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Location :
South Mumbai
Specialty : Unspoilt beaches and private cottages
Attraction : Art Deco buildings, beautiful esplanade
Best Time : Any time of the year
Marine Drive is a skillfully
laid-out boulevard in South Mumbai. It is actually an
upturned 'C'-shaped six lane concrete road, which lengthens
to 3 km along the coastline - a natural bay. |
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This avenue
connects Nariman Point with Malabar Hills. Situated over
domesticated land, facing west-south-west, its coastline
forms the part of the Arabian Sea. What draws attention to
this avenue is the striking esplanade next to the road,
where scores of people come to breathe fresh air and view
sunset.
Officially called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine
Drive was earlier identified as Sonapur amongst local
Marathi populace. Palm trees are lined up along the road,
presenting a picturesque view and nice walkway to take a
stroll. Having the highest real estate prices in India, the
buildings down the road embrace many hotels and are home to
many celebrities. Indeed, there is a row of art deco
buildings that were built by wealthy Parsis during early
1920's. Bombay just follows Miami (USA) in its number of art
deco buildings along the waterfront.
At nights, Marine Drive looks stunning illuminated, with
lights and if seen from some elevated point beside the road,
it appears like a necklace with street lights resembling a
string of pearls. Attributable to its extravagant
loveliness, it is also known as Queen's Necklace. Chowpatty
Beach, famous for its local fast-food, lies at the northern
end of this road. One of the busiest roads in Mumbai, Marine
Drive has been acclaimed as the world's largest viewing
gallery that hosts various events.
Marine Drive offers the best causeway to take a refreshing
saunter next to the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea. The
cool breeze would caress you with its gentle touch, making
you feel at cloud nine. 'Nana-Nani' park is the recent
attraction, which has been added for senior citizens in the
area. Tickle your taste buds with the local 'kulfi' and
tit-bits available at road-side kiosks. Thus, Marine Drive
is a place that you cannot afford to miss while holidaying
in Bombay.
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