Marine Drive-Chowpatty Beach, Maharashtra

Marine Drive-Chowpatty Beach, Maharashtra

Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 1930s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as "Queen's Necklace" because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as "Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road" with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other. Situated at the end of Marine Drive and the foot of Malabar Hill this expanse of sand and sea is the place where pleasure seekers come to relax after dusk in the cool sea breeze At the top end of Marine Drive is Chowpatty Beach, the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like the annual thread-tying ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions. One can see the statues of Lokmanya Tilak and Vithalbhai Patel. There is a huge line of stalls on the beach, selling 'Bhelpuri', 'Kulfi' and 'Paan'. There are also shooting galleries, snake charmers, monkey trainers, balloon sellers and even masseurs. Recently they have added a park called "Nana-Nani Park" for elderly people. Location: Central Mumbai, Maharashtra Unique Feature: Only Beach Located In Central Mumbai Built In: 1920 And 1930s HOW TO GET THERE : Air: Mumbai has both national and international airports and regular flights connect it with all major countries and states in India. Rail: The nearest railway station is at Charni Road (Western Railway). Road: Mumbai being the capital city of Maharashtra State is well connected by road with all parts of the state. City bus services are available from all-important points in the city. WHERE TO STAY : As a major metropolis in India and the capital city of the Maharahtra state is well equipped with excellent Hotel accommodation, which vary from luxurious to reasonable budget hotels. Locals also let rooms for accommodation.