Lower Parel & Mahalaxmi

Once the gritty heart of Bombay’s textile industry, Lower Parel and Mahalaxmi have transformed into the city’s ultimate contrast zone — where old mill chimneys stand beside glass towers, and temples share space with luxury malls. The crumbling mill lands of the 19th and 20th century have been reborn into lifestyle hubs like High Street Phoenix and Kamala Mills, packed with restaurants, breweries, and nightclubs. Yet the heritage remains deeply rooted: the 19th-century Mahalaxmi Temple draws thousands of devotees, the Haji Ali Dargah floats serenely in the Arabian Sea, and Dhobi Ghat continues to be the world’s largest open-air laundry. Add in street cricket at Shivaji Park nearby, or the grand Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and you get the full spectrum of Mumbai life — spirituality, history, nightlife, and hustle.

 

Why to go there:
  • Theme: Mills to Malls • Faith & Heritage • Nightlife • Contrasts
  • USP: Mumbai’s most dramatic transformation — where textile mills became lifestyle hubs, temples and dargahs share the skyline, and the city’s nightlife roars under old chimneys.

  • Phoenix Mills Chimney & High Street Phoenix – A former textile mill reborn into a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. The surviving chimney is a striking reminder of the area’s industrial past.

     

  • Dhobi Ghat (Mahalaxmi) – Watch hundreds of washermen at work in the world’s largest open-air laundry; best visited in the morning.

     

  • Mahalaxmi Temple – One of Mumbai’s oldest and most revered shrines, dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi.

     

  • Haji Ali Dargah – A stunning 15th-century mosque and tomb, sitting on a tiny islet connected by a causeway, accessible during low tide.

     

  • Mahalaxmi Racecourse – Historic turf club from the colonial era; races are held seasonally but the track is open for morning walks.

     

  • Kamala Mills – Now Mumbai’s party and dining central, with endless restaurants, microbreweries, and bars.

     

Eating & Drinking in Lower Parel & Mahalaxmi

Places to Eat

  • The Bombay Canteen – Modern Indian food in a cool, rustic setting.

     

  • O Pedro – Creative Goan-inspired dishes with a fun vibe.

     

  • Peshawri (ITC Grand Central) – Famous for robust North-West Frontier cuisine.

     

  • Local Snacks – Street vendors near Mahalaxmi Temple serve fresh modaks, vada pav, and coconut water.

     

Places to Drink

  • Social (Todi Mills / Kamala Mills) – Popular hangout with cocktails and quirky interiors.

     

  • Toit (Lower Parel) – Craft brewery with a loyal following.

     

  • London Taxi – Playful cocktails and a lively nightlife crowd.

     

  • Monkey Bar – Fun gastropub with skyline views.

     

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.



  • Lower Parel (Western Line) and Mahalaxmi (Western Line).

  • Buy a Local Train Ticket to Lower Parel or Mahalaxmi (both on the Western Line).
    If the nearest station to you is on the Central line then switch to the western line via Dadar Station (This is the only station where Western and Central Lines meet)
     Tip: Always buy a return ticket valid until midnight.


  • Walk or Taxi to Attractions

    • From Lower Parel Station: High Street Phoenix and Kamala Mills are a 10–15 min walk.

    • From Mahalaxmi Station: Dhobi Ghat is right outside; Haji Ali and Mahalaxmi Temple are 10 mins by cab (₹40–50).

    • Both the neighbourhoods are a short cab ride away from each other so you can get down at either of the stations.

  • Arrive in Lower Parel & Mahalaxmi
     You’re now in Mumbai’s dynamic hub — where heritage mills, spiritual shrines, and buzzing nightlife collide.