Places to Chill in Mumbai

Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and glitter of the city. It is essentially 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast that starts at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty, popularly known as Chowpatty Beach. The coast wraps the Arabian sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or even to just take a leisurely stroll by the sea any time of the day or night. At night, when the whole coastline lights up, it justifies its other moniker i.e. Queen's Necklace.

Juhu beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most popular among tourists as well. It is renowned for its wide variety of street food that has a typical Mumbai flavour and is sweet and sour. The surrounding area of Juhu is one of the poshest localities in Mumbai and is home to a lot of famous Bollywood and TV celebrities - the most famous being Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow - and it is not rare to spot a celebrity jogging on the beach.

Popularly known as Chowpatty, the beach is located in southern Mumbai along the western railway route. This small sandy beach is a popular place to chill, and a must visit for all tourists who visit Marine Drive for the first time. At night, the beach appears to look like a colourful fair. Children from all age groups rush to ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds, while the adults indulge in the city's famous street snacks. Visitors also head to nearby attractions and local markets, to get the most out of their day out.

Squeezed between the two suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is ideal for picnics and weekend getaways offering respite from the chaos and buzz of the city. Famed to be one the most liked national parks, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and a significant number of butterflies here. Kanheri caves, which are more than two thousand years old are also a major tourist attraction inside the park premises. The caves have been carved out of the rocky cliffs.

Hanging Garden is a terrace garden situated on top of the Malabar Hill, right next to the Kamla Nehru Park. It overlooks the stunning Arabian Sea and was built in 1880 by Mr. Ulhas Ghapokar. The stunning gardens are dedicated to Barrister Pherozeshah Mehta and are also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. In fact, when viewed from above, one can clearly see the letter PMG spelt out in the gardens. The garden has impeccable animal shaped hedges and lush green vegetation along with a serene bird's eye view of the Arabian Sea.

Kamala Nehru Park is a famous recreational attraction located in the heart of the city. It is a favourite spot for jogging, walks or just for spending some time away from the hustle and bustle of the routine life. The Park is also in close proximity from some colleges, schools and hostels. So, one would find groups of students exercising or just hanging out after a busy day. Having said that, it is a great place for people belonging to all age groups. People get their children; the elderlies visit and parents also steal some time off from their home and work lives.

Situated next to Bandstand Promenade just next to Bandra, Carter Road is one of the most happening and popular hangout places among the Mumbaikars. The locale is a haven for foodies owing to its bazillion food options from the umpteen eateries situated on the sidewalk. Replete with numerous pubs, big brand stores and an enchanting coastline, the region is thronged by locals and tourist alike. Alongside is the namesake promenade which is a 1.25 kms walkway along the Arabian Sea with concrete monotone pathways, a huge yet charming gazebo, and a vermicomposting setup to generate solar and wind energy.

Worli Seaface is one of the most prominent promenades in Mumbai and is located right along the Arabian Sea. The exuberant area with lashing waves and gushing waters of the Arabian Sea is situated in Worli, Mumbai and is popularly called Worli Sea Face. Home to the rich and affluent residential colonies, the posh locale is also a major business district. Extending from Worli Fort in the north to Prabhadevi in the south, the seafront offers picturesque vistas of the endless blue sea with a hazy image of Haji Ali Dargah in the distance. The major attractions of the Worli Sea Face are the quaint Worli Fort, Bandra- Worli Sea Link, Haji Ali Dargah etc.

Away from the industrial pollution and the chaotic city life, Marve Beach is situated in Malad, in the western suburbs of Mumbai. Due to the strong tides and currents, it is generally not recommended to swim in the sea waters or even to step aside post evening hours. Lined by cashew nut trees and elite villas, the beach is a charming spot to spend some quiet time with your loved ones. Mostly frequented by couples owing to the romantic appeal and idyllic setting, the beach is also visited by college troupes and families occasionally.

Bandra Bandstand or Bandstand Promenade is the popular promenade in the queen suburbs of Bandra in Mumbai. It boasts of a joggers’ strip and a park making it quite a popular hangout spot. Dotted with food junctions and sprinkled with hawkers selling street snacks, the promenade is replete with swarms of people at all points of the day. Besides presenting an enthralling picture of the adjacent sea and the mesmerising skyline, Bandstand also boasts of being Shahrukh Khan’s residential place, which is a major pull for the tourists.

Situated in Dadar, Mumbai, Shivaji Park is one of the largest parks in the city. Besides the very famous massive statue of Shivaji, the park also houses an enormous cricket ground which hosts local cricket and football matches.

Surrounded by hills, Powai Lake is an artificial lake in the northern suburb of the city. Nestled in lush greenery and ample flora and fauna, it is an excellent place to visit in Mumbai for a quiet walk in the rains. There are boats too that take you on a ride; the scenery is quite soothing from the middle of the lake. Likewise, you can relax at the Powai Lake Garden and get some hot snacks to enjoy the rains with.