The Chowpatty beach also known as the Girgaon Chaupati is located in the Girgaon area of Mumbai and is a much visited beach of the city. This beach is mainly known as the venue for Ganesh Visarjan when thousands of people from Mumbai and Pune visit the beach to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesha. A spectacular crowd of the city is seen on the beach during this celebration. It is a place where the Mumbai dwellers come to relax after their entire week’s battles. It is also a place visited by people of all ages to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place and to spend some time with near and dear ones. The beach offers an amazing view of the sunset which is a must to be captured in your lenses. The Chowpatty beach is a place in the city where Ramlila is also performed every year. The effigy of Ravan is burnt on the 10th day of the performance. Many people visit the beach to take an evening stroll on and the experience is simply amazing.
During the 26/11 terrorist attack, Ajmal Kasab, a lone surviving terrorist was caught and arrested here when he was running along the beach. On 26th November 2011, a bronze statue of a policeman named Tukaram Omble who had proved his bravery and dedication for the nation by helping in arresting a terrorist was erected on the Chowpatty beach.
Getting There
The nearest railway station to the Chowpatty beach is the Churchgate station. After reaching here you can board a local train to reach the Charni road. From here it takes just a few minutes time to walk down to the Chowpatty beach. Many local buses and taxis are also available to reach this popular beach of Mumbai.
Things to do and see in and around
You will find many vendors who have put up their stalls along the beach to entertain the visitors. There are people showing monkey dance on the beach and then you have the snake charmers who impress the crowd with their antics. You can also enjoy the camel and horse rides that are there on the beach. For children there are special rides that have been arranged which includes the merry-go-round and ferry wheels. Children spend a lovely time here playing around and enjoying the rides. A beach travel is never complete without indulging into some yummy street foods.
You can enjoy the heavenly tastes of Mumbai street food here comprising of panipuri, pav bhaji, bhelpuri and ragda patties which are very popular among the visitors.
Opening/Closing Timings and days
The Chowpatty beach in Mumbai is open on all days for 24 hours of the day.
Best Time to Visit
The perfect time to visit the Chowpatty beach is during the months of October to March when the weather is very soothing and apt for beach holidays. It advisable to avoid the monsoon season if you are planning a trip here; the tides are very high at this time of the year.
