Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, but sometimes you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle. If you are looking for a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature, then Versova Beach is the perfect destination for you.
Versova Beach is one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Mumbai. It is located in the western suburbs of the city, near Andheri. It is separated from the famous Juhu Beach by a creek and a bridge. Unlike Juhu Beach, which is crowded and noisy, Versova Beach is tranquil and serene. It offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea, the sunset, and the fishing village that lies along its shore.
History of Versova Beach
Versova Beach has a rich history and culture. It was once home to the Kolis, the original inhabitants of Mumbai, who still live in the fishing village and practice their traditional occupation. The beach also witnessed the Portuguese invasion and colonization in the 16th century, and later became a part of the British Empire. The beach was named after the Portuguese word for “ferry”, as it was used as a port for ferrying goods and people.
Versova Beach is also known for its environmental campaign led by Afroz Shah, a lawyer and activist who started a massive cleanup drive in 2015. He mobilized thousands of volunteers, including celebrities, students, and locals, to remove tons of garbage and plastic from the beach. His efforts were recognized by the United Nations, which awarded him the Champion of the Earth award in 2016. Thanks to his initiative, Versova Beach has transformed from a dumpsite to a paradise.
How to Reach Versova Beach
You can reach Versova Beach by different modes of transport, such as train, bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi, etc. Here is a guide on how to get to the beach by each mode of transport:
Train:
You can take a local train from any station in Mumbai to Andheri station, which is the nearest station to Versova Beach. The train fare depends on the distance and class of travel, but it is usually very cheap and affordable. From Andheri station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to Versova Beach, which is about 4 km away. The auto-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 50-60, while the bus fare is around Rs. 10-15.
Bus:
You can take a bus from any major bus stop in Mumbai to Versova Beach. The bus number and route may vary depending on your location, but some of the common buses that go to Versova Beach are 203, 249, 251, 253, 254, etc. The bus fare depends on the distance and type of bus, but it is usually very cheap and affordable. The bus will drop you near Versova Beach or at Yari Road, from where you can walk to the beach or take an auto-rickshaw.
Auto-rickshaw:
You can take an auto-rickshaw from any part of Mumbai to Versova Beach. The auto-rickshaw fare depends on the distance and traffic conditions, but it is usually around Rs. 15-20 per km. You can negotiate with the driver before boarding the auto-rickshaw or use a meter to calculate the fare. The auto-rickshaw will take you directly to Versova Beach or near it.
Taxi:
You can take a taxi from any part of Mumbai to Versova Beach. The taxi fare depends on the distance and traffic conditions, but it is usually around Rs. 25-30 per km. You can book a taxi online or offline using platforms such as Ola, Uber, Meru, etc. or hail a taxi on the road. The taxi will take you directly to Versova Beach or near it.
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Things to do at Versova Beach
If you are wondering what to do at Versova Beach, you will be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of activities and attractions that will keep you entertained and engaged. Here are some of the things you can do at Versova Beach:
Ride a bike:
One of the best ways to explore Versova Beach is by riding a bike along its coast. You can rent a bike from nearby shops or online platforms and enjoy the breeze and scenery. You can also join bike tours that will take you to different landmarks and attractions around the beach.
Watch a movie:
If you are a movie buff, you will love Versova Beach as it is close to many cinema halls and multiplexes that showcase Bollywood and Hollywood films. You can catch the latest releases or classics at theaters such as PVR Icon, Cinepolis Fun Republic, Carnival Cinemas Moviestar, etc.
Eat seafood:
No visit to Versova Beach is complete without tasting its delicious seafood. You can find many stalls and restaurants that serve fresh and mouth-watering fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, etc. You can also try some local delicacies such as bombil fry, surmai curry, pomfret masala, etc.
Visit the fishing village:
If you want to experience the authentic culture and lifestyle of Versova Beach, you should visit the fishing village that lies along its shore. You can interact with the friendly Kolis who will show you their boats, nets, catch, etc. You can also witness their daily rituals and festivals such as Narali Purnima, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc.
Play with kids:
If you are traveling with kids or are young at heart, you will have a lot of fun at Versova Beach as it has many playgrounds and parks where you can play games and sports. You can also join some NGOs that organize activities and events for underprivileged children at the beach.
Watch the sunset:
One of the most romantic and relaxing things to do at Versova Beach is to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. You can sit on the sand or on a bench and admire the changing colors of the sky and water. You can also capture some amazing photos and videos of this magical moment.
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Places to Visit Nearby
After enjoying Versova Beach, you may want to explore some other places near it that are worth visiting. Here are some of the places you can visit near Versova Beach:
Juhu Beach:
Juhu Beach is one of the most popular and crowded beaches in Mumbai. It is famous for its street food stalls that serve chaat, pav bhaji, kulfi, etc. It is also a hotspot for celebrities who live in nearby bungalows or hotels.
ISKCON Temple:
ISKCON Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. It is located near Juhu Beach and attracts devotees from all over the world. It has a museum, a library, a restaurant, and a guest house. It also organizes festivals and events such as Janmashtami, Holi, etc.
Prithvi Theatre:
Prithvi Theatre is a renowned theatre that showcases plays and performances by various artists and groups. It was founded by the legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor and is now run by his family. It has a café, a bookstore, and a gallery. It also hosts workshops and festivals such as Prithvi Festival, Thespo, etc.
Madh Island:
Madh Island is a scenic island that is located near Versova Beach. It is known for its beaches, forts, churches, and farms. It is also a popular location for film and TV shoots. You can take a ferry or a bus to reach Madh Island and enjoy its natural beauty and heritage.
Best Time to Visit
If you are planning to visit Versova Beach, you may want to know the best time to do so. The best time to visit Versova Beach is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
You can avoid the summer season, from March to May, when the weather is hot and humid. You can also avoid the monsoon season, from June to October, when the weather is rainy and windy.
FAQs About Versova Beach
You may also want to know some other details about Versova Beach before you visit it. Here are some FAQs that will answer some of your queries:
1. What are the timings of Versova Beach?
Versova Beach is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it is advisable to visit it during the day time for safety and visibility reasons.
2. What is the entry fee of Versova Beach?
Versova Beach does not have any entry fee. You can visit it for free and enjoy its beauty and charm.
3. What are the safety measures at Versova Beach?
Versova Beach has some safety measures such as lifeguards, police patrolling, CCTV cameras, etc. However, you should also be careful and vigilant while visiting the beach. You should avoid swimming in the sea as it can be dangerous due to strong currents and tides. You should also avoid littering or damaging the beach as it can attract fines or penalties.
4. What are the facilities at Versova Beach?
Versova Beach has some basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, parking, etc. However, you should also carry your own essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, etc. You should also carry some cash as some stalls and shops may not accept cards or online payments.
Versova Beach is a hidden gem in Mumbai that offers a lot of attractions and activities for its visitors. It is a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is also a place where you can learn about its history and culture. It is also a place where you can have fun and make memories.
If you are looking for a beach destination in Mumbai that will surprise you and delight you, then Versova Beach is the place for you. Plan your trip to Versova Beach today and experience its magic for yourself.
