past, and if you’re lucky, they may even allow you to have delicious seafood at their homes.
The villagers are very friendly people. Spend a few minutes talking to them, and you will enjoy hearing their stories and history.
Things to Do at Madh Island
Experience authentic seafood: Shacks on Madh Island, especially at Erangal Village, offer delicious seafood and Gujarati food. Do not miss out on picking up some dried prawns, prawns, and prawn fish from this.
Relax in peace: The beaches here, such as Aksa or Madh Beach, appear cleaner and pristine compared to the city’s beaches. Enjoy the breeze of the sea and sun without the usual hordes of tourists that are common to the city’s beaches.
Explore old Portuguese structures: Madh Island houses magnificent 16th-century churches and forts. Its Madh Fort is a popular perch to enjoy the stunning views of the coast and the city’s high-rises sparkling in the dark. The churches are situated in beautiful locations and are adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows and paintings.
Revitalize yourself: Relax and indulge yourself with a lavish spa treatment at these resorts. The experience is enhanced by soft ocean sounds and refreshing cool air.
Beach party: Madh Island is known for its beaches and barbeque events with incredible music played by DJs of renown. Get your hair snagged as you dance on the dance floor for hours and enjoy a wide selection of drinks.
How to Reach here
By Road / Railway Station –
Railways – The Madh Island is towards the far end of Malad West and can be easily accessible by Road. The closest railway station is the ‘Malad Railway Station.’ This railway station is well connected with all other railways in Mumbai.
BEST BUS – You can take the BEST public bus service ( No. 271 from Malad and No. 269 from Borivali). About 15 kilometers from Malad station, the last stop on route 271 of BEST bus or via Versova by ferry boat.
Alternatively, you can take an autorickshaw from Malad Station to Madh Island.
Uber or OLA services are also available for cashless travel.
By Boat/Ferry
There’s also a ferry service from Versova. One can reach Madh Island by ferry service or speed boat from Versova Jetty and cross over in five minutes.
Best time to visit
There is no best time as Madh Island can be visited any time of the year. Being next to the sea, the climate can be humid and make you uncomfortable. December to February is the best time to visit since it’s winter and a pleasant climate.
Some Tips
- The beaches at Madh Island are known for spots of quicksand, which has led to some accidents. Also, since the water currents are strong, be careful while swimming. Avoid visiting the beaches here during the monsoon rains.
- The Island is home to several fishing villages and friendly people. Ensure not to disturb the peace or create a nuisance for the local inhabitants.
- Don’t forget to gorge on the freshest seafood like bombil (Bombay Duck), prawns, and Gujarati cuisine, especially from local vendors.
- The climate can be hot and humid during the day, especially in the summer; carry a hat, sunglasses, and a drinking water bottle.
Who is the owner of Madh Island?
The Madh Island is a combination of Local villages, Beaches, Historic Fort, Churches, etc., and is inhabited by local fisherman’s communities. No one owns Madh Island. It is a tourist destination like any other famous place in Mumbai.
Timing at Madh Island
This is an island and is open 24 hours a day. There is no specific timing. However, since this is a village, do not disturb the residents with loud music or rude behavior.
