Introduction

If one is looking to get a feel of an upmarket suburb in Mumbai, Bandra would be a good bet. Relax in a cafe, check out bookshops, walk the leafy bylanes, visit a church, walk past the fire temple, see the house of a film star up close...Bandra, especially the western part, is as chic as Mumbai gets. A good mix of modern highrises with old world bungalows, art galleries, wellness stores, home decor accessories, cafes, trendy bars coupled with undulating landscape and seaside views lend Bandra a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. Small wonder, Bandra is often referred to as the ‘Queen Of The Suburbs.’

Bandra gets its name possibly from either Bandar-gah in Persian or Vandre in Marathi, both of which come from the same root word in Sanskrit. Soon after the Portuguese took possession of the islands of Bombay, many churches by the Jesuit order came up. Of them, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, popularly known as Mount Mary, is the best known in contemporary Mumbai. A Roman Catholic church, it was originally built in the 16th century. The present structure though is later construction. The feast of of St. Mary is celebrated with much fanfare here. Many Kolis who converted to Christianity visit the church along with Hindu Kolis, imparting a syncretic character to the church.

Bandra was largely a village with rice and vegetables being grown there till its fortunes turned after getting connected to Mahim by a causeway in 1845. Sprawling bungalows came up in the 1860s and 70s. Bandra is the first suburb coming from town. ‘Linking Road’ was one of the early arterial roads to link the far-flung suburbs of Bandra and Juhu back in the 1940s. With the film industry operating mostly in the suburbs, Bandra and Juhu soon became sought after addresses for film stars, and with them came glamour and related institutions.

Bandstand and Linking Road are two popular places within Bandra. The former offers serene seaside vistas, while the Linking Road stretch today is one the most happening in Mumbai. From international brands to clever fakes and cheap Chinese goods, it offers a comprehensive spread.

Special Attributes

Upmarket suburb

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Train, Bus and Cab

Enjoyed by

Culturally inclined

Exposure

Yes

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

All basic facilities available

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Work out a rough list of things to do and places to visit, but let the moment take over

Type of site

Suburb