Marine Drive

The Basics

One of Mumbai’s best-known roads, Marine Drive (officially Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road) is a palm-lined strip flanking the sea in a wealthy part of South Mumbai. It's a popular spot for early-evening strolls, though it's particularly fantastic after sunset, when the street lights are illuminated, creating what looks like a pearl necklace if viewed from the sky (hence the "Queen's Necklace" moniker). Most city tours drive along this stretch, and some also stop for photo ops.

How To Get There

Marine Drive stretches for 2 miles (3.6 kilometers), starting at Nariman Point and continuing up the coast up to the Chowpatty Seaface. The road is best explored on foot; getting to the northern part of the road, near Chowpatty Beach, takes about 15 minutes from the Gateway of India. Alternatively, take a train to Charni Road and either hail a taxi or walk from there.

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When To Get There

Marine Drive makes for a fun cruise or stroll, day or night, but you'll get the best sea views if you come around sunset. That said, if you’re driving, you may also hit traffic at that time of day. Marine Drive is also lovely at night, when the street lights are illuminated to “Queen’s Necklace” effect.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

The road's official name—Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Road—honors an Indian nationalist politician who acted as Prime Minister in the Provisional Government of Free India from 1943 until his death in 1945. An important figure in the Indian Independence movement, he was instrumental in strengthening the Indian National Army during WWII, albeit with the assistance of the Nazis and Imperial Japan.