Like most busy cities, Mumbai’s inherent beauty and charm are often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of everyday crowds, commutes and commotion. This is why exploring busy cities early in the mornings, before temperatures soar and work travels throw traffic into chaos, is a great way to experience the beauty within the beasts.
So set your alarm clock to the break of dawn and get ready to see a whole new world when you head out in Mumbai at the break of dawn. We present the best places to visit in Mumbai early in the morning.
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Early Morning Places in Mumbai – South
1. Marine Drive
The three-and-a-half-kilometer boulevard is the perfect spot to welcome a new day. Go just before the sun rises and you’ll witness the beautifully lit up line of street lights that lend marine drive its nickname, Queen’s Necklace (because it bears resemblance to a string of luminescent floating pearls).
Even in the early hours of dawn, the stretch is popular with morning walkers, cyclists and runners and the sea breeze make for a lovely stroll as you view the grand architecture of South Mumbai in the city’s most affluent area.
- Location: South Mumbai
2. Hanging Gardens
Opening at five in the morning, the terraced Hanging Gardens is a great spot to meditate and spend some one-on-one time with nature.
With ample seating area and beautiful greenery, the garden makes you forget about the trials and tribulations of city dwelling as you admire the plants and flowers and get lost looking at running squirrels and birds.
The garden is located at the top of Malabar Hill and is opposite Kamala Nehru Park, where you can take the kiddies along to show them the large shoe structure inspired by the famous nursery rhyme “There Was An Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe”.
- Location: Ridge Road, Malabar Hill
3. Worli Sea Face
A picture perfect promenade where you can gaze at the endless blue seas and marvel at the Haji Ali Dargah from a distance, Worli Sea Face is another posh South Mumbai location, home to Mumbai’s wealthiest residents.
During the monsoons, locals and tourists huddle along the walkway to watch huge waves crashing along the coastline. Take a picture with the imposing Bandra-Worli Sea Link in the background – Mumbai’s most gorgeous bridge and the pride of its residents.
- Location: Worli
4. Gateway of India
One of India’s greatest landmarks, the Gateway of India is a huge 26-metre arched structure built in 1924, which looks over Mumbai’s harbor and is in the Colaba area of South Mumbai.
Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, marvel at the intricate latticework on the arch. Around the Gateway, you can have a bite from various food vendors selling chai, coffee and snacks. Or take a picture – there are always photographers who will print your photograph for a fee. A marvellous early morning place in Mumbai.
- Location: Apollo Bunder, Colaba
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Early Morning Places in Mumbai – Central
1. Sewri Mangrove Park
Thousands of flamingos paint the town pink when they migrate each year to spend six months in Sewri. Huge mudflats provide safe ground for the pretty pink birds. Go early in the morning – by 7 am – and during low tide to see them in the hundreds.
Don’t forget to take some binoculars along for a good view. The birds arrive in October and stay till about March. Once you’ve had your fill of feathers, visit the Sewri Fort a short distance away. The defence fort was built in 1680 by the British and was a watchtower that overlooked the Mumbai Harbour.
- Location: MPT, Sewri
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2. Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the richest temples in the world, Siddhivinayak is a place of worship in honour of the Hindu lord Ganesh. This temple was originally built in 1801 and is frequented by people of all classes looking for blessings – politicians, film stars and big businessmen are often seen.
The doors to the temple are made of wood and carved with the likeness of the Ashtavinayak, which are the eight appearances of Ganesha. On the inside, in which a statue of Ganesha resides, the roof of the temple is plated in gold.
- Location: Dadar
- Stay at one of these hotels near Dadar Railway station for a comfortable stay and great connectivity
3. Shivaji Park
Even though the park was built by the British in 1925, it was named after Chhatrapati Shivaji, who watches over the area by way of a bronze statue in his likeness in the park. While its parameter is used by walkers and joggers, its grounds are filled with cricketers having a game early each morning. There are plenty of benches too for people watching, reading the papers or a relaxed chat.
- Location: Dadar
Early Morning Places in Mumbai – Bandra
1. Bandra-Worli Sea Link
This cable-stayed bridge is an architectural delight and is always on the to-do list of tourists. Linking two of Mumbai’s most popular hangout areas – Bandra in the Western Suburbs and Worli in South Mumbai, the Sea Link makes travel smooth sailing and a visual treat. Travel early in the morning so you get a majestic view of Mumbai’s skyline at dawn.
- Location: Bandra Reclamation/Worli Sea Face
2. Carter Road
Built in 2002, Carter Road is a relatively new but hugely popular spot in Mumbai’s western suburb Bandra. Take in the beautiful view of the Arabian sea and the fishing boats of the local Koli community as you saunter along this 1.25-kilometre stretch. Early in the morning, you’ll find scores of Bandra residents briskly walking up and down the promenade or teenagers hanging out in huddles on one of the many benches, enjoying the freedom of the early hours.
While there are scores of restaurants on either end of the stretch, these usually open later on in the day. However, you can enjoy some fresh coconut water or a piping hot cup of tea from one of the many road vendors there as early at 6 am.
- Location: Bandra West
3. Jogger’s Park
A firm favourite with residents of Bandra and Khar, this petite park packs a punch with a superb mud running track, plethora of plants, gorgeous sea view with seating areas, a mini bridge perfect for a few pictures and a duck pond! Whether you want to go for a run or relax and breathe in the fresh sea air, pay the meagre entry fee of Rs. 2 and spend an enjoyable hour or two here before heading out for breakfast.
- Location: Carter Road, Bandra West
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4. Bandra Bandstand
Light a candle and offer up your worries to the greater power at Mount Mary’s Basilica, visited by lakhs of people of different faiths every year. Besides the beautiful architecture of the church, you can climb up to the mount, where you get a bird’s eye view of the sea. Remember to be quiet and respectful.
It is here that pilgrims devotedly pray and light candles for their petitions. In September, special masses (novenas) over nine days culminate in a feast filled with food, fairgrounds and other festivities.
- Location: Off Bandstand, Bandra West
5. Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
Light a candle and offer up your worries to the greater power at Mount Mary’s Basilica, visited by lakhs of people of different faiths every year. Besides the beautiful architecture of the church, you can climb up to the mount, where you get a bird’s eye view of the sea. Remember to be quiet and respectful.
It is here that pilgrims devotedly pray and light candles for their petitions. In September, special masses (novenas) over nine days culminate in a feast filled with food, fairgrounds and other festivities.
- Location: Off Bandstand, Bandra West
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Early Morning Places in Mumbai – North
1. Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is a must-see tourist attraction if you want to take in the authentic sights, sounds and smells of Mumbai. On the shores of the Arabian Sea, the beach is a popular place to hang out, take romantic sunset photos and even go for a horse ride. There is a food court area toward the road, where the beach begins, which is a delight to the taste buds.
The stalls serve up authentic Mumbai chaat including sweet and spicy chaat, pav bhaji and much more. The beach is packed during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival when thousands of devotees immerse huge and elaborate idols of Ganesh into its waters.
- Location: Juhu
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2. Powai Lake
A beautiful artificial lake in Mumbai, Powai Lake has gained notoriety for its crocodile inhabitants that are frequently spotted on the lakeside. The huge expanse of water is a sight to behold and encourages all kinds of wildlife, especially bird species like kingfishers, spot-billed ducks, bulbuls and sunbirds. The greenery also encourages all kinds of butterflies, beetles and bees. It is a lovely place to walk around early in the morning.
- Location: Powai
Related article: 10 Beautiful Lakes In Mumbai To Visit
3. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Earlier called Borivali National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP for short) lies in the northern area of Mumbai. The huge protected area is one of the most visited parks in India, with over two million visitors each year.
SGNP is home to over 250 bird species, over 35 mammal species and hundreds of types of butterflies. It boasts a rich and varied array of flora and fauna and houses Mumbai’s famed Kanheri Caves – caves and monuments that have been cut out of the rocky cliffs within the park.
- Location: Borivali
4. Global Vipassana Pagoda
This meditation hall in the north-west part of Mumbai represents peace and harmony. Indeed, it is a tranquil space that is meant to educate people about Vipassana – an ancient form of meditation that encourages a person to see the true nature of reality. There is no entry fee and timings are from 9 am to 7 pm daily.
There is a 10-minute Anapana Meditation that visitors over 10 years of age can avail of for free, which happens between 10 am and pm daily in a meditation hall.
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- Location: Next to Esselworld, Borivali West, Gorai Village
These are our top picks of the best places to visit in Mumbai early morning. Do you have any suggestions you would add to the list? Tell us in the comments below. Also, if you are planning a trip here, don’t forget to check our hotels in Mumbai which offer a comfortable and pleasant stay during the trip.
