South Mumbai, the best area to stay in Mumbai
South Mumbai is undoubtedly one of the best areas in Mumbai to stay because there is quality ambiance attributed to its cultural spots like its museums, galleries, and creative spaces, as well as its historical features like gothic, precolonial and Indo-Saracenic architecture. The locals are liberal-minded, the weather balmy. There are colourful street-markets and the enigmatic beauty of the whole place is beguiling.
Despite the location being top-rated, it warmly welcomes everyone (including budgeting backpackers) like family and friends.
Extremely friendly to tourists, South Mumbai (South Bombay) is popularly known as SOBO. From the farthest bay area of Colaba’s Navy Nagar to the length of the beautiful Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty. From Haji Ali Dargah and the spectacular Worli sea-face to the bustling and crowded flower market of Dadar railway station, SOBO has a strong heart beat.
Hotels in South Mumbai
Churchgate
(sightseeing, business, weekend, solo travelers, exotic food, family)
Churchgate is a name attributed to the first railway station of the western line in Mumbai. It sees millions of commuters traveling to and fro to their destinations.
Termed khau gallis (street food sellers), there is one area at Nariman point near the World Trade Centre and another attached to Oval Maidan, nearby Churchgate station. Whether you try roadside pasta, or world-famous vada pav, the mouth-watering chaats like paani puri and sev puri, these delicious- smelling tiny stalls are all over Churchgate.
From Churchgate, you can take a boat ride in the Arabian sea while spending some time watching the arches of the Gateway of India as dusk falls. An early morning ride to Elephanta caves will indeed be a fascinating experience.
Hotels in Churchgate
Fort
(architectural design, sightseeing, young adults, nightlife, 1 day excursion)
Stepping out of CSMT railway station is a treat when you see the architecture and domes of the Municipal Corporation building. As you move forward towards Churchgate, you will reach Fort, a vast junction of roads that has several commercial and official buildings.
Check out the ancient artifacts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum) whilst taking a stroll and seeing the Gothic buildings of Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library, and Flora Fountain in Fort. The roads and walkways are sheltered by old Banyan and peepal trees.
This area also hosts many off-beat clubhouses, cafes, and restaurants where you can spend your leisure time, dance to original scores and have a great night singing at a Karaoke bar!
Hotels in Fort
Marine Drive
(sightseeing, leisure, beauty, fitness, nightlife, day excursion)
Marine Drive is a long, well maintained and beautiful curving shoreline, fringed by the Arabian sea. Ar night, when all the lamps are lit, it looks like a shimmering necklace and therefore it has the nickname “Queen's necklace”.
Take a walk or jog along the promenade or maybe you just sit there and watch the sun as it sets behind the huge bungalow named 'Raj Bhavan', which is the Governor's residence.
You will find many restaurants serving international cuisine in the road that links Churchgate to Marine Drive. You can enjoy a good meal in any of them.
Hotels in Marine Drive
Colaba
(Old local, local cafes, solo backpackers, family, 2 day excursion)
This is the southernmost tip of Mumbai and has a naval port called Colaba. Being a historic area, the same families have lived there for generations.
Colaba Causeway is a lively shopping street, where you can buy from trendy chappals (footwear), gorgeous outfits and terrific accessories - all at cheap prices. Indulging in good shopping, requires one to learn the art of bargaining and to be aware of the 'going rates'.
Explore the contemporary art galleries - including NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art), and wander through the delightful lanes of this pre-colonial location that still has the character of the old times.
Hotels in Colaba
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