Marine Drive, Mumbai

Marine Drive (renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg) follows the sweeping curve of sea that stretches north from Nariman Point's high-rise buildings to infamous Chowpatty Beach, located at the foot of Malabar Hill. It's the ultimate seaside promenade, where Mumbaikars come to escape the claustrophobia of central Mumbai, gratefully eyeing an endless horizon while strolling or jogging along the broad windswept promenade. In the evenings, casual, single-item snack stalls are set up for brisk trade; a stroll along here also takes in the world's second-largest stretch of Art Deco buildings (in future years, there'll be heritage plaques identifying the most significant of these).

Having undergone an extensive refurbishment and general neatening-up in recent years, there's another huge beautification project on the back-burner (apparently buried under a deluge of bureaucratic mismanagement) that will, among other things, include open-air galleries and improved walkways, and at Nariman Point, a breakwater promontory will extend 280m (918 1/2 ft.) into the sea, culminating in a stepped amphitheater. Even before all that happens, this is the city's ultimate sunset spot, when -- having watched the orange globe sink into the Arabian Sea -- you can witness the street lights transform Marine Drive into the aptly named Queen's Necklace, a choker-length of twinkling jewels adorning Back Bay. The scene is perhaps best enjoyed with cocktail in hand at one of the Drive's classier establishments -- the InterContinental's rooftop lounge and restaurant, Dome, is where you should be.

Chowpatty Beach
Towards the northern end of Marine Drive lies one of the oldest seafronts called Chowpatty Beach, which is famous for its bazaars and meals. Hundreds of salesmen walk across the beach to sell different varieties of items especially on Sunday evenings. Stalls featuring fast food and snacks such as Bhel Puri, Paav Bhaji, etc are set up in the area every single day. Going further down the lane, is Walkeshwar, a very affluent and posh area that gets its name from the famous and highly revered Walkeshwar Temple. In order to see the utmost celebration spirit of the Mumbai's crowd on this beach, the perfect time to visit is during Ganesh Chathurthi, the biggest gala of all for the city and state in general.

Evening Walks
Marine Drive is considered as the best pathway for an evening stride. The sight of sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea and the amazing feeling of cold breeze caressing your hair along with a long array of restaurants offering mouthwatering snacks and drinks can make any low day bright again. Needless to say that these streets are a perfect hang out place for all age groups! For the elderly, Nana-Nani Park is an absolute haven and is quite a recent attraction. This is the perfect hangout spot once you are in the city of Mumbai. The 3 km long Marine Drive is a natural bay and also forms a portion of the famous skyline of Mumbai. It has access to some of the major corporate centers, recreation activities and also places of entertainment.

High Prices
The real estate value of this walkway is one of the highest in India and ranks fourth when compared to the world statistics. Numerous celebrities have their houses built here and this area has become one of the premier residential communities. Also, the 5 star hotel Oberoi is along the same path with many other noted restaurants lined along this walkway.

Hosting Events,/
Marine Drive is considered as the largest viewing gallery of the world. Several events have been hosted along its walkway over the years. The list includes Bombay Marathon, IAF Airshow, French Festival, International Fleet Review and many others. There are also several beautiful projects in channel, which include open air galleries and an improvised promenade at the Nariman Point.

Now that you know everything about Marine Drive, do not forget to visit this wonderful place. Apart from treating your eyes to the majestic Arabian Sea, you can also pamper your taste buds with some amazing food at the same time.