If you are looking for a place to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Mumbai, look no further than Colaba Causeway. This bustling street is a shopper’s delight, a foodie’s heaven, and a history buff’s dream. Whether you want to buy some trendy clothes, enjoy some delicious street food, or admire some colonial architecture, Colaba Causeway has it all. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Colaba Causeway, from its history and attractions to its tips and tricks. Read on to find out why Colaba Causeway is a must-visit destination in Mumbai.
History of Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway, officially known as Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, was built by the British in 1838 to connect the island of Colaba with the rest of Mumbai. The name Colaba comes from the word Kolabhat, which was the name of a fisherman’s colony that existed here before the British arrived. Colaba Causeway soon became a fashionable and commercial area, attracting merchants, traders, and tourists from all over the world. Colaba Causeway has witnessed many historical events, such as the Indian independence movement, the 2008 terror attacks, and the 2011 anti-corruption protests. Colaba Causeway has also been featured in many Bollywood movies, such as Shree 420, Bombay to Goa, and Dil Chahta Hai.
How to Get to Colaba Causeway
There are several ways to get to Colaba Causeway by public transport, depending on where you are coming from. Here are some of the common options:
By train:
The nearest railway station to Colaba Causeway is Churchgate Station1. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the market. Some of the bus routes that pass near Colaba Causeway are 1, 123, 125, 83, and A-124.
By bus:
You can also reach Colaba Causeway by bus from various parts of the city. Some of the bus stops near Colaba Causeway are Electric House, Colaba Bus Station, Colaba Depot, and Regal Cinema. You can use the Moovit app or website23 to find the best bus route and schedule for your trip.
By waterway:
You can also take a ferry ride to Colaba Causeway from the Gateway of India, which is a short walk away from the market. The ferry service operates from 9 am to 5 pm, and the fare is Rs. 10 per person. You can enjoy the scenic view of the sea and the skyline as you travel to Colaba Causeway by waterway.
Shopping at Colaba Causeway
One of the main attractions of Colaba Causeway is its shopping scene. Colaba Causeway is a paradise for bargain hunters, as you can find almost anything here, from clothes and accessories to books and antiques. You can shop for some of the latest fashion trends, such as kurtis, jeans, sunglasses, and jewellery, at very reasonable prices. You can also find some unique and quirky items, such as vintage posters, old coins, and handicrafts, that make for great souvenirs. Here are some tips and recommendations for shopping at Colaba Causeway:
Bargain hard: The vendors at Colaba Causeway are known to quote high prices, especially to tourists. So don’t be afraid to haggle and negotiate, as you can get some great deals if you are persistent and polite. A good rule of thumb is to start at half the price and work your way up.
Be aware of fake products: Colaba Causeway is also notorious for selling fake and low-quality products, such as watches, perfumes, and electronics. So be careful and inspect the products before buying them. If possible, ask for a bill or a warranty card, and avoid buying from shady or pushy sellers.
Enjoy the street shopping experience: Shopping at Colaba Causeway is not just about buying things, but also about enjoying the atmosphere and the culture. Colaba Causeway is a lively and colorful place, where you can see and hear people from different backgrounds and walks of life. You can also interact with the friendly and helpful vendors, who can tell you stories and anecdotes about their products and the place. Shopping at Colaba Causeway is a fun and memorable experience that you will cherish for a long time.
Eating at Colaba Causeway
After a long and tiring day of shopping, you will surely need some refreshment and nourishment. Luckily, Colaba Causeway has plenty of options to satisfy your hunger and taste buds. Colaba Causeway is a food lover’s delight, as you can find a variety of cuisines and dishes here, from street food to fine dining.
You can indulge in some of the local delicacies, such as vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhelpuri, or try some of the international flavors, such as Chinese, Continental, and Lebanese. You can also treat yourself to some of the famous cafes and restaurants near Colaba Causeway, such as Leopold Cafe, Cafe Mondegar, and Bademiya. Here are some reviews and ratings of the best places to eat near Colaba Causeway:
Leopold Cafe:
Leopold Cafe is one of the oldest and most iconic cafes in Mumbai, established in 1871. It is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, as it offers a cozy and casual ambiance, a wide range of food and drinks, and a rich history and heritage. Leopold Cafe is famous for its continental dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and sandwiches, as well as its beer and cocktails. Leopold Cafe is also known for being one of the targets of the 2008 terror attacks, and you can still see the bullet marks on its walls and windows. Leopold Cafe is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the spirit and charm of Mumbai.
Cafe Mondegar:
Cafe Mondegar is another legendary cafe in Mumbai, established in 1932. It is a lively and vibrant place, where you can enjoy some delicious food, listen to some classic rock music, and admire some amazing murals by the famous cartoonist Mario Miranda. Cafe Mondegar is famous for its Indian and Chinese dishes, such as chicken tikka, biryani, and noodles, as well as its coffee and juices. Cafe Mondegar is also known for being one of the first places to introduce jukeboxes in India, and you can still find them here. Cafe Mondegar is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to have some fun and entertainment in Mumbai.
Bademiya:
Bademiya is one of the best and most famous street food joints in Mumbai, established in 1946. It is a simple and humble place, where you can savour some of the most mouth-watering and succulent kebabs, rolls, and curries, cooked on a charcoal grill. Bademiya is famous for its mutton and chicken dishes, such as seekh kebab, boti kebab, and baida roti, as well as its parathas and rumali rotis. Bademiya is also known for being open till late at night, and you can find it crowded with people even after midnight. Bademiya is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to taste the authentic and spicy flavors of Mumbai.
Sightseeing at Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway is not only a shopping and eating destination, but also a sightseeing destination. Colaba Causeway is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and historic attractions and landmarks in Mumbai, such as the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Colaba Art District, and more. You can easily visit these places by walking or taking a short taxi ride from Colaba Causeway. Here are some of the attractions and landmarks that you can visit near Colaba Causeway:
Gateway of India:
The Gateway of India is one of the most iconic and majestic monuments in Mumbai, built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. It is a stunning archway made of yellow basalt and concrete, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Gateway of India is a symbol of the colonial and post-colonial history of Mumbai, as it was the place where the last British troops left India in 1948. The Gateway of India is also a popular tourist spot, as it offers a spectacular view of the sea and the skyline, as well as a chance to take a ferry ride to the nearby Elephanta Caves or Alibaug. The Gateway of India is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to witness the grandeur and glory of Mumbai.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel:
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is one of the most luxurious and elegant hotels in Mumbai, built in 1903 by Jamsetji Tata. It is a magnificent building that combines the styles of Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine architecture, with a dome, arches, and turrets. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a landmark of Mumbai, as it has hosted many famous and influential guests, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Barack Obama, and The Beatles. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is also a landmark of resilience and courage, as it was one of the targets of the 2008 terror attacks, and it reopened after extensive restoration and renovation. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the luxury and hospitality of Mumbai.
Colaba Art District:
The Colaba Art District is a vibrant and creative area in Mumbai, where you can find some of the best art galleries, museums, and studios in the city. You can explore and admire some of the finest and most diverse artworks, ranging from paintings and sculptures to installations and graffiti. You can also interact with some of the talented and passionate artists, curators, and collectors, who can share their insights and stories with you. Some of the places that you can visit in the Colaba Art District are the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Kala Ghoda Art Festival, and the Sassoon Dock Art Project. The Colaba Art District is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to discover the artistic and cultural side of Mumbai.
Colaba Causeway is a place that offers something for everyone, whether you are a shopper, a foodie, or a history lover. Colaba Causeway is a place that reflects the diversity and dynamism of Mumbai, as you can find people from different backgrounds and cultures here. Colaba Causeway is a place that will make you fall in love with Mumbai, as you can experience its charm and spirit here.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Colaba Causeway today!
