Girgaum Chowpatty Beach
Situated at the northern end of Marine Drive near the University of Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach, also known as Girgaum Chowpatty, is one must-see place for tourists to have a stroll, as well as a perfect place to appreciate sunset. It is worth mentioning that every year in August and September after the rainy season, there is a grand Ganesh Chaturthi Fiesta holding on the beach, the biggest festival in Mumbai city.
A Lively Beach to Have Fun
Nestling at the foot of Malabar Hill, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach is not the most famous necessarily, but certainly the most accessible in Mumbai. The coastline stretches for miles, allowing one to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, to stroll, to date, to taste snacks and to enjoy gentle waves and picturesque sunset.When it gets dark, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach would be full of performers, fortunetellers, and street vendors. Many local ice creams, special food and all kinds of souvenirs can be found at Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, as well as Bhelouri, a Mumbai specialty. All of these local stalls make a vivid and vigorous Mumbai. What’s more, tourists can enjoy a head massage.
Unfortunately, the water here is not suitable for swimming or other water activities. Most of people just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the beach rather than enjoy water entertainment.
A Gathering Place for Ganesh Chaturthi Fiesta
Usually held on Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Ganesh Chaturthi is the grandest festival in Mumbai, and also the best time to visit Girgaum Chowpatty Beach.According to Hindu Lunar Calendar, Chaturthi Fiesta lasts from August 20th to September 15th, after the rainy season every year. The celebration time differs from place to place, usually lasting for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, or even 10 days. Ganesh Chaturthi Fiesta is created by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to unite all Indians, mainly celebrated by Maratha. But almost all Indians participate in it. The image of god Ganesh is a combination of elephant’s head and person’s body. In Hinduism, god Ganesh is regarded as the symbol of wealth, wisdom, luck and prosperity; therefore, it is loved by people. During the festival, believers will go to temples to worship god Ganesh, or ask for a statue of god Ganesh, then place it in their home to worship for a period of time. Each year when the festival comes to an end, believers will carry on their own statues and accompany the largest statue of god Ganesh parading along the main streets, then send them into the water. Based on their believing, god Ganesh is made of soil, letting it sinking into the water is returning it to nature, which represents the cycle of creation and destruction. This celebration ceremony attracts millions of people annually.
How to get to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach
1. Passengers can take subway to Charni Road station, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach is nearby.2. Passengers can take bus 41, 42, 64, 67, 101, 103, 105, 106 to Cghowpatty Beach station, or take bus 108, 123 to Chowpatty station.
3. Passengers can take trains and get off at Charni Road station.
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Entry Fee |
Free |
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Timing |
All Day |
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How Much Time to Spend |
0.5 - 1 hour |