If Mumbai were to have a capital, it would undoubtedly be the bustling locality of Dadar. Why? Well, Dadar is Mumbai’s economic and cultural hub, filled with colorful markets, theatres, temples, festivities, and food joints that have been here even before India’s Independence! There is significant influence of Marathi culture, thanks to its majority Marathi population. Dadar, home to one of Mumbai’s busiest train stations, draws both locals and tourists with its captivating old-world charm. If you too wish to explore the ever-bustling neighborhood of Dadar, here’s how you can spend a day here!
How To Spend A Day In Dadar
- Visit the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
- Explore the Dadar Flower Market
- Breakfast at Cafe 792
- Stroll through the Parsi Colony
- Explore the Dadar Markets
- Lunch at Gypsy Corner
- Stunning sea-view at the Dadar Chowpatty Viewpoint
- Rejuvenate at the Beluga Salon
- Sundowner at Bastian
- Movie night at the iconic Plaza Cinema
Visit The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Start your Dadar exploration by visiting the iconic Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. First consecrated in 1801, the initial structure housed a black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak. An outstanding feature of the idol is that its trunk sways to the right, where conventionally Ganesha iconography shows it to the left. The deity is shown to be four-handed (Chaturbhuja) and standing next to the deity are goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi. These signify prosperity and sanctity.
The new structure of the temple was greenlit in 1990 and took 3 years to complete. However, to get an idea of the old temple, you can visit the nearby Kashi Vishveshwar temple near Citilight Cinema. The temple receives grants from devotees from all over the world and has launched its online pooja booking system, online live darshan, as well as its own app. From Dadar or Prabhadevi railway station, you can easily get shared cabs. Today, it is one of the most revered and richest temples in India.
Unstumbled’s Tip: Avoid visiting the temple on Tuesdays as it is an auspicious day of Lord Ganesha and thus sees a significant crowd. Plan your visit on some other weekday, particularly in the early morning.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Address: SK Bole Rd, Prabhadevi – 400028
Explore The Dadar Flower Market
After receiving the blessings of Lord Ganesha, it is time to visit one of the busiest markets in Mumbai – the Dadar flower market. The market comes alive at 5 AM, brimming with some of the freshest and most aromatic flowers. From roses and lilies to hibiscus, lotus, marigold, and many other flowers, they are available at reasonable prices. Many flower vendors, flower boutiques, and even locals purchase flowers from this market.
It is situated right outside the Dadar railway station, so reaching here is no hassle. However, if you aren’t used to the daily grind of Dadar (and the city by large) yet wish to experience local Mumbai life, it is best recommended to visit the market as early as possible. From busy vendors with flowers tucked behind their ears to haggling buyers seeking the best deals, the market offers a lively glimpse into Mumbai’s spirited people and their love for delicate blooms.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: 2R8R+XJX, Tilak Brg, Lokmanya Tilak Colony, Dadar – 400028
Breakfast At Cafe 792
After all that market adventure, your tummy must be rumbling, and what better spot for breakfast than Cafe 792? Situated in Dadar’s Parsi Colony, the cafe gets its name from the block number it is situated in. At this cozy little cafe, you’ll be delighted with some amazing sandwiches, rolls, wraps, salads, baked treats, and of course decadent Parsi food.
Stop by to get your hands on freshly brewed coffee, creamy Akuri, and much more. You can also try out their Chicken and vegetarian Quiche, Pesto Mozzarella Sandwich, Chicken Dhansak, and much more. But, if you’re planning to go for a filling brunch here, it is best recommended to visit the place before 1 PM.
Timings: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost for two: INR 500 approximately
Address: 792, Outhouse, Dina Manzil, Jame Jamshed Rd, Central Railway Colony, Mahavir Nagar, Parsee Colony, Dadar – 400014
Stroll Through The Parsi Colony
Now that your stomach is full, it’s time to wander through the serene bylanes of the Parsi Colony. Home to around 10,000 residents, this exclusively Parsi community is the largest Zoroastrian enclave in the world. It was established through the efforts of Mancherji Edalji Joshi, and was a part of the Dadar-Matunga-Wadala-Sion scheme of 1899-1900 – the first planned scheme of Mumbai. The colony came to life in the wake of the deadly plague epidemic in Mumbai in the early 1920s.
Today, nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, this community offers a serene escape from the fast city life. With its wide streets canopied by trees, buildings that are architectural marvels, and verdant-green gardens, it is one of the few places where you can sit quietly and hear sparrows and squirrels chirping and hopping on and off trees.
Unstumbled’s Tip: While you’re here, make sure you explore the place quietly and don’t interrupt the locals.
Explore The Dadar Markets
Now that you’ve spent a peaceful morning strolling through the Parsi Colony, it is time to enter Dadar’s chaotic yet fun markets. These markets are situated outside the railway station and extend to several main streets, including Agar Bazaar and Gokhale Road.
Here, you can get practically anything under the sun, and we aren’t even exaggerating! From the trendiest clothes to household items and even fresh groceries, there’s something for everyone. Walking through the winding and bustling markets can be a hassle, so we recommend stopping by one of the local juice stalls to take a breather. Grab some sugarcane juice and you’re all set to explore the place further.
Lunch At Gypsy Corner
Dadar markets can pull you in, so it’s time to have a filling lunch at one of Dadar’s iconic eateries – Gypsy Corner. A visit to Dadar is incomplete without trying out some authentic Maharashtrian delicacies, so make sure you visit this lunch spot for the best experience.
Here, you have plenty of vegetarian and jain food options that you can choose from. And, if you’re fasting, they’ve got it covered too. From Batata Vada to Zunka Bhakri, and even Gujarati staples like Daal Dhokli and Kandd Pattice, the menu is too irresistible to put down. This has already got us drooling!
Unstumbled’s Recommendations: Bharleli Vangi (stuffed eggplants), Pithle and Tandalachi Bhakri (a gram-flour based porridge and rice-based flatbread), Misal Pav, Maharashtrian Thali
Price for two: INR 300 approximately
Address: 2RGR+32F, Dadar West, Dadar – 400014
Stunning Sea-View At The Dadar Chowpatty Viewpoint
After a fulfilling lunch at Gypsy Corner, it is time to head to Dadar Chowpatty. The foaming sea, combined with stunning horizon views and the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, creates the perfect setting to sit back and relax.
While you’re here, grab some quick bites like chana papdi, raw mango slices, and berries from local vendors. Grab a quick snack, stroll on the golden beach, and play in the waters of the Arabian Sea. You can also pay your respects at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak dedicated to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The place is also well-illuminated in the evening and you can come back to enjoy serene sunset views of the Arabian Sea.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: 2RGM+FR8, near BABASAHEB AMBEDKARCHAITYABHOOMI, Dadar West – 400028
Rejuvenate At The Beluga Salon
After all that day’s hustle and bustle, it’s time to sit back and relax, quite literally! And what better way to do this than to rejuvenate yourself (and your hair) at the Beluga Salon? Located at a walking distance from the Dadar Chowpatty viewpoint, this woman-owned salon is your go-to place for all your haircare needs.
We tried their famous Hair Ritual that not only nourishes the scalp but also promotes healthy hair growth. The results? Your hair will feel and look like a million dollars! If you’re exploring Dadar, we totally recommend including this spot on your list. After all, love is in the hair!
Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: Shankar Niwas, Shop #1, Bldg, Dadasaheb Rege Marg, Dadar, w, Maharashtra 400028
Sundowner At Bastian – At The Top
For the ultimate sundowner, it is time to visit every celebrity’s favorite hangout spot – The Bastian – At The Top. You’d feel like you’ve been transported straight onto the sets of Dune, thanks to its sand-colored and cave-like interiors. The space is adorned with wicker ceiling lamps and mystique spaces that will offer you the best fine dining experience.
There’s plenty of luxe foods to try out here – from their iconic market menu to salads, bowls, tacos, baos, sushi, cheesecakes, and of course their viral ‘pull me up’ desserts. To get a taste of fine dining and lounge in comfort as you watch the sunset along the horizon, we recommend visiting Bastian – At The Top.
Unstumbled’s Recommendations: Pork Ribs and Salmon Sushi
Price for two: INR 4000 excluding alcohol
Address: 48th Floor, Kohinoor Square, N C. Kelkar Marg, Dadar West, Shivaji Park – 400028
Movie Night At The Iconic Plaza Cinema
After bougie dining at one of the hottest restaurants in Mumbai, it is time to end the day with a classic Mumbai experience. End your day by watching a movie at the iconic Plaza Cinema. The movie theater is a single-screen one and was opened way back in 1935. It was one of the places that were bombed during the 1993 Mumbai riots, but the building returned to its former glory soon after.
The single-screen cinema hall has been one of the most important places screening Marathi movies since their inception. However, today it screens films in most Indian languages. This is your perfect way to end your day in Dadar and you can’t help but agree.
Address: 2-12/B, N C. Kelkar Marg, Dadar West – 40002
Summing Up
There you have it – a perfect ‘how to spend a day’ for Dadar! From its vibrant markets to authentic Maharashtrian eateries, this locality of Mumbai is home to some of Mumbai’s most happening celebrations and cultural festivals. As one of the only two railway stations connecting the Central and Western Railway Line directly, this place is never empty. But, that is what makes Dadar a standout – it beautifully replicates the Mumbai spirit!
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FAQs
What Is Dadar Famous For?
Dadar is famous for some of its vibrant markets, authentic Maharashtrian food joints, theatres, and Shivaji Park.
How Far Is Dadar From Mumbai’s Airport?
The distance between Dadar Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is roughly 10.9 kilometers.
Why Is Dadar So Crowded?
Dadar is crowded because of its prime location – it connects the Western and Central Railway Lines. Moreover, the locality is home to a majority of Mumbai’s Parsi and Marathi communities. Its prime location has also resulted in many industrial parks and high-end residential complexes sprawling up in this area.
