Chowpatty Beach / Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai - Timings, Water Sports, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 4.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chowpatty Beach, officially known as Girgaon Chowpatty, is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai adjoining Marine Drive in the Girgaon area. This is a popular beach which attracts people of all age groups and also one of the top tourist places in Mumbai.

Chowpatty Beach has been an important center for many celebrations over the years, including Ganesh Chaturthi. During this festival, thousands of devotees gather at the beach to participate in the immersions of the Lord Ganapathi idols in the Arabian Sea. Another popular festival that is held here is Ramlila, which lasts for a period of 10 days. Processions, energetic dance performances and beating of the drums are an integral part of this festival.

The beach is not as famous for activities like sunbathing or swimming as for its street food. Every evening, the beach is crowded by people of all ages, along with food kiosks, ferries and balloon sellers. Tourists can either sit under the shade of stunted trees to relax or taste the flavours of variety of street food. Take a barefoot stroll on the golden sands or admire the sunrise and sunset as you laze around on the beach front.

Swimming is not advisable at the beach because the water surrounding the beach is heavily polluted. Fecal coliform was recorded in the water in 2013 at levels of 1455 per 100 ml, far above the acceptable standard of 500 per 100 ml.