Churchgate

Churchgate sits at the southern end of Marine Drive, named after the old Church Gate that once stood near St. Thomas Cathedral. In colonial Bombay, this was the entrance into the fortified city. When the fort walls were torn down in the mid-19th century, the area developed into a genteel residential and commercial quarter.

The arrival of the Western Railway terminus at Churchgate turned it into one of Mumbai’s busiest gateways. At the same time, the sweeping curve of Marine Drive made it a prized residential address, lined with elegant Art Deco buildings in the 1930s and ’40s. Educational institutions like HR College, KC College, and the Wankhede Stadium gave the neighbourhood a youthful, sporting energy.

Today, Churchgate is a mix of offices, colleges, stadium crowds, and seafront promenades. It’s where Mumbai goes to watch cricket, sip cutting chai between classes, and stroll the Queen’s Necklace at sunset. The neighbourhood blends colonial heritage, student buzz, and seafront leisure in one compact, walkable grid.

 

Why to go there:
  • Theme: Seafront • Art Deco • Cricket • College Life
  • USP: Churchgate is Mumbai’s lively transit hub by the sea — where Art Deco architecture, stadium roars, and sunset walks along Marine Drive come together.

Walkable Checklist (Churchgate Highlights):

  1. Oval Maidan – A vast green ground framed by heritage buildings. On weekends, you’ll find dozens of cricket matches being played at once. A perfect spot to soak in Mumbai’s sporting spirit.

     

  2. Bombay High Court & University Buildings – Across the Oval, admire the neo-Gothic spires of the High Court and Rajabai Clock Tower, which echo Europe but with a distinctly Indian flavor.

     

  3. Eros Cinema – An Art Deco gem (1938) that stands right at Churchgate junction. Even if you don’t watch a film, its architecture is worth pausing for.

     

  4. Marine Drive Promenade – A short walk leads you to Mumbai’s iconic seaside curve, best experienced at sunset when the Queen’s Necklace lights up.

     

  5. Wankhede Stadium – India’s cricket temple. If you’re lucky, you might catch a match; otherwise, peek in from the outside to feel the energy of a place where cricketing history is made.

     

 Eating & Drinking in Churchgate

  • Café Oval – Simple, no-frills Irani café right near Oval Maidan; good for a chai-and-bun-maska stop.

     

  • Samrat – A popular vegetarian restaurant serving hearty Gujarati and North Indian thalis — great for a filling lunch.

     

  • Gaylord – A Mumbai institution since 1956, known for its continental fare, bakery, and colonial-era vibe. Ideal for a relaxed meal.

     

  • Pizza by the Bay – Casual dining with sea-facing views. Not the most “local” food, but the location on Marine Drive makes it memorable.

     

  • The Society (Eros Hotel) – Classic bar and restaurant for those who want a quiet drink with old Bombay charm.

     

  • Someplace Else (Eros Hotel) – A lounge bar option if you’re looking for drinks and music in the evening.

To help you experience the neighbourhood seamlessly, we’ve curated a must-do checklist presented through an interactive Google Map. Simply click the link to open it. The map legend features all key landmarks with brief descriptions, along with suggested walking and driving routes to make exploring the area effortless and enjoyable.


  • Churchgate Station (Western Line terminus) drops you right into the neighbourhood.

  • Buy a Local Train Ticket

    • To Churchgate Station (Western Line terminus).


  • Tip: Always buy a return ticket valid till midnight.

  • Board the Train
     Western Line trains to Churchgate are frequent (every 3–5 minutes). Take a “fast” train if possible, but ensure it halts at Churchgate.

  • Arrive at Churchgate
     Step out into the heart of the neighbourhood. Marine Drive, Oval Maidan, Wankhede Stadium, and Eros Cinema are all within a 5–10 min walk from the station.