Colaba packs in a lot and it’s easy to see why it is such a big tourist attraction. This neighbourhood in South Bombay gives you a peek into the city’s treasured past as well as its trendy present.
Stroll through the interconnected lanes and take in prominent historical sites such as the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel and Afghan Church; grab a bite at one of Colaba’s many eateries (Leopold Cafe and Cafe Mondegar are favourites). Indulge in retail therapy at Colaba Causeway where you can find great bargains on everything from vintage coins to ripped jeans.
An evening well spent in Colaba includes watching a Bollywood movie at the art-deco-inspired Regal Cinema and catching the sunset on a rooftop bar overlooking the sea.
Are you hoping to make Colaba your new home? From all the best things you can do to the places you must visit in Colaba, we’ve covered it all. Read on to find out what living in the area is like and what housing options are available.
List of top gated communities in Colaba, Mumbai
1. Usha Sadan, Colaba
Near Cuffe Parade, Usha Sadan is a well known building in Colaba. You get a great view of the docks, can head out shopping to numerous upmarket stores or sit by the seaside.
Highlights and Amenities of Usha Sadan
Type of apartments: 1 BHK, 2 BHK
Area per apartment: 400 sq ft to 810 sq ft
2. Sangam Bhavan, Colaba
Close to Radio Club and walking distance from lots of hip restaurants, Sangam Bhavan is an older building with a lot of history. While it doesn’t have any amenities (like most apartments here), there are plenty of public amenities in the area.
Highlights and Amenities of Sangam Bhavan
Type of apartments: 1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK
Area per apartment: 600 sq ft to 1500 sq ft
3. Darshan Heritage, Colaba
A new luxury building, Darshan Heritage is close to the main shopping areas and famous restaurants like Leopold, Cafe Olympia and Mondegar. The apartments are on the larger side.
Highlights and Amenities of Darshan Heritage
Type of apartments: 2 BHK
Area per apartment: 918 sq ft to 1200 sq ft
4. Raheja Buckley Court, Colaba
Apartments like this is where the old money of Mumbai lives. A luxury building, Raheja Buckley Court offers spacious balconies and a gorgeous view of South Bombay.
Highlights and Amenities of Raheja Buckley Court
Type of apartments: 3 BHK
Area per apartment: 1350 sq ft
5. Sea Kunal Waterfront Tower, Colaba
Also known as Waterfront tower, this old building has a good location, being close to Taj Palace Hotel and is well maintained despite its old age.
Highlights and Amenities of Sea Kunal Waterfront Tower
Type of apartments: 3 BHK
Area per apartment: 947 sq ft
Things to do in Colaba, Mumbai
1. Plan a staycation at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
If you are looking to unwind in the lap of luxury, there is no better place than Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Located at Apollo Bandar in Colaba and overlooking the Arabian Sea, this hotel has a rich history dating back to 1903 and the building is just breathtaking.
2. Take a ferry to Alibaug
Alibaug is a beautiful coastal town that Mumbai residents retreat to for weekend getaways. There are plenty of cosy homestays, AirBnBs and luxury hotels here to make for a great weekend break. The easiest way to get to Alibaug from Colaba is to catch the Ro-Ro ferry from Gateway of India in Colaba to Mandwa Pier. The best part: the otherwise three hours plus drive takes a mere 60 minutes by sea.
3. Book a fancy dinner at The Table
The Table is one of the most well-known fine-dining restaurants in Mumbai. From the warm ambiance and tasteful decor to the magnificent food made with produce from its own farm, a meal at The Table is a unique experience. Make a booking here for your next special occasion and sample the globally-inspired dishes with influences from America, Italy, France, China, Thailand, Japan and beyond.
4. Buy fish at Sassoon Docks
Seafood lovers and home cooks will enjoy a visit to the huge fish market at Sassoon Docks. This is one of the oldest docks in Mumbai; it was built in 1875. It’s a great, albeit smelly, place to stock up your freezer on seafood for the week.
5. Admire the architecture of the Afghan Church
The Church of St John the Evangelist, better known as the Afghan Church, is a church of Anglican heritage, that belongs to the Mumbai diocese of the Church of North India.
Among the many storied landmarks that grace historic Colaba in Mumbai, is a striking, beautiful Gothic structure dating to 1865 – the Afghan Church.
6. Enjoy the arts at Kala Ghoda
Kala Ghoda is a central point for all things culture related in Colaba. Every February, the Kala Ghoda Festival is held here, showcasing all kinds of art – from paintings and sculptures, literature and music, to drama, dance and comedy. There are also plenty of institutions worth visiting. Head to Jehangir Art Gallery in Fort, which has free entry. Max Mueller Bhavan, Bombay University, Prince of Wales Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Institute of Science, Bombay Natural History Society and David Sassoon Library are all in the area.
7. Take a walk at Mumbai Port Trust Garden
Go to this huge botanical garden for a walk and enjoy the view and breeze of the sea. The cactus garden here is famous and there are beautiful, large trees all around.
8. Grab a beer at an iconic cafe
Colaba has a ton of iconic pubs that are decades old and landmarks in the suburb. Grab a beer at Cafe Mondegar, Leopold Café, Woodside Inn, Bayview Cafe – Hotel Harbour View, or, if you are on a budget, Gokul.
9. Watch a football match
At Cooperage Football Ground at Nariman Point, you can watch football matches. This is where many of Mumbai’s Football League Clubs play. It’s a great full-sized turf and can be rented out from the Western Indian Football Association.
Places to visit in Colaba, Mumbai
1. Gateway of India
No visit to Mumbai is complete without a selfie at the Gateway of India. This historic arch was built in the early 20th century to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V. It is a beautiful, impressive structure at the waterfront at Apollo Bunder, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
2. Colaba Causeway
If shopping and bargains are your jam, there is no place like Colaba Causeway. From shoes and bags to jewellery, apparel and handicrafts, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this street market. You’ll find all the latest trendy clothes and accessories at bargain prices at the Colaba Causeway stalls, although you may have to use your haggling skills to get the best deals.
3. National Gallery of Modern Art
A great place for art lovers, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Fort hosts exhibitions regularly. Here you can see modern art paintings, sculptures and more. You can even buy prints here and there is a small souvenir stop for gifts and mementos.
4. The Asiatic Library
This iconic building is instantly recognizable for its famous steps that have featured in a number of Bollywood movies and are a resting and selfie spot for hundreds of tourists and residents daily. The beautiful building is seeped in history and houses rare literary works of famous authors, ancient manuscripts, maps and prints. You can get a membership here (for a fee) but you will need two existing members to vouch for you.
5. Rajabai Clock Tower
Another architectural marvel in Colaba with a charming history, this clock tower stands 85-metres tall on the Fort campus of the University of Mumbai. The tower is a mix of Gothic and Venetian architectural styles. It was designed in the 1860s and financed by businessman Premchand Roychand, to ensure that his mother (who was blind) would eat on time.
6. Regal Circle
This bustling area is surrounded by South Mumbai’s finest – the Gateway of India, Lions Gate and Kala Ghoda. It’s the ideal spot to begin your South Mumbai adventure. Watch a film at the iconic Regal Cinema or discover the shops, cafes and pubs around.
FAQs about Colaba, Mumbai
The travel distance or driving distance between Colaba and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is 31.1 kilometres via Western Express Highway.
The bus depot in Colaba is in Cusrow Bag, a stone’s throw away from the shopping area of Colaba Causeway. There are bus stops all over the neighbourhood with strong connectivity to all parts of Mumbai.
Not yet, but there will soon be a metro line from Colaba to Seepz.
For a great shopping experience, head to Colaba Causeway. If you are into art, check out the National Gallery of Modern Art or Jehangir Art Gallery. Eat dinner at a nice restaurant like The Table or The Bombay Canteen or have a been at an iconic pub like Cafe Mondegar and Leopold Cafe and Bar.
The quickest way to get from Mumbai International Airport to Colaba is by taxi which costs ₹1000 to ₹1500 and takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on traffic. However, if it’s peak hour, you might wish to consider taking a rickshaw to the nearest railway station and taking the train to Churchgate.
Yes, Colaba is a very posh area with many fine dining restaurants, upmarket residential buildings, good schools and hospitals in the area.
Yes, Colaba is a very safe area. It has plenty of good residential and commercial establishments in the area. There are good schools, restaurants, shops, hotels, hospitals and banks all in the vicinity.
The hospitals in Colaba include Apollo Clinic, Kalajot Hospital, Nova Global Hospital, RK Hospital, INHS Asvini and Family Clinic.
Some of the best schools in Colaba are St. Josephs High School, Holy Name High School, Convent of Jesus & Mary School, Navy Children School and Dunne’s Institute.
There are several parks in Colaba. Some of these are Tulip Park, Bamboo Park, Colaba Woods Garden, Razia Park, Palm Garden, Seaface Park and Gandhi Park.
If you’re looking to work out, these are some great fitness centres in Colaba: WAY TO FITNESS, Ares Gym, J-WALK FITNESS GYM, Midtown fitness Colaba, easyhuman gym, INSANE FITNESS, Behzaad’s Fitness and HEAL Institute.
Colaba Police Station is on Mandlik Rd, Scindia Society, Police Colony, Apollo Bandar, Colaba. The contact number is 022 2204 3702.