Marine Drive

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The road was built during the British Raj in the 1920s and 1930s on land reclaimed from the Back Bay.

2. 2

   The streetlights along the C-curve were designed to resemble a string of pearls, creating the famous 'Queen's Necklace' effect.

3. 3

   The promenade is located along the edge of the Marine Drive seawall, which features thousands of large concrete tetrapods to mitigate storm surges.

4. 4

   It connects the business hub of Nariman Point to the cultural and residential neighborhoods near Girgaon Chowpatty.

5. 5

   The area is home to a significant concentration of Art Deco buildings, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its 20th-century urban ensemble.

6. 6

   During high tide, waves frequently wash over the lower level of the promenade, though it remains a popular spot regardless.

Overview

Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometer C-shaped boulevard in South Mumbai that runs along the coast of the Arabian Sea. The promenade links Nariman Point to Babulnath and is formally known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. It is constructed on reclaimed land and is famously referred to as the Queen's Necklace due to the aesthetic pattern of the streetlights when viewed from an elevated vantage point at night. The walkway is paved with tetrapods, which act as concrete wave breakers to prevent coastal erosion. The promenade serves as a primary public space for pedestrians, joggers, and local commuters. It acts as a natural sea wall protecting the city's western coastline.

Insider tips

• Walk the full length of the promenade from the Nariman Point end toward Girgaon Chowpatty to experience the transition from business district to beach front.

• Bring a light jacket if visiting during the monsoon season, as the sea breeze can be cool and gusty.

• Watch your step on the seawall tetrapods, as the rocks are uneven, slippery, and technically restricted areas.