Until the mid-19th century Bandra was a scatter of Portuguese-era Catholic villages on the island of Salsette, separate from Bombay. Traces remain: tiled bungalows, wayside crosses and village lanes survive among the apartment towers.
Today it is the city’s most sought-after suburb — home to film stars, the best run of restaurants and bars in Mumbai, and long evening promenades at Bandstand and Carter Road. Since 2009 the cable-stayed Bandra–Worli Sea Link has tied it to the south.
What to see and do: Bandra
Walk Bandstand to Bandra Fort
The seafront promenade passes the gates of film-star homes, where fans gather daily, and ends at Castella de Aguada, a Portuguese watchtower of 1640. From its ramparts and the garden below you get the classic view of the Sea Link.
Climb to Mount Mary
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount stands on a hillock above the sea. Each September the week-long Bandra Fair draws vast crowds of every religion.
Find the street art
The lanes of Ranwar village, Chapel Road and Waroda Road are covered in murals — Bollywood portraits, giant figures and whimsical pieces by Indian and visiting artists. A Bandra walking tour links the art with the old village houses.
Shop and eat
Linking Road and Hill Road have street stalls for clothes and shoes; Pali Hill, Pali Naka and Carter Road have cafés, bakeries and restaurants for every budget.
How to get there
- By train: Bandra station is on the Western and Harbour lines, around 25–30 minutes from Churchgate by fast train. From the station (itself a handsome heritage building) take an autorickshaw to Bandstand.
- By taxi: via the Sea Link and Coastal Road, Bandra can be 25–40 minutes from South Mumbai outside peak hours, much longer in rush hour. The Sea Link is tolled.
- Autorickshaws operate in Bandra and all suburbs to the north, but are not allowed south of Bandra and Sion.
Insider tips
- Come in the late afternoon, walk Bandstand at sunset and stay for dinner.
- Pedestrians and two- and three-wheelers are not allowed on the Sea Link — you need a taxi or car.
- Weekend evenings are busy; book restaurants ahead.
- From Bandra it is a short ride to Juhu Beach and the airport.
Tours that include this stop
These guided experiences cover this place or combine easily with a visit:
Guided walking tour from US$16 Mumbai: 2-Hour Guided Bandra Walking Tour
Bandra was a Portuguese settlement long before it was Mumbai’s most fashionable suburb. This short walk follows a guide through its old lanes, churches and landmarks.
- Bandra’s Portuguese heritage
- Old village lanes and churches
- A different Mumbai from the south
Studio tour from US$64 Mumbai’s Famous Bollywood Tour: The Heart of Indian Cinema
A look behind the scenes of the Hindi film industry at Film City in the northern suburbs. You tour sets with a guide, watch a film or television serial being shot when shooting schedules allow, and finish with a live dance show.
- Guided visit to Mumbai’s Film City
- Sets and, when schedules allow, live filming
- A live Bollywood dance show
