Nariman Point Mumbai is a South Mumbai waterfront area, close to Marine Drive’s Arabian Sea promenade and the National Centre for the Performing Arts. The shoreline offers a place to walk beside the sea and see the boulevard’s palm trees, Art Deco buildings and distinctive concrete wave barriers.
- Waterfront: Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometre C-shaped boulevard.
- Setting: The promenade runs along the Arabian Sea in South Mumbai.
- Waterfront details: Palm trees, Art Deco buildings and concrete tetrapods line the shore.
- Nearby venue: The National Centre for the Performing Arts is close to Nariman Point.
Understanding the Nariman Point area
Nariman Point is part of Mumbai’s Arabian Sea-facing waterfront, where Marine Drive’s curved boulevard meets the city’s southern end. Marine Drive can be reached by air, train and road.
Marine Drive’s familiar nickname, the Queen’s Necklace, refers to how its evening lights resemble a string of pearls when viewed from above. The promenade’s Art Deco buildings and palm-lined walkway give this stretch of coast a distinctive urban character.
What can you see on a waterfront walk?
Marine Drive’s shoreline combines open sea views with built features designed for the coast. Concrete tetrapods line the shore to defend against wave energy, while the palm-lined promenade runs beside Art Deco buildings.
The Maharashtra Tourism Department identifies Chowpatty Beach to the north of Marine Drive and notes its street food. To the south, the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel are described as a short drive from the Marine Drive area. You can use those landmarks to shape a longer outing along Mumbai’s southern waterfront.
Marine Drive’s name also carries a piece of the city’s development history. The boulevard grew from the Backbay reclamation project, first proposed in 1860 and revisited in the 1920s. Of the 1,500 acres envisioned, 440 acres were reclaimed; the military took 235 acres, and 17 acres became Marine Drive.
How do you get to Nariman Point from Cuffe Parade?
Cuffe Parade is a useful point of reference for reaching Nariman Point, but the available route guidance focuses on getting to Marine Drive by air, train or road rather than giving a specific connection between the two neighbourhoods. Marine Drive has travel essentials for reaching the waterfront.
For a walk, keep the route focused on the Marine Drive promenade and its shoreline. The promenade’s hours are sunrise to sunset; check the official site before you go, as hours can be important to your plans.
If you’re planning a broader itinerary from this part of the city, a Mumbai in a day from Cuffe Parade guide can help connect the area with other stops.
Nearby arts and performance venues
The National Centre for the Performing Arts is a nearby option to pair with time by the water. Its complex includes the Experimental Theatre. For more on the venue and planning a visit, see this National Centre for the Performing Arts Mumbai visit guide.
If you’re making your way to the waterfront from Hotel Supreme, a hotel in Mumbai, Nariman Point is about a 42-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
FAQs
Why is Marine Drive called the Queen’s Necklace?
Its evening lights resemble a string of pearls when viewed from above.
How long is Marine Drive?
Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometre C-shaped boulevard along the Arabian Sea in South Mumbai.
What is along the Marine Drive shoreline?
The promenade is lined with palm trees and Art Deco buildings, while concrete tetrapods protect the shoreline from wave energy.
What is north of Marine Drive?
Chowpatty Beach is to the north of Marine Drive and is known for its street food.