History
The creation of Marine Drive was one of the various projects of the Back Bay Reclamation areas that the British Government took up.
The idea was to reclaim the water body and put huge boulders to make more land to extend the city on the west side.
The Marine Drive development commenced in 1915 at Girgaum Chowpatty, also known as Kennedy Sea Face. Most of the construction work was completed by the year the 1930s.
About Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a 3-kilometer-long Promenade in South Mumbai. It’s a C-shaped concrete footpath along the sea line.
This Promenade is also known as the Queen’s necklace Road. This is due to the night street lights that exhibit necklace designs when seen from an elevated height.
The Marine Drive is a footpath where people can walk. The footpath is quite broad and comfortable for many people to walk at one time.
One of the most beautiful views is the palm trees, planted parallel to the Promenade, giving it a magnificent scenic view.
There is a low wall that separates the sea from the Promenade. People, especially couples, sit on this wall, face the sea, and spend time together. Mumbai Police keep patrolling his area to ensure safety.
Marine Drive is very close to the Churchgate railway station. It is within walking distance of around 1 kilometer. You will see people cycling, jogging, exercising, and strolling along this path, especially in the morning and evening.
The best time to visit Marine Drive is in the morning or late evening. This is when there is very little traffic, and it is the perfect time to enjoy the sound of waves and the fresh cool sea breeze.
Marine Drive is one of the most expensive places to live in Mumbai, facing the sea. The property prices are pretty high here, and even the rent is not affordable to the common man. You can see a mix of old heritage homes and tall magnificent skyscrapers.
Marine Drive is a famous spot for Bollywood producers, and many Bollywood movies will have romantic scenes shot at Marine Drive.
The weather is quite pleasant during November, December, Jan, and Feb.
High humidity in May and October, and you sweat a lot.
The northern end of the Marine Drive is the Girgaon Chowpatty beach. This famous beach in Mumbai is particularly famous for the street food Bhel Puri. This sea is not safe for swimming and should be avoided.
This beach comes alive during Ganesh Visarjan (immersion), one of Mumbai’s famous festivals. This is when thousands of devotees from all over Mumbai come to the beach in a procession to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesh in the Arabian Sea.
Marine Drive is a must-visit spot in Mumbai and is close to India’s iconic Gateway of India, Taj Mahal hotel, and Elephanta caves. It is a beautiful place for camera clicks and to capture your beautiful moments in this beautiful city.
If you are a Mumbaikar, it is an excellent place to come and sit watching the magnificent Arabian sea. It is like therapy to rejuvenate yourself or chill out with your friends and family.
Some interesting facts about Marine Drive Mumbai:
- The official name of Marine Drive is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, named after the Indian nationalist leader. However, it is still commonly referred to as Marine Drive.
- The street lights on Marine Drive are arranged to resemble a necklace when viewed from a high point. This is why it is often called the “Queen’s Necklace.”
- Marine Drive is a famous filming location for Bollywood movies, with many iconic scenes shot there. Some of the famous films shot there include “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,” “Wake Up Sid,” and “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.”
- During high tide, the waves from the Arabian Sea often splash up against the retaining wall, soaking passersby. This is a common sight during monsoon season.
- The iconic “C” shaped road was initially built to protect the city from the sea. The road was built on reclaimed land in the 1920s using rubble from excavating the Mahalaxmi hills.
- Marine Drive is one of Mumbai’s most expensive real estate locations, with apartments and properties in the area highly sought after.
- The 2.2-km stretch of Marine Drive from Nariman Point to Chowpatty Beach was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2018 as a part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai.
- The promenade is the venue for several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Mumbai Marathon, the Malabar Hill Music Festival, and the Mumbai Pride Parade.
- Marine Drive is the longest promenade in Mumbai, spanning over 3.6 kilometers along the coast.
- The Marine Drive skyline looks stunning at night, with the lights from the buildings and streetlights illuminating the entire stretch, and it is one of the most photographed locations in the city.
Instructions when visiting Marine Drive:
- Do not litter waste at Marine Drive. There are dustbins to dispose of your litter; please use them and keep the place clean. Avoid spitting or making the place dirty.
- Do not cross the wall and go to the boulders. You will find many couples going and sitting there. This is very risky as the tides are very unpredictable, and you may suddenly find yourself in the middle of the water and unable to return to the footpath.
- The sun is quite bright, and if you visit Marine Drive in the afternoons, carry a bottle of water, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Try not to visit Marine Drive when heavy rains are heavy, as it can be risky.
- Drinking is strictly prohibited. Avoid creating any nuisance for others.
What is the Entry Fee and Timings to visit Marine Drive?
There is no specific time to visit Marine Drive as it is an open free, all-public area. You can stroll or sit next to the Promenade for hours, witness the sunrise and sunset, or enjoy the fresh breeze.
Better to avoid afternoons as the climate would be hot and the sun blazing. Suppose going during the afternoon, putting on a hat and sunglasses, and carrying a water bottle.
There is no entry fee to visit Marine Drive.
How to Reach Marine Drive
- By Train: Churchgate Station on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway is the nearest railway station to Marine Drive. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from the station to Marine Drive.
- By Bus: Several buses go to Marine Drive. You can check the bus routes on the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) website or use a transportation app like Google Maps or Moovit to find the best route.
- By Taxi/Cab: You can take a taxi or a cab to Marine Drive. You can book a taxi through mobile apps like Uber or Ola or hail a cab from a taxi stand.
Note: Marine Drive is a popular destination, especially during evenings and weekends, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly to avoid traffic and crowds.
Famous Places Nearby:
Mount Mary Church Bandra – The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai. Even though the church tower is 100 years old, the history of the current statue of Our Lady dates back to the 16th century when Jesuit priests from Portugal got the figure to the present place and built a chapel.
Girgaon Chowpatty – The Girgaon Chowpatty Girgaon Chowpatty Beach can be a local spot to explore and the most famous beach in Mumbai. The beach is a popular destination for massages, yoga, and strolls at a leisurely pace.
It’s also a popular spot for those looking to relax with their family and friends after work. You can relax on the beach, sipping hot tea, bhelpuri, and panipuri while watching the sunset on the Arabian Sea.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus is one of the most important railway stations connecting Mumbai with other national regions. In addition to its importance in the commercial world, It’s a landmark structure constructed in the Victorian-Gothic style.
It was previously known as Victoria Terminus. British engineers and Indian artisans worked for a decade to construct this structure.
Gateway of India – This stunning stone arch overlooked the Arabian Sea and was built to commemorate the first visit by King George V and Queen Mary. It is among the most popular spots for a visit to Mumbai for the people of Mumbai who visit to stroll around or watch the ferries that enter and leave the harbor.
It is also known as the Gateway of India and is the location for many luxurious boat excursions. It is a must-visit location for any Tourist who comes to Mumbai.
Taj Mahal Hotel – The most famous and Prestigious luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel is situated opposite the structure of the Gateway of India.
Marine Drive – Another famous attraction in Mumbai where you can sit beside the sea or walk on the promenade. It’s where you will see couples, Children, and early morning walkers enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – is around 5 km from Marine Drive.
Jehangir Art Gallery – is a famous art gallery only 5 km from Marine Drive.
Flora Fountain – in Fort is another famous structure between Marine Drive and the Gateway of India. It is just a water fountain with an exciting history and landmark in Mumbai.
