Beach

Mumbai is blessed to have one of the most surreal and serene coastal line. Some of the beaches near Mumbai are best for relaxation and rejuvenation, while others offer the best thrill rides of water sport activities in and around Mumbai.

The sands, the Arabian Sea, the horizon between sky and sea and the sunset are all magical experiences. Lucky are those who get to rejoice these moments often. Mumbai being the home to many such beaches, provide its people an opportunity of experiencing this magic every now and then. These short escapades lift the city’s spirit in ways immeasurable leaving behind all the hustle & bustle and city noise.

The seaside destinations in return leave no scope for disappointment and bring a smile to every face by offering the most picture perfect scenic views. Hence, we decided to list down some of the best seashores from the long list of beaches in and around Mumbai.

These beaches are mesmerising, beautiful and full of soul and promise to make your weekend trip worth cherishing for a lifetime. You can consider visiting the below listed beaches for an overnight trip or just for a long picnic day. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to come back with lots of memories and a refreshed mind.

Here are some of the best beaches in Mumbai: 

Aksa Beach

Set against the backdrop of coconut trees in the background, Aksa beach is defined by its clean sand and its idyllic quietness. Commercial activities take a backseat here, where seclusion is a state of mind. Walking on the sand barefoot during sunset is a must-do and the calming breeze only adds to the tranquil surroundings. Plan a visit to this place in your Mumbai tour to see the beauty of the dream city.

A variety of sea shells are strewn across the beach make it one of the best beaches in Mumbai. Due to its rising popularity among the weekend travellers, private resorts have slowly begun to mushroom. However, swimming is not recommended at all as the waves are highly unpredictable.

Distance from Mumbai: 27.5 Kilometres approximately

Girgaon Chowpatty Beach

One of most well-known beaches in Mumbai, Chowpatty beach is immensely popular for its local delicacies. Millions gather at the beach during the immersion of idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, and all the lights shimmering in the evening are a sight to behold in Mumbai. From ferry wheels, monkeys, horse and camel rides to snake charmers, the beach is a photographer’s delight.

Located in South Mumbai, the beach is in close proximity to both Churchgate and Charni Road stations. Popular attractions around Chowpatty beach include the Wilson College, Babulnath temple, Taraporewala aquarium and many others. Walking to reach Chowpatty beach, and taking in the sight of the Queen’s Necklace is one interesting way to spend an evening.

Distance from Mumbai: 27 Kilometres approximately

Juhu Beach

Located in the western suburbs of Mumbai, in Ville Parle is the extremely popular Juhu Beach. Offering a splendid sunset, the lineup of places offering Bhelpuri, Pav Bhaji and other local delicacies make Juhu beach a gastronomical treat. For the ones with more refined tastes, there are numerous five star hotels facing the beach, such as Juhu Centaur Hotel, Sun and Sand, among others. This beach in Mumbai is also included in Mumbai darshan tour.

People throng Juhu beach in the evenings and over the weekends, and the resulting carnival-like atmosphere is a must-see. A mere three kilometres from the Ville Parle station, Juhu beach is a slice of the spirit Mumbai dwells on.

Distance from Mumbai: 9 Kilometres approximately

Versova Beach

Juhu beach continues northwards to form the Versova beach. A creek separates the two beaches. One of the breeziest beaches in Mumbai, it is ideal for swimming and jogging besides the spectacular sunset itself. The fish market auctions are held daily, and are not to be missed by photography hobbyists.

An important festival of the Kolis, a prominent fishing community is the vibrant ‘Coconut Day’, which is worth witnessing. The best season to visit is from May to September, when humidity is not inhibitive. Snorkelling here is bound to excite water sports enthusiasts.Other attractions in close proximity to Versova beach are the Siddhivinayak Temple, Mount Mary Church of Bandra and the Jain temple—besides Juhu beach itself, of course.

Distance from Mumbai: 13.7 Kilometres approximately

Madh Island Beach

The north-west coast of Mumbai houses the relatively-isolated Madh Island beach—part of a cluster of fishing villages. A watchtower built by the Portuguese in early 17th century called the Madh fort stands to this day, and is a breathtaking structure overlooking the sea. This quaint beach in Mumbai boasts of treacherous tides and swimming could turn out to be a dangerous affair. However, for those seeking a peaceful retreat from urban realms, Madh Island beach is highly sought-after.

Blanketed by mangroves on all sides, Madh Island demarcates itself from the mainland in a rather picturesque manner. Malad is the closest railway station to the beach, and other attractions in the vicinity include Erangal and a 16th church called St. Bonaventure. A couple of five start hotels here will pamper you with spas and gourmet dishes, even as you sink into the magnificent view.

Distance from Mumbai: 32 Kilometres approximately.

Dadar Chowpatty Beach

This beach as the name suggests is located in Dadar, the hub of Mumbai near the famous Shivaji Park. It is a relatively small stretch that has less sand for seating. People come here for jogging, an evening walk, the beautiful sunset view and to enjoy the silence and breezy atmosphere.

It is one of the spots that are not visited by tourists but on the contrary, visited by many locals for some relaxing and fun time. This beach is a great option if you’re looking for some calm and peaceful getaway and can be one of the beaches near Mumbai for one day picnic.

You can reach Dadar Station that is well-connected by western and central railways in Mumbai and can further take a taxi till Chowpatty.

Distance From Mumbai: 11 km via Western Express Highway

Gorai Beach

A ferry-ride from Borivali or Malad will lead you into one of the most peaceful beaches near Mumbai. Extremely popular with the college-going crowd, Gorai beach is also accessible by road via Bhayender. If you are looking to take-off over the weekend, Gorai beach is highly recommended with plenty of hotel options.

On a full moon light, sea shells and snails scattered everywhere on the beach seem to mirror the stars. Essel World and Water Kingdom are very popular attractions that are 3-4 kilometres away from Gorai Beach. Some of the other water parks in Mumbai are also very adventurous and amusing. The nearest railway station is 18 kilometres away, in Bhayandar. 

Distance from Mumbai: 59.7 Kilometres away.

Marve Beach

Marvé beach is known primarily for its cashew nut groves and a medieval Portuguese church, besides the magnificent view of the sun itself. Churches from the Portuguese era and the attires of Mumbai’s Catholic natives bear an uncanny resemblance to Goa. Just a ferry ride away from the beaches of Gorai and Manori, Marvé beach is best visited between October and March.

Furthermore, a special ferry transports people from the beach to Essel World and to the Global Vipassana Pagoda which is aglow in the night and is a must-see. The closest railway station is at Malad, from which BEST buses ply directly to one of the best beaches in Mumbai.

Distance from Mumbai: 25.1 Kilometres approximately.

Manori Beach

Tucked further away from Marvé is one of the most pristine beaches in Mumbai—Manori beach. Besotted with cashew nut groves and Portuguese architecture, it is an ideal weekend getaway in Mumbai with family. However, parties in the night are commonplace and should satiate one’s appetite for fun.

Well-maintained cottages set against the sea dot the shore, and are a treat for those seeking solace. Manori beach is also connected to Essel World through a ferry. Malad is the closest railway station to this serene fishing village.

Distance from Mumbai: 40 Kilometres approximately.

Uran Beach

Uran is primarily a fishing village flanked by the sea on three sides. Largely unexplored by tourists, calling it a hidden gem wouldn’t be an understatement. So if your nerves are screaming for respite, stretch in the sand and soak in the sun even as your stress melts away. Pirvad beach is the most frequented one in Uran, while Mankeshwar beach houses a temple of Lord Shiva on it.

A number of budget hotels and resorts cater to travellers, and a visit to one of the best beaches near Mumbai on a full moon night promises serenity. Hamarapur, which is 16 kilometres from Panvel in Raigarh is the nearest station to reach Uran.

Distance from Mumbai: 60 Kilometres approximately.

Kalamb Beach

Far away from the Mumbai atmosphere is this silent Kalamb Beach near Nalaspora. The place is yet unexplored by the Mumbaikars but is a paradise within the city. The beach is ideal for lazing around. You can have a small nap on the hammocks here and when you wake up, you’ll feel like it is another month. The place also has some good food-joints around making the day worth.

With so many options within the city one can pick any and just head towards them. You’ll definitely fall in love with the Sun, Sand and Water and no amount of time will be enough to capture the essence of these beaches.