MARINE DRIVE & GIRGAON CHOWPATTY

Apart from Juhu beach which lies further north of the city, Girgaon Chowpatty (or Girgaum, more commonly known as Chowpatty) is Mumbai's most famous beach. During the day, it is a favorite spot for the happy, unemployed mortals who slumber in the shade of its stunted trees. But, at night, the atmosphere is more like a funfair: kids screaming on Ferrys wheels or doing pony rides, second-hand astrologers trying to earn a few rupees... At one end of the beach is a row of stalls selling Mumbai's most popular snack: bhel puri, crispy puffed rice and semolina dipped in spicy chutneys. It's a windy promenade, between the sea and a row of Art Deco buildings. Framed by the concrete jungle of Nariman Point and the lush green slopes of Malabar Hill, the place was once called Queen's Necklace, for the twinkling lights that make it look like an enormous necklace of imperial jewels. It is also one of the busiest roads in Mumbai. Cars speed along this promenade, passing lovers pressed together, children and babies in strollers. Like other waterfronts, this is the place where most locals come for some fresh air. Even on cloudy days, bring a hat and sunscreen if you want to walk the entire bay, which is about 4 km long!