5 Must Visit Beaches In Mumbai

Thought Mumbai is an island city, the city’s high population has left little room for its beautiful beaches. Among the few popular stretches along the Arabian Sea are the Juhu beach and the Girgaum Chowpatty. In such a densely populated city, its beaches are a breath of fresh air, and their vibrant atmospheres bring together citizens of all ages.

# Juhu Beach Mumbai

Just near the beach, the Juhu aerodrome is where JRD Tata landed in 1932 inaugurating India’s first scheduled mail service. Today, the commercial airport lies a few kilometers away but Juhu beach still offers a spectacular sight of flights as they take off from the city, over the sea and far away into the horizon.

Juhu beach is on the must-see list of every tourist to Mumbai. One can get here from almost every point of the city by road and rail and it is close to other suburban places like Santa Cruz, Vile Parle and Andheri.

# Chowpatty Beach Mumbai

Chowpatty beach is another popular Mumbai beach. This was the location for many an important meeting of the freedom fighters during the struggle for India’s independence. Chowpatty is really Chaupati (four channels or four creeks). Lying close to the Central Business Districts of Nariman Point Churchgate and the old colonial quarters of South Mumbai, it is flanked by the trademark Marine Drive skyline on one side and the elite Malabar hill on the other.

A long walk along the beautiful promenade of Marine Drive and spending an hour or two through the breezy seashore makes it a pleasant getaway. Come evening, the beach transforms itself into a complete platform of entertainment. From pony rides to snake charmers and dancing monkeys to acrobats, there is something here for everybody.

# Versova Beach, Mumbai

At the northern end of Juhu is Versova Beach, a quieter arc of sand that adjoins a fishing village of the same name. One of the loveliest beaches in Mumbai, Versova is known for its swimmable waters, the colorful fishing boats, and its breathtaking views of the sun setting into the Arabian Sea.

Populated mostly by couples and youngsters, Versova Beach is a mix of sandy and rocky landscape and considered one of the cleanest beaches in Mumbai. Several interesting cafes and restaurants are in the neighborhood, and it is fun to hop into one of those once you’ve had your fill of the beach.

# Madh Island Beach, Mumbai

Almost synonymous with the movie and television business, Madh Island Beach is one of the top places to visit in Mumbai with your loved one. Known for its weekend parties, film shoots and the Madh Fort – an Old Portuguese fortification, Madh Island is every beach lover’s delight. This beautiful cluster of small fishing villages and farmlands is peppered with lush green resorts and bungalows.

This Mumbai beach is one of the cleanest in the city and offers a tranquil haven for the forever-rushed Mumbaikars. Several luxuriously appointed resorts offer a relaxing weekend while the many cafes and restaurants that dot the island serve amazing food and beverages to day visitors.

# Aksa Beach, Mumbai

Just a little beyond the busy and crowded neighborhood of Malad lies a stunning little beach called Aksa. One of the few Mumbai beaches that are not commercialized, Aksa is a delightful stretch of sand where you can sit and enjoy the dazzling waters of the Arabian Sea without a care in the world.

INS Hamla of the Indian Navy occupies one end of the beach and a uniformed guard monitors it (to stop you from venturing any further!). Another smaller beach called ‘Daana-Paani’ at the other end makes for a pretty little vignette; a secluded place where you can have a quiet moment – something lacking on the more popular beaches in Mumbai.