Chowpatty Beach - Maharashtra - चोव्पात्त्य बेंच
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Chowpatty beach is in the heart of Mumbai. Chowpatty has rich historical links to the freedom movement; several important meetings were organized here during the freedom struggle. At present, this is where images of Ganesha are immersed after the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi. Though the beaches remain empty throughout the day, it is a hub of activity in the evenings. On this beach the most famous are the Kiosks. These stalls sell all kinds of Chatt & Tikki and who can forget the famous Bhelpuri of Chowpatty. Apart from the food, this place is full of life with people from all walks of life taking a stroll on the beach. On the beach itself is a small colony of the original inhabitants of Mumbai, The Koli fishermen who can be seen drying their catch or mending their nets. Statues of Lokmanya Tilak and Sardar Patel, two of the most outstanding Maharashtrian freedom fighters, stand on the beach.
Apart from Juhu in the suburbs, Chowpatty is Mumbai's most famous beach. During the day, it is the hangout of the happily unemployed who snooze under the shade of its stunted trees. But in the evening the atmosphere is more like a carnival: kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, and even the odd self -styled gymnast who will demonstrate amazing yogic postures for a small fee. At one end is a row of bhelpuri shops hawking Mumbai's most popular snack: crisp puffed rice and semolina doused in pungent chutneys, all scooped up with a flat, fried puri. You might even catch a film shoot or a street play. In short, for most tourists Chowpatty is where the action is.
Mumbai's famous beach is no place for a sunbathe or a dip. In fact, there's not much going on at Chowpatty at all during the day, but in the evening it develops a magical atmosphere as locals come to stroll among the balloon sellers, nut vendors and beach entertainers. Eating bhelpuri at the collection of garishly lit stalls on the edge of the beach at night is an essential part of the Mumbai experience, as is getting a vigorous massage from a malish-wallah. Chowpatty is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September when large images of the elephant-headed god are immersed in the murky sea.
Chowpatty Beach is situated at the northern end of the Marine Drive, near the Malabar Hill of Mumbai. It is the place where you can come and enjoy, after a hard day at work. The serene waters of the sea, combined with the cool sands of the beach, let you relax completely and lose yourself in the fun surrounding you. Though the waters are not recommended for swimming, they nonetheless present a picturesque sight. The open expanse invites you to have long walks or just lie down and relax.
Another major attraction of the Chowpatty Beach of Bombay is that it serves as the venue of a number of Hindu festivals, especially Coconut Festival and Ganesh Chaturthi. Infact, it is very popular place for the immersion of Lord Ganesha's idol during Ganesh Chaturthi, amidst much dancing, chanting of mantras and fanfare. Apart from that, the beach is visited by a large number of people, who come here to take a break from the concrete jungle where everything has become too impersonal.
However, most of the rush can be seen during evening, when the sun starts bidding goodbye to people. The Ferris Wheels rides and pony rides available there serve as major attractions for kids. Wayside astrologers, monkey shows, self-styled gymnast, etc are the other attractions that draw people to the Chowpatty Beach of India. When there, do not forget to taste the delicious street food, comprising of Bhelpuri, Sevpuri, etc. If lucky, you may see a live film shoot or any Bollywood celebrity roaming around the beach.
Mumbai's famous beach is no place for a sunbathe or a dip. In fact, there's not much going on at Chowpatty at all during the day, but in the evening it develops a magical atmosphere as locals come to stroll among the balloon sellers, nut vendors and beach entertainers. Eating bhelpuri at the collection of garishly lit stalls on the edge of the beach at night is an essential part of the Mumbai experience, as is getting a vigorous massage from a malish-wallah. Chowpatty is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September when large images of the elephant-headed god are immersed in the murky sea.
Chowpatty Beach is situated at the northern end of the Marine Drive, near the Malabar Hill of Mumbai. It is the place where you can come and enjoy, after a hard day at work. The serene waters of the sea, combined with the cool sands of the beach, let you relax completely and lose yourself in the fun surrounding you. Though the waters are not recommended for swimming, they nonetheless present a picturesque sight. The open expanse invites you to have long walks or just lie down and relax.
Another major attraction of the Chowpatty Beach of Bombay is that it serves as the venue of a number of Hindu festivals, especially Coconut Festival and Ganesh Chaturthi. Infact, it is very popular place for the immersion of Lord Ganesha's idol during Ganesh Chaturthi, amidst much dancing, chanting of mantras and fanfare. Apart from that, the beach is visited by a large number of people, who come here to take a break from the concrete jungle where everything has become too impersonal.
However, most of the rush can be seen during evening, when the sun starts bidding goodbye to people. The Ferris Wheels rides and pony rides available there serve as major attractions for kids. Wayside astrologers, monkey shows, self-styled gymnast, etc are the other attractions that draw people to the Chowpatty Beach of India. When there, do not forget to taste the delicious street food, comprising of Bhelpuri, Sevpuri, etc. If lucky, you may see a live film shoot or any Bollywood celebrity roaming around the beach.
Best Time to Visit and Weather
September to May
Travel Direction
Location
About 10 km to the north-west lays Nalasopara village.
Chowpatty Beach is situated at the northern end of the Marine Drive, near the Malabar Hill of Mumbai. It is the place where you can come and enjoy, after a hard day at work. The serene waters of the sea, combined with the cool sands of the beach, let you relax completely and lose yourself in the fun surrounding you. Though the waters are not recommended for swimming, they nonetheless present a picturesque sight. The open expanse invites you to have long walks or just lie down and relax.
How to Reach
Air
The nearest airport is Mumbai.Rail
The nearest railhead is Bassein Road, on the Western Railway line.Road
Bassein is 77 km, along the Mumbai - Ahmedabad highway.Nearby Places and other Beaches
Malabar Hills, Nariman Point.
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