Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is where much of Mumbai goes to watch the sunset. This guide covers the street food at Juhu Chowpatty, safety at the water and how to get there by train.

Juhu Beach stretches for about 5 kilometres along the Arabian Sea in the western suburb of Juhu, between Santacruz and Versova. It is open to the public and is one of the most popular beaches in the city with residents and visitors alike. The southern end is lined with upmarket hotels, and the surrounding neighbourhood is known for the homes of Bollywood film personalities.

The main draw is the evening: families and couples come to walk on the sand at sunset, and the stretch near Juhu Chowpatty fills with stalls selling pav bhaji, bhel puri, pani puri, roasted corn and kulfi. Mahatma Gandhi walked here during his stays in Mumbai, and a statue and Gandhigram Road mark the connection. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesha idols are carried here for immersion in the sea, and the beach is very crowded.

The water is generally not suitable for swimming: currents can be strong, and the sea is rough during the June–September monsoon. The nearest railway stations are Vile Parle, Santacruz and Andheri on the Western line, and the ISKCON Hare Krishna temple and St. Joseph's Church are also in Juhu. Weekday mornings are quiet, with joggers and walkers; weekend evenings are very crowded.