Colleges like NMIMS, Mithibai, St. Andrew’s, Raheja, and Rizvi College among many others stand tall as few of the most sought after colleges in Mumbai. This is because these colleges are more accessible to students and youngsters from the outskirts of Mumbai as well as across India. West Mumbai is home to many vibrant neighborhoods like Bandra, Andheri, Santacruz, and Vile Parle that are home to many colleges, cafes, offices, and student-friendly accommodations. If you are a student studying here or planning to enroll in these institutions in the future, here’s a handy West Mumbai survival guide for you!
The Ultimate West Mumbai Survival Guide For College Students
West Mumbai At A Glance For Students
Major Railway Stations: Borivali, Kandivali, Malad, Goregaon, Andheri, Vile Parle, Santa Cruz, Bandra
Important Colleges: Mithibai College, St. Andrew’s, Raheja, Rizvi College, R. D. National College, Bhavan’s College, Thakur College
Best known for: Cafes, student-friendly accommodation, vibrant neighborhoods, clubs, upscale restaurants, shopping malls
Preferred modes of transportation: Trains, buses, rickshaws, metro
Iconic West Mumbai Locations To Visit
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)
Mumbai is blessed with its own national park that expands for over 87 square kilometers. Nestled inside are lush-green forests, diverse flora and fauna, and the 2,400-year old Kanheri Caves. The SGNP is home to a diverse range of animals, some of which are rare, endagered species conserved here. You can visit the park to take part in a nature trail, trek to the Kanheri Caves, cycle through the lush forest pathways, or go on a wildlife safari. Visit SGNP in the monsoon season for lush green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, streams, and a whole lot of adventure!
Address: Western Express Hwy, Rajendra Nagar Society, Kulupwadi, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: INR 85 for adults; INR 45 for children
ISKCON Temple
Located in Juhu, the ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is a spiritual retreat for you, especially when college life starts taking a toll on you. Even if you’re not a spiritually-inclined person, the ISKCON Temple is a great place to simply relax. The interiors are well-decorated and it is located quite close to the Juhu Beach. ISKCON Temple has also expanded in other locations like Navi Mumbai and South Bombay.
Address: Sri Mukteshwar Devalaya Rd, Marg, Sainath Nagar, MHADA Colony, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Timings: 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Juhu Beach
Mumbai has plenty of places from where you can get mesmerizing views of the sea, but nothing comes close to the iconic Juhu Beach. The beach, also fondly known as Juhu Chowpatty, has been one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. Simply stroll on the golden sand, arrange a beach date for your pals, go swimming in the shallow waters, or enjoy delicious street food by the beachfront. Juhu Beach is a destination that you must definitely visit to truly take in the beauty of Mumbai.
Address: 2, JVPD Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Goregaon Film City
Mumbai is home to one of India’s most successful film industries – Bollywood. And the heart of Bollywood lies in its film production studios that are scattered across West Mumbai in areas of Goregaon, Jogeshwari, Andheri, Bandra, etc. The most iconic among them has to be the Goregaon Film City or the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari. It is a giant film city, quite literally, where thousands of films and television serials are filmed every day. In fact, you’ll always find some or the other film or tv set constructed here, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even meet a few of your beloved stars here! Goregaon Film City offers bus tours to eager tourists and film enthusiasts, taking them behind the scenes, in the literal sense!
Address: Film City Rd, Film City Complex, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400065
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Entry fees: Start from INR 599
Mount Mary Church
Mumbaikars fondly refer to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra by the name of the Mount Mary Church. The church has been one of Mumbai’s oldest religious sites, built way back in the 15th century. Today, Mount Mary Church is best known for its Christmas celebrations, when the entire Bandra neighborhood turns into a winter wonderland. Plus, the Bandra Fair celebrations here attract Mumbaikars from all over the city.
Address: Mount Mary Rd, near Shanti Avedna Sadan, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Other tourist attractions in West Mumbai:
- Mahakali Caves
- Bandra Fort
- Ranwar Village
- Versova Beach
Best Places To Eat In West Mumbai: Khau Gallis And Iconic Eateries
Our West Mumbai Survival Guide would be incomplete without mentioning pocket-friendly places, cafes, and restaurants to eat at. Moreover, West Mumbai has a significant Jain and Gujarati population, meaning vegetarian and vegan food is easily available here. So, here are our top picks!
Cafe Hub of Mumbai: Bandra
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Bandra is home to the best cafes in Mumbai. Bandra is a considerably affluent neighborhood, home to sky-high towers, celebrity homes, and premium residences. Naturally, the neighborhood is blessed with some of the most famous and instagrammable cafes in Mumbai. Here are some must-visit cafes in Bandra:
- Candies
- Mokai
- The Bandstand Pantry
- Bombay Coffee House
- The Nest
- Cafe Andorra
- Steps Cafe
- Records Coffee by Veranda
- Lyla
- Nostalgia Cafe & Bakery
- Veronica’s
- Santa Maria
- Tokyo Matcha Bar
- Kepchaki Momos
Mahavir Nagar Khau Galli
Kandivali is home to what can be argued as the most famous Khau Galli of Mumbai. Plus, it is a haven for vegetarian and vegan food as the khau galli is located in a majorly Gujarati and Jain neighborhood. Mahavir Nagar Khau Galli is where you’ll find amazing food like corn dogs, ice cream, sushi, pav bhaji, rolls, cheesecakes, and more, all at affordable prices. Visit the khau galli in the evening and you’ll likely find it always crowded with foodies.
Must-try: Jay’s Dosa & Paratha Center, Crime Master Momo, The Korean House, Nav Durga Vada Pav, Conical Gaufres
Address: 53, Boraspada Rd, Mahavir Nagar, Panchsheel Garden, Siddhivinayak Nagar, Kandivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400067
Price for one: INR 150-450 approximately (approx)
Suraj Lama Momos
If you’re eyeing to shift to Mumbai for your education, a simple search about some of the most famous eateries here will tell you that Suraj Lama Momos is a top spot for the best Darjeeling-style momo. The owner was a former driver for Bollywood stars Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. However, he soon started a small business selling momo. Over the years, the small business turned into a profitable eatery in the happening neighborhood of Versova.
Address: JP Rd, opp. GWALIOR HOUSE, Aram Nagar, Seven Bunglow, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400061
Timings: 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Price for one: INR 150 approx
Prithvi Cafe
Situated right beside the iconic Prithvi Theater, the Prithvi Cafe is a cafe that is known for its delicious food and cozy ambiance. Visit the cafe for delicious food like chhole kulche, varieties of pasta and pizza, piping hot paranthas, and refreshing drinks. Also, note that Prithvi Cafe is almost always full with tourists and locals alike so getting a seat here is a challenge in itself!
Address: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Juhu Rd, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Timings: 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Price for one: INR 250 approx
Anand Stall
If there’s one street food stall that the NMIMS crowd swears by, it has to be Anand Stall. Don’t trust the word? Try the delicious sandwich, dosa, and panini yourself and we bet you’ll end up wanting for more. We highly recommend trying out classics like Melting Sandwich, Masala Dosa, and Veg Cheese Grilled Sandwich.
Address: Gulmohar Road No. 1, Opp. Mithibai College, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056
Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Price for one: INR 250 approx
Best Places To Go Shopping In West Mumbai
Linking Road and Hill Road: These shopping streets in Bandra are famous all across Mumbai for their affordable and trendy apparel and accessories. The streets are known for a wide variety of items like jeans, topwear, dresses, jewelry, belts, shoes, and a lot of other items.
Oberoi Mall: If you love window shopping and spending hours at the food court, Oberoi Mall is one of the best shopping malls to visit in West Mumbai. The mall has some of the biggest apparel, homeware, and accessory brands. Plus, the mall has its own multiplex, food court, restaurants, and other unique experiences.
Sky City Mall: Borival is where the newest mall of Mumbai has popped up. The Sky City Mall is home to some of the biggest upscale restaurants, entertainment options, and immersive retail experiences.
Plus, each neighborhood, Andheri, Santa Cruz, Vile Parle, or any other neighborhood, has its own markets and shopping streets. They are mostly located right outside the railway station.
Summing Up
West Mumbai is home to plenty of colleges as well as affordable and instagrammable cafes and eateries. We’re sure that this West Mumbai survival guide will help you find the best places in this part of the city. So, which place are you the most excited to visit?
