Everybody knows about the soft spot Mumbaikars have for vada pav. But, were you aware that the very first stall of this iconic street food was set up in Dadar? Yes, it was right near Dadar Railway Station. It was also the first planned suburb of Mumbai and then came the rest. To witness the “chaos” of Mumbai that you often hear about, Dadar is the place that exemplifies it. From bustling markets to people rushing for their work, this suburb gives you a proper glimpse into the life of a Mumbaikar. So, here’s how you can spend an eventful day in Dadar.
8 Things To Do In Dadar
1. Shop At The Dadar Flower Market
Become an early bird for just one day because your morning is going to get very vibrant. Make your way to the Dadar Flower Market, a street right outside Dadar Railway Station. Also known as Phool Gully, you’ll know you’ve arrived when the scent of fresh flowers greets you.
Lotuses, tulips, roses, marigolds, peonies, and countless more flowers are all lined up with dewdrops of fresh water sprinkled on them. Even the prices are affordable, starting from INR 40. The market opens up at 5 every morning and it’s best if you reach around the same time. You’ll even get to witness the busy life of Dadar as people crowd the station to start their day.
2. Pray At The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this is one of the most important temples of Mumbai. It’s believed that the Lord here grants his devotees’ wishes. The idol is made out of a single black stone and has a lotus in the right upper hand and a small axe in the upper left hand. A remarkable feature of the idol is an eye engraved on the forehead – the symbolism of the third eye of Lord Shiva.
Tuesdays are considered particularly auspicious at the Siddhivinayak Temple. If you’re exploring the city on this day and planning to visit the temple, expect hordes of crowds. Do make a wish, you never know, it might even come true!
Right next to the temple, you can make a quick stop at Shree Siddhivinayak Refreshments for a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast.
Temple Timings: 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
3. Visit The Sanyukta Maharashtra Smruti Dalan
This magnificent memorial building in Dadar gives you an insight into the rich history of Maharashtra and how it came into being. There are three storeys, each showing a different exhibit.
The ground floor focuses on the Samyukt Movement and displays it via rare pictures. The underground floor pays homage to leaders such as Shripad Dange, Prabodhankar Thakare, and Acharya Attre. To know about the history of this state, you can visit the first floor. This hidden gem was built in 2010, and for history buffs, it’s worth a visit!
4. Walk Through Kabutar Khana
Perhaps not the prettiest sight of the city, but the Dadar Kabutar Khana near the railway station is among its iconic landmarks. As the name suggests, it’s a place where pigeons are fed. Just like the streets of Dadar, the Kabutar Khana is packed with pigeons. You can feed the pigeons or be ready with your cameras to click a picture the moment they take flight.
5. Lunch At Pritam Da Dhaba
After soaking in so much history about Maharashtra and watching the pigeons eat, fuel yourself up with some delicious lunch at Pritam Da Dhaba in Dadar East. This eatery serves authentic North Indian cuisine and has been there for 8 decades now!
The ambiance mimics the feeling of eating at the roadside dhaba with charpoys and pillows instead of couches and chairs. Order their Reshmi Tikka, Chicken Lapeta, Karari Rumali, or stuffed chicken breast – every flavor will teleport you right to Punjab.
Cost For Two: Approx INR 1,200
Address: Hotel Midtown Pritam, Pritam Estates, Dadar East
6. Stroll Along The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park
This 27-acre park is known for cricket. Walk in and you’ll find at least one match or a training session going on. Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketer, won the heart of all Indians on countless occasions, trained in this very park.
The path along the park is shaded with trees and buildings that are well over 50 years old. Strolling here in the afternoons is quite a comforting experience. If you want some light snacks, just wait for some street vendors who sell chai and bhel to pass you by. Apart from that, there’s also a large statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that you can click pictures with!
7. Watch The Sunset At Narli Baug
Also known as Veer Baji Prabhu Udyan, it’s the perfect place for some peace and calm, which you can even find in Dadar. Riddled with coconut trees, Narli Baug faces the Arabian Sea, making it the perfect spot to catch a Mumbai sunset. There are spacious lawns to take a stroll and a small amphitheater that often hosts skits and dance performances. In the evening, the place is decked with lights, and you can even get an undisturbed view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Park Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
8. Dinner At Light Of Bharat
Have your dinner at Light Of Bharat, a well-established Irani cafe just a stone’s throw from Narli Baug. In a typical Iranian cafe sense, you’ll find all tables with checkered tablecloths and a delightful owner who will ask you about your reviews on their food! You can fill your tummy with delicious dishes like mutton kheema, kepsa, tandoori chicken, and end it with some wobbly caramel custard.
Cost For Two: Approx INR 700
Address: 69, Meher Building, Ranade Road, Dadar
Summing Up
From eating at iconic restaurants to visiting the hotspots, this one-day Dadar itinerary covers about everything the suburb has to offer. It’ll give you a sense of what living here is all about and an insight into the history of the state. A hot tip? If you’re returning home from Mumbai in the evening in a local train, choose a train that starts from Dadar. That way, you’ll have the chance to at least stand comfortably (and that’s possibly the best you can get here!).
FAQs
Which Part Of Mumbai Is Dadar?
Dadar is part of South Mumbai. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mumbai.
Which Beach Is There In Dadar?
The beach in Dadar is known as Dadar Chowpatty Beach. From the beach, you can view the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
