Worli

Colaba sits at the southern tip of Mumbai, once an island in the original chain of the Seven Islands. The Portuguese controlled it until the 17th century, when the British East India Company took over. For much of the 18th century, Colaba was a sparsely populated area, home to Koli fishing communities and military outposts. Its importance grew in the 19th century when the Colaba Causeway was built (1838), physically linking it with the rest of Bombay.

The British then transformed Colaba into a hub of colonial administration, naval activity, and European settlement. Grand landmarks like the Gateway of India, Sassoon Dock, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel gave it both prestige and identity. Over time, Colaba became a cosmopolitan quarter, where traders, artists, diplomats, and locals mingled.

Today, Colaba is a vibrant blend of old and new — bustling street markets, art galleries, embassies, historic churches, fishing docks, and cafés that never lost their charm. It remains one of Mumbai’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods, balancing heritage with modern city life.

Why to go there:

Theme: Heritage • Street Life • Seafront • Art

USP: Colaba is Mumbai in a nutshell — the Gateway of India, bustling bazaars, iconic cafés, and vibrant art galleries, all set along the Arabian Sea.

  • Gateway of India & Ferry to Elephanta – Mumbai’s most iconic landmark and the departure point for ferries to Elephanta Island (first ferry around 9:00 AM, last return around 5:30 PM, boarding at Apollo Bunder jetty).

     

  • The Taj Mahal Palace – Step into Mumbai’s most famous hotel, whether for high tea, a meal, or simply to admire its grandeur.

     

  • Colaba Causeway Shopping – A lively street market where you’ll find everything from bargain trinkets to upscale boutiques.

     

  • Food & Local Eats – Taste authentic Mumbai flavours at Olympia Coffee House (kebabs, biryani), Bademiyan, Bagdadi, and Persian Darbar — all casual, budget-friendly, and vegetarian-friendly too.

     

  • Cafés & Drinks – Experience old-world charm at Leopold Café and Café Mondegar, or head to Gokul’s, a no-frills dive bar popular with locals and backpackers.

     

  • Art & Galleries – Visit Jehangir Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA); also check out contemporary spaces like Project 88 and Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke.

     

  • Sassoon Dock & Afghan Church – Best visited in the morning: witness the buzz of Mumbai’s oldest fishing dock and then step into the calm of a 19th-century Gothic church nearby.

     

  • Regal Cinema – Catch a film at this beautiful 1930s Art Deco hall, one of Mumbai’s historic theatres.

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.

  • No station inside Worli.

  • Use Lower Parel or Mahalaxmi Station (Western Line) 

  • Take a Cab or Bus to Worli
     From Mahalaxmi or Lower Parel, Worli is 10–15 minutes by cab (₹60–80). You can also take BEST buses heading towards Worli Sea Face (Rs. 20 maximum)

Arrive in Worli
 You’re now at Mumbai’s sea-facing gem — where fishing traditions meet the city’s most iconic skyline.