The City of Dreams embraces everyone into its arms, young and old alike, from all across India. The Financial Capital of India, apart from being a major financial hub, is also the ultimate city to further your academic dreams. Colleges like HR, KC, Jai Hind, and Xaviers have stood tall as some of the most premier educational institutions for higher education in the city, attracting youngsters from all over Mumbai and the rest of the country. However, student life isn’t easy – unending assignments, tight budgets, sky-high dorm fees and rent, and a completely new city if you’re relocating for higher education. If you too are such a student studying here or planning to enroll in these institutions in the future, here’s a handy South Mumbai survival guide for you!
The Ultimate South Mumbai Survival Guide For College Students
South Mumbai At A Glance For Students
Railway Stations: Churchgate, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Marine Lines, Charni Road, Grant Road, Masjid
Important Colleges: HR College, KC College, Government Law College, Jai Hind College, Hinduja College of Commerce, St. Xavier’s College, Sophia College, Sydenham College
Best known for: Cafes, art galleries, museums, beaches
Preferred modes of transportation: Trains, buses, taxis
Iconic South Mumbai Locations To Visit
Now that you’ve landed in Mumbai and sorted out your accommodation for the rest of your academic life in the city, it’s time to explore it! Mumbai is a dream for those wandering to get lost in the buzzing city life. The city is home to plenty of tourist attractions scattered across the city, however, South Mumbai has a majority of them as it was once the center of all trade and commerce in India. Take a walk in the lanes of South Mumbai and you’ll notice plenty of colonial buildings – some of which have been renovated, some preserved, and some demolished altogether. Here are key attractions in South Mumbai you should not miss out on!
The Gateway of India
If there’s one monument that has become associated with Mumbai’s ‘identity’, it has to be the Gateway of India. The arch-monument was built to commemorate the landing of King Goerge V and Queen Mary in India in 1911. The foundation stone was laid in 1913, and construction completed in 1924. Many small boats, commercial ferries, and yachts halt at the Gateway of India. In fact, the ferries to the nearby Elephanta Island can be boarded from here.
Following the attacks of 26/11, security in the vicinity of this landmark and the neighboring Taj Hotel has been tightened. However, that does not stop tourists from all across the world visiting the iconic Mumbai landmark. On special occasions like Independence Day and Maharashtra Day, the monument lights up with vibrant laser projections and cultural performances. Visit the site to wonder at the detailed architecture, breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, and get your pictures clicked by photographers.
Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba – 400001
Timings: Open 24 hours a day, best enjoyed between 6 AM and 10 PM
Entry fees: Free
Marine Drive
You must’ve seen this iconic location in plenty of movies, both new and old, because the charm of this place refuses to die. Marine Drive is every Mumbaikar’s comfort place – it is the place they visit to simply unwind without any worries. The stretched out Arabian Sea, stunning crimson sunsets, and a ‘vibe’ that no other place can match – Marine Drive has it all. It is a pedestrian-only place where people can interact with each other, relax by the sea, and just be on their own.
On Sundays, you’ll find the place turned into a lively promenade where you can sing, dance, play different games, and hang out with your friends. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops lined up on the streets across Marine Drive. Plus, colleges like KC, Jai Hind, and HR are located at walking distance from the iconic promenade, making it easy for you to visit this place before or after your classes!
Address: The landmark does not have a particular address, however, it is right outside the Churchgate and Marine Lines Railway Stations.
Timings: Open 24 hours a day, best enjoyed between 6 AM and 12 PM
Entry fees: Free
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay (CSMVS) was formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum. Built in the same architectural style as Gateway of India, the museum is home to some of the most unique and rare artefacts that highlight India’s various historical ages.
There are dedicated galleries in the building complex that include displays of natural history, fashion and textile, coins, art pieces, weapons and artillery, handicrafts, and a lot more. It takes about 2 hours to tour through the entire museum, especially if you are into history. Overall, you must definitely visit CSMVS with your friends when hanging out in Mumbai.
Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort – 400001
Timings: 10:15 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: Free
Kala Ghoda Art District
The Kala Ghoda Art District is located in the same neighborhood as CSMVS. It has been at the forefront of Mumbai’s ever-evolving art scene, building a platform for emerging artists to showcase and upskill their art. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a major testament to the efforts of several artists, organizations, and the local government working in harmony to build a thriving community of Mumbai’s artists.
Today, there are plenty of cafes, art galleries, boutiques, workshops, and experimental spaces in the Kala Ghoda Art District. The walls and streets here are decorated with attractive murals, making a leisurely stroll through the art district even more enjoyable. Overall, Kala Ghoda Art District is a must-visit area in South Mumbai if you love cafe hopping, art, and museum dates.
Must visit places in Kala Ghoda Art District: Flora Fountain, Jehangir Art Gallery, St. Thomas’ Cathedral, Horniman Circle
Address: Fort – 400001
Other must-visit places in South Mumbai:
- Girgaon Chowpatty
- Banganga Tank
- Oval Maidan
- Hanging Gardens
- The Royal Opera House
Best Places To Eat In South Mumbai: Khau Gallis And Iconic Eateries
Our South Mumbai Survival Guide would be incomplete without mentioning pocket-friendly places, cafes, and restaurants to eat at. Luckily, South Mumbai is a food haven, no matter your budget. So, here are our top picks!
Cross Maidan Khau Galli
Cross Maidan stretches out between Fashion Street and Vitthaldas Thackersey Marg, right next to the historic Azad Maidan. The Khau Galli here has about 15-20 stalls selling a wide range of food like tawa pulao, pav bhaji, Indo-Chinese food, fruit juices, sandwiches, and the list goes on. It is a famous street food destination for students and corporate workers alike as there are offices, courts, sports complexes, schools, and colleges near the Cross Maidan Khau Galli.
Must-try: Lenin Pav Bhaji Center, Lalit Bhel Center, Raju’s Chinese
Address: Near Canara Bank, New Marine Lines, Marine Lines, Mumbai
Cannon Pav Bhaji
Right outside the UNESCO Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) building, there are plenty of eateries and stalls that sell delicious food. One of them is the Cannon Pav Bhaji Center – known to many as the best Pav Bhaji place in Mumbai. The small eatery isn’t lavishly decorated, it doesn’t even have indoor seating. Because this is the place that means strict business – place your order, enjoy it, and leave with good memories. If you’re from Xavier’s College, you can certainly explore the other eateries here as it quite close to the college.
Address: Mahapalika Marg, Opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Hazarimal Somani Road, Fort – 400001
Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Price for one: INR 150-200 approximately (approx)
Aram Vada Pav
Right next to Cannon Pav Bhaji lies what many Mumbaikars argue is the best vada pav place in the city. Aaram Vada Pav was established in 1939 and has since served millions of Mumbaikars every single day. While the restaurant, Aram Milk Center, has plenty of vegetarian-only food items to choose from, the eatery is most famous for its stall within the restaurant – famous as the Aram Vada Pav Center. The vada pav has been a classic Mumbai snack – a fulfilling potato filling patty nested between two slices of pav bread and served with green chutney and fried chillies. Aram Vada Pav is a Mumbai-exclusive food experience that must definitely be on your bucket list if you’re shifting to Mumbai.
Address: Capital Cinema Building, 126, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, opp. Aram Hotel CSMT, Azad Maidan, Fort – 400001
Timings: 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Price for one: INR 25-100 approx
Churchgate Station Khau Galli
Churchgate Railway Station is an important railway station for the college-going crowd of South Mumbai as many colleges like HR, KC, Government Law College, and Jai Hind are located in close proximity to the station. So, naturally, there are plenty of big and small stalls lined up outside the Churchgate Railway Station that sell a wide variety of affordable street food. Plus, you also have street food outlets of McDonalds, Chaayos, and Burger King near the railway station. At the Churchgate Station Khau Galli, you must try the frankie rolls, varieties of shawarma, fruit juices, and coffee.
Address: Outside Churchgate Railway Station – 400020
Pancham Puriwala
If you’re looking for a wholesome lunch place near your college, Pancham Puriwala is the right place for you! Pancham Puriwala has been on Mumbai’s culinary map for over 100 years, opening doors way back in 1848! This restaurant is where you’ll find Mumbai’s best puris, vegetable curries, and thaalis, all at affordable prices. Plus, they also feature delicious aamras on their seasonal menu – an event that many Mumbai foodies keep a watch on. Overall, for delicious, affordable food, Pancham Puriwala definitely deserves to be a stop on your food adventures in Mumbai.
Address: 10, Perin Nariman St, Borabazar Precinct, Ballard Estate, Fort – 400001
Timings: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Price for one: INR 150 approx
P. S. What Are Khau Gallis?
We’re not sure about which city introduced the concept of ‘Khau Gallis’, but no city in India has aced the Khau Galli concept as much as Mumbai. The word literally translates to ‘food lane’ in the Marathi language which explains why there are so many ‘Khau Gallis’ scattered across Mumbai. In fact, each neighborhood has its own Khau Galli, usually right outside the railway station or near a famous educational institution.
These places are famous for their delicious food – including street food, fusion food, and home-style food as well. Here, you’ll find delicious, pocket-friendly meals that range from items like pizza and pasta to dal khichdi, vada pav, and tawa pulao. Throughout our Mumbai Survival Guide, we’ll talk about various Khau Gallis of Mumbai.
South Mumbai Survival Guide: Best Shopping Markets
Colaba Causeway: Best-known for numerous shops and stalls selling clothing targeted mainly towards youngsters. Here’ll you find amazing jewelry pieces, pants, jackets, dresses, accessories, and more at affordable prices.
Crawford Market: If you’re looking for affordable and trendy homeware items and fresh produce, Crawford Market is the right place for you. Utensils, water bottles, gardening supplies, tiffins, decor items, and so much more is available here at affordable prices.
Fashion Street: This is your ultimate destination for getting your hands on the trendiest outfits at pocket-friendly prices. The street is lined with shops selling everything from flared pants to bucket hats and tank tops to floral shirts – the options are endless!
Summing Up
South Mumbai is home to plenty of colleges, most of which are known all across the country. So, if you’re a student planning to shift to Mumbai and enroll in one of these colleges, this guide will help you in finding the best places in South Mumbai to explore, shop, and eat. Are you excited to step into the City of Dreams?
