Mumbai/Central and Harbour Suburbs
Mumbai/Central and Harbour Suburbs
The Central and Harbour Suburbs of Mumbai consists of the suburbs of Kurla, Vidyavihar, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kanjur Marg, Bhandup, Mulund, Powai, Chembur, Mankhurd, Govandi and Trombay. These suburbs have developed quite a bit in the past few decades. This is a middle-class residential area which is getting more middle-class by the year as factories are being shifted out and being replaced by shopping malls and apartment blocks.
The district is home to the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, several petroleum refineries and a chemical fertiliser factory which used to be (but is no longer) famous for its pollution. It is also the home to many educational institutes, including the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, International Institute for Population Sciences and many private colleges of engineering.
The district is bounded to the north with Northwest Mumbai, to the west with the Western Suburbs and to the southwest with North Central Mumbai.
Get in
By train
The Central and Harbour Suburbs fall on Central and Harbour lines. The district can be accessed from Kurla, Vidhyavihar, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, Nahur and Mulund on the Central line and Chembur, Mankhurd, and Govandi on the Harbour line. Kurla is also an interchange point for the Harbour line.
By bus
A number of BEST buses serve this area and there are bus depots at Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, and Mulund.
By taxi
Metered taxis can be used to get to and around this area and there are also air conditioned taxis, called cool cabs, that can be hired.
By rickshaw
Metered rickshaws can be used to get to and around this area and is the cheapest way to get around if you do not want to use a bus or train.
See
- Bail Bazaar and Sindhi Camp, Lal Bahadur Shastri Rd, Bail Bajar, Sakinaka (Old Kurla, - Bus to 'Sheetal'), 19.08378°, 72.88236°. Is an area in the northern end of Kurla West (populated by mostly Sindhi's, Kanojia's and Malwanis)
- Kurla Bus Depot, New Kurla or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Rd, Rupa Nagar, Kapadia Nagar, Kurla West? (Kurla Railway Station 1.1km S. - on with the adjoining areas of Taximen's colony, Kapadia nagar and Kismat nagar on CST road.), 19.07600°, 72.87644°. This area enjoys close proximity to the Bandra Kurla Complex. The Peninsula Technopark stands on the site of the erstwhile Swan mills.
- Kurla Railway Station area, 19.0665°, 72.8791°. There is the "Yadav Mandai" (Fish, Meat and Vegetable market )and the "L" ward municipal offices on Station Road and Brahminwadi on "Pipe Road" that runs along the water pipe line.
- Sambhaji Chowk, New Mill Rd, Kurla West, Kurla (Old Kurla. - Kurla Railway Station 0.4km S), 19.0693°, 72.8778°. Sayog Nagar, Kranti Nagar slums on the banks of the mithi river.
- Hanuman Temple (Hanuman Mandir), Vidyavihar Station Skywalk, ONGC Colony (East from Vidyavihar Station 0.3km), 19.0777°, 72.8985°. It has gone through a major renovation. In the good old days it has a rural charm with a huge tree in the backyard.
- Rajawadi Garden, Rajawadi Road Number 3, Rajawadi, Ghatkopar East (From Vidyavihar station 0.5km E), 19.07818°, 72.90244°. This is the first municipal garden in it is a place which morning walkers have been using since a pretty long time.
- Sanyas Ashram, Rajawadi Rd NO.7, 32/33 (near the Rajawadi Garden is an old establishment. -From Vidyavihar station 0.7km E), 19.0772°, 72.9033°. As the name suggests, it is a transit point for the Sanyasis (the Hindu monks). It has the idols of all the major Gods and Goddesses
- Sindhu Wadi, 19.0769°, 72.9042°. This is a landmark arch with the words "Sindhu Wadi" and a big clock.
- The Material Organisation, Mumbai, Kirol? (The staff entry gate is walking distance from Vidyavihar Railway Station), 19.08210°, 72.89462°. The premier Naval Store Depot of the Indian Navy.
- Old Machi (fish) Market, RB Kadam Road area, Bhatwadi, Ghatkopar (West), 19.0940°, 72.9036°. It was once called horse shoe valley, because of the horse shoe shaped hills surrounding the area.
- N.G.Royal Park, Kanjur Village Road, Indira Nagar, Kanjurmarg East, Bhandup East (Kanjurmarg Stn. 0.5km SW), 19.1310°, 72.9340°. A complex with swimming pool, club house, gymnasium, landscaped gardens and ample strolling area for its residents
- Parivar Garden (Parivar Ground), Parivar Ground Road, Kanjur Village, Kanjur Marg East (Kanjurmarg Stn. 0.9km SW), 19.1299°, 72.9397°, +91 97 68 811696.
- Hiranandani Gardens. An integrated residential township, is one among the many residential complexes located here along with a number of luxury hotels, mega stores and the offices of several commercial institutions, such as Nomura, CRISIL, Deloitte, Bayer among others.
- Powai Lake — One of the few things to see in this area is the Powai Lake. It's a man made lake that used to serve as the city's water supply. The lake now serves as a tourist destination though it isn't really that spectacular. Planet Powai (dead link: March 2023), a local community newspaper will give you more details on this suburbs vibrant lifestyle and news on lake.
- Suncity Complex, Powai.
Do
- Hakone Go Karting, Located in Hiranandani Gardens. One of the few go-karting tracks in Mumbai, also has an artificial rock climbing wall.
- Hakone Mini-Golf, located in Hiranandani Gardens. One of the few Mini Golf courses in Mumbai. Also has a bumper car rink and some other amusement park rides.
- Raj Kapoor Studios.
- Acres Lifestyle Club, 411-B, Hemu Kalani Marg,. For non-members also. Activities like Bowling, Pool, Video Games etc at their gaming arcade. They also have go-karting, cricket etc
- Bombay Presidency Golf Club Limited, Dr. Choitram Gidwani Road, Chembur, Mumbai 400 074, +91 22-5580670, +91 22-558-0198. There are two golf clubs in Mumbai; this is the more famous one.
- Chembur Gymkhana, 16th Road, Chembur, Mumbai 400 071, 19.0593571°, 72.9029292°, +91 22 2521 7030. For members only. 79 ft. x 45 ft. Swimming Pool, Two cafeterias by different contractors, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Indoor Badminton, Has 62,957 sq.ft(1.445 acre) ground used for cricket and seasonal wedding parties.
Buy
- Culture Shop, located in Hiranandani Gardens. A large selection of curios and other artifacts.
- Galleria Shopping Centre, Hiranandani Gardens.
- Huma Mall, Kanjur Marg. Here is the Hotel Sheetal Samudra known for its fine seafood, a very nice open air restaurant Sheesha with nawabi cuisine and hukkas, also is a one stop shop for finest Factory outlets, 6 Screen BIG Cinema Multiplex, the Hotel Meeting point one of the best restaurants around the area, and Muthoot Finance known for its Gold Loans, Investments, Gold Coins, Money Transfer, Insurance, Foreign Exchange, Tours & Travels etc.
- Loft, located in Hiranandani Gardens. One of the largest shoe shops in India.
- Metro Junction Mall Located in Kalyan East.
- Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, LBS Marg, Mulund. There is Shoppers Stop store, a McDonald's, and cafe including Manchester United Cafe Bar, Cafe Coffee Day, apart from six screen PVR multiplex.
- Phoenix Marketcity, Kamani Kurla (Easily accessible by all modes of transport), 19.0863°, 72.8885°, +91 2261801022. 11Am to 11pm. One of the biggest malls in Asia. 2017-05-27
- R City Mall, LBS Marg, Mulund (Ghatkopar). Inside is a four screen multiplex called as the Big Cinemas.
- Sarvodaya Mall Located in Kalyan West.
- K-star Mall. Has a Food Bazaar and a multiplex cinema
Eat
- Cafe Mocha, located in Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, Mulund and in Galleria, Hiranandani Gardens. Coffee house that also serves Hookah.
- Far East, located in the Rodas Hotel, Hiranandani Gardens. A restaurant serving Chinese and Thai cuisine.
- Fine Dine, located in Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, Mulund. Continental Food.
- Parabola, located in the Rodas Hotel, Hiranandani Gardens. A 24-hour coffee shop serving all cuisines with a buffet option.
- Rajdhani, located in Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, Mulund. Branch of the famous Gujrati Thali restaurant in South Mumbai.
- Saffron Spice, Sentinel, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, +91-22-2570-3838. An "Indian specialty restaurant" and one of the very few mid-range restaurants in the Powai area. The restaurant has received fairly decent reviews and the food has been appreciated for its variety. But it is extremely crowded during lunch and the staff will encourage you to choose the buffet. The lunch buffet is indifferent and the service is lousy, so you will have your rotis cold. It has a well-stocked bar and offers valet parking, but there is ample parking at all times. ₹221 (for the buffet, exclusive of VAT. An a la carte meal without alcohol would probably come to ₹500 per person all inclusive.)
Drink
- Meghdoot, Station road, Ghatkopar (w), It is a cosy family restaurant and bar. Famous for Punjabi food and sizzlers.
- Pop Tate's, R Mall, Mulund and at Powai. A great place to have beer and chill out with your friends without shelling much out of your pocket. A little something for those in the central suburbs who are too bored to go all the way to the western suburbs.
- Timbuctoo, R Mall, Mulund, has an entrance through the Pop Tates. It is a great place if you wish to spend a nice time with your friends under the bare sky overlooking the city's main road. An air of difference in the central suburbs.
Sleep
- The Beatle Hotel, JMJ House, Hiranandani, 19.121313°, 72.909782°, +91 22 4089 5000.
- Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, Sakinaka Junction, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri East, Safed Pul, Sakinaka, 19.103014°, 72.887267°, +91 22 4085 1800. Modern hotel with quality rooms. Good western and Indian breakfast. Local area and view from room not attractive but view from pool on roof is impressive. Less than 15 minute drive (can call hotel to arrange pick-up, although can be fee) from International airport terminal. 2015-11-28
- Rodas Boutique Hotel, Central Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, 19.117802°, 72.911260°, +91 22 5693 6969, info@rodashotel.com.
- Hotel Pearl, 19th Road Corner, D.K Sandu Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400 071, +91 22-2528 4025, +91 22-2528 4026. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 24 hours. ₹1100
- Hotel Rajhans, Opp.Chembur Rly.Station Chembur, Mumbai-400071, +91 22-5597 8090, reservations@rajhanshotel.com. Provides complimentary continental breakfast and has a restaurant "Ornament" and a wine bar.
- Royal Orchid Hotel, 83 AN.G. Acharya Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400071, +91 22-2520 1234.