Mumbai’s beaches are landmarks where its people find solace in the most chaotic ways. The golden sands, the foaming Arabian Sea, and the crimson and purple hues of the setting sun – Mumbai’s beaches are a whole different vibe! And if there’s one beach that has remained an iconic landmark in Mumbai, it has to be the Juhu Beach. This roughly 6-kilometer (km) stretch in Mumbai’s western suburbs is situated in the affluent Juhu neighborhood. Here’s all that you need to know about this iconic beach!
Juhu Beach Mumbai Maharashtra: History, Significance, Attractions, Things To Do
The History Of Juhu Beach Mumbai Maharashtra
The history of Juhu goes back to the 19th century when it was a quaint fishing village along the Arabian Sea. This was a time when most neighborhoods in Mumbai were either fishing villages or small semi-urban settlements, with the Juhu neighborhood being one of them. Juhu residents primarily depended on the sea for their livelihood and lived in simple communities along Mumbai’s coastline.
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Before Juhu emerged as one of the most hip neighborhoods of Mumbai, it was sparsely populated, most occupied with green farmlands and vast open spaces. These farmlands and open spaces were then reclaimed and used for developing Mumbai into a bustling urban center the way we know it today.
Slowly, affluent families, including many Bollywood stars, built their luxurious homes here as a retreat within the city. Eventually, Juhu started transforming into a desirable residential hub in the city’s western suburbs, with almost everyone wanting to live a luxurious life by the sea.
Bollywood And Juhu: A Long Love Affair
If Bollywood had a capital, it would definitely be Juhu! Why, you may ask? Well, the neighborhood has been an important residential hub for Bollywood celebrities for decades. With the likes of veterans and yesteryear superstars like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rajesh Khanna settling down in Juhu, the real estate market in this neighborhood took off.
Soon, with more and more urban infrastructure developing here, the neighborhood became THE ultimate spot for Bollywood stars to buy their dream home in the city. And by homes, we mean grand palatial mansions and villas and not mere apartments!
Today, many Bollywood celebrities, including the likes of the Bachchan family, Rani Mukerji, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn have their homes in Juhu.
Things To Do At And Around Juhu Beach
Walk Along The Beach
One of the best things to do at Juhu Beach is to simply stroll on the golden sand and occasionally dip your toes in the foaming sea waves. The beach is comparatively empty on the weekdays and especially worth it during the sunset, so if you want a pretty, peaceful experience, we recommend visiting during the weekdays. However, even during the weekends, the beach is a vibe!
Have Street Snacks At The Beach
This one is a classic Juhu Beach experience – and honestly, we highly recommend it. Mumbai’s street snacks like bhel puri, pav bhaji, vada pav, and chana chaat are some of the best foods to have at Juhu Beach. The aroma of piping hot pav bhaji, the sizzling crackle of buttered pav, the sweet and tangy aroma of bhel and chaat, and the hawkers calling you to try their food offerings – Juhu Beach’s street food is a culinary experience in its own right!
Visit The ISKCON Temple
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has a branch in Juhu close to the Beach. This temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Juhu as well as Mumbai. Many devotees and visitors visiting ISKCON Juhu make sure that they visit the Juhu Beach after a spiritual day inside the temple.
Eat At The Prithvi Cafe
Prithvi Theater, built by Bollywood veteran Shashi Kapoor, is an iconic cultural landmark in Mumbai, hosting plenty of theater shows, plays, and events. However, the landmark is also famous for its Prithvi Cafe, where Mumbaikars flock to almost every day for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner! The cafe is extremely popular among people of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly. And why wouldn’t it be? The ambiance is great, the service is top-notch, and most importantly, the food is absolutely worth it for the price!
Unwind At The Juhu Beach Garden
Just a short walk towards the beach from ISKCON Juhu is the Juhu Beach Garden, a narrow greenscape right along the beach. The garden offers stunning sea views that even those from an expensive hotel won’t promise! There’s a dedicated walkway as well as ample seating in the garden, so you can walk along with your pets, sit and chill with your friends, and take in the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Cafes, Restaurants, And Eateries Near Juhu Beach
Bayleaf Cafe
Why: An all-vegetarian cafe in a cozy coastal setting offering gourmet pizzas, baked treats, pasta, salad bowls, smoothies, mocktails, and more!
Where: 32, Juhu Rd, Janki Kutir, Juhu Tara, Juhu 400049
Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Cost for two: INR 2500 without alcohol
The Homemade Cafe & Bar
Why: Eclectic boho chic ambiance and decor, peaceful atmosphere, perfect brunch spot in Juhu.
Where: Tara Road, Near Petrol Pump, Juhu 400049
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM (weekdays); 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM (weekends)
Cost for two: INR 1400 without alcohol
Razzberry Rhinoceros
Why: A lovely beachfront restaurant with some of the best cocktails and drinks in Juhu, plus the food and ambiance is truly amazing!
Where: Juhu Hotel, Juhu Tara Rd, Uditi Tarang Housing Colony, Airport Area, Juhu 400049
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM
Cost for two: INR 2000
Fable Cafe And Bar
Why: A cozy, eclectic cafe with vintage interiors serving delicious comfort food! Come here for the ultimate multi-cuisine experience!
Where: Shop 3, Aashiyana Apartment, Chand Society, Vithal Nagar, N S Road 13, Juhu 400049
Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Cost for two: INR 2500
Ettara Coffee House
Why: Juhu’s newest coffee house serving some of the best coffee from South India and quick bites in a lovely, peaceful ambiance.
Where: Ground Floor, boutique hotel, Juhu residency, Juhu Tara, Juhu 400049
Timings: Open 24 hours
Cost for two: INR 600
Summing Up
We hope you find this guide to Juhu Beach super helpful! The beach, as one of the most iconic beaches in Mumbai, has been every Mumbaikar’s go-to spot when they crave the sea! Golden-hued sands, vibrant sunsets, and the urban chaos of Mumbai – Juhu Beach is where the spirit of Mumbai soaks in the sea and sunlight!
