Smita Diwan
Mumbai is a city that comes alive during the monsoon. The rains wash away the heat and dust, and the city is transformed into a lush, green oasis. There are many places to visit in Mumbai during the monsoon, but newcomers to the city may find the intensity and unpredictability of the monsoons difficult to adjust to.
Locals are used to the monsoons, with their deep puddles of rain and days or even months of continuous downpour. However, there are certain places in Mumbai that everyone should visit, especially during their first monsoon experience. Here is a list of such places:
Gateway of India
This is one place of historic importance that most of us know. Mumbai was a seaport and was used extensively for trade via the sea, thus drawing nationwide importance. The Gateway of India is the monument that epitomizes this. It stands for the literal gateway that the city was for people coming into it through sea voyages. It is also at the extreme end of the city, and the place looks beautiful in the rain.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a must-visit place on a monsoon evening. The drive is lit up with lights that resemble a string of pearls, giving it the nickname “Queen’s Necklace.” Mumbai owes its distinctive beauty to its coastline, and Marine Drive is one of the most popular destinations for evening walks in the rain.
Borivali National Park
Not many Mumbaikars realize the importance of this space in the city, but the largest forest cover is something to witness. A day picnic to Borivali National Park, or popularly known as Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is even more worthwhile during the monsoon in the rains. The green cover is fresh and moist, and the weather is cool throughout the day. You can also see the Kanheri Caves inside the park and take a ride on the mini train inside. It is a great way to spend a weekend exploring with your friends.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
The architectural splendor of the city is only accentuated in the rains. If you are on your way to Bandra from the town side, the rain makes the drive totally worth it. You can also drop in at Bandstand, the back end of Bandra, and drive through the rows of celebrity houses there. Bandra is great to visit between 4pm and 6pm, after you have done your shopping in Hill Road and Linking Road.
Haji Ali
And here is one reason to go onto the Bandra-Worli Sea Link anyway. Located near Worli is the Haji Ali Dargah, a beautiful structure that follows Indo-Islamic architecture, and contains the tomb of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Try going there on a Friday evening before 5 pm, and you might be lucky enough to listen to some devotional qawwali.
I hope this article has inspired you to visit Mumbai this monsoon! With its lush greenery, stunning views, and vibrant culture, Mumbai is a city that comes alive during the rainy season. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
