Not too long ago, Versova was thought of merely as a fishing village known only for the smell of drying fish. Today, things are different. It is common to spot celebrities at its many important streets, such as Four Bungalows and Yari Road, many of its bars and restaurants are among the best known in the city, such as Social Versova and Jamjar Diner, and its beach is among the cleanest, too.
Versova, therefore, has transformed itself into a bustling seaside neighbourhood that has a number of quiet residential areas, too, with metro connectivity to Andheri, Saki Naka and even Ghatkopar. Read on to find out all you need to know about the best housing societies in the area, the places to visit, things to do and, of course, important information like schools and hospitals in the area.
List of top gated communities in Versova, Mumbai
1. Aryaman Marina, Versova
One of the remaining budget properties in the area, Aryaman Marina even has a 1 RK option. The building doesn’t offer any amenities, but has a great location in that it is close to good schools and the beach, too.
Highlights & amenities of Aryaman Marina
Types of apartments: 1 BHK, 1 RK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK
Avg size of apartment: 170 sq ft to 948 sq ft
2. Veena Crest, Versova
With a gorgeous location, close to Rock Beach, this single-tower society has a solid construction with good fittings and a nice view of the sea.
Highlights & amenities of Veena Crest
Types of apartments: 3 BHK
Avg size of apartment: 767 sq ft to 956 sq ft
3. Jaycee Bhagtani Solitaire, Versova
Meticulously designed and large vastu-compliant apartments are what you will find within Jaycee Bhagtani Solitaire. The building also has a few amenities, but the best part is certainly its proximity to excellent restaurants like Gajalee and Social Versova.
Highlights & amenities of Jaycee Bhagtani Solitaire
Types of apartments: 3.5 BHK, 4 BHK
Avg size of apartment: 2900 sq ft to 3000 sq ft
4. Akshay Riviera, Versova
As the name indicates, this is a very upmarket building. It has all the amenities, just for its 7 units, including a pool table and swimming pool. Its garden was designed by international landscape artists. Ample parking for residents and visitors.
Highlights & amenities of Akshay Riviera
Types of apartments: 3 BHK, 4 BHK
Avg size of apartment: 2050 sq ft to 2950 sq ft
5. Rajesh Raj Classic, Versova
Very close to Versova Beach, Rajesh Raj Classic is a well known building. It is an older construction with a gorgeous view of the sea and moderately sized apartments.
Highlights & amenities of Rajesh Raj Classic
Types of apartments: 2 BHK & 3 BHK
Avg size of apartment: 1050 sq ft to 1650 sq ft
Things to do in Versova, Mumbai
1. Walk on Versova Beach
You could take a walk on this spotless beach (that was cleaned after a city-wide initiative that was completely volunteer driven). You could also catch the sunset, play some football or simply read a book.
2. Take the jetty to Madh Island
Bored of the city life? This is your chance to get away from the hustle and bustle. Simply head to the Madh Jetty and take the short ferry ride across to Madh Island. Once there you could visit the famous Aksa Beach, sip on some coconut water or even spend the evening at one of the many hotels/resorts that dot the landscape.
3. Get a drink at Versova Social
One of the most happening places in the northern suburbs is where you want to be if you enjoy drinking, dancing or simply having a good time. Versova Social is part of the big chain of resto-bars, but this one is different. The building has an arresting look and the vibe inside is something to experience.
4. Grab a slice at Joey’s Pizza
Sure there are pizza places across the city, but this is different. Joey’s Pizza is an institution of Mumbai, serving up decadent, fully-loaded slices of pizza with equally loaded garlic bread. Our favourites are the Super Cheese Garlic Bread and the Meat Feast.
5. Enjoy a great seafood meal
Even though Gajalee shut down, there are a number of good spots for a seafood meal in Versova. Kesav Koliwada Sea Food Restaurant is our pick but others may tell you that Malwani Kkalwan is where to go. Why not try them both, though? Let us know which one is best.
6. Go celebrity spotting
A number of Bollywood and TV celebrities live in this area, particularly on Yard Road. Sushmita Sen, Arshad Warsi, Tabu are among the big names, but there are also others like Anant Mahadevan and Manisha Koirala. Moreover, you are also likely to bump into a number of wannabe or struggling actors and actresses hoping to hit it big!
Places to visit in Versova, Mumbai
1. Versova Beach Promenade, Mumbai
Once you’re done with the beach walk, head over to Versova Beach Promenade, an elevated walkway that was only recently constructed between Juhu and Versova beaches. You could also visit Rock Beach if you have the time.
2. Madh Fort, Mumbai
If you do make the trip over to Madh Island, be sure to check out the Madh Fort. It’s an old watchtower that hasn’t been used in decades. So why go there? Because it’s gorgeous and you may also end up seeing some film shoots as it is commonly used in movies and TV shows.
3. Versova Fish Market, Mumbai
One of the largest fishing villages in the city, much of the northern suburbs get their fish via here. Visit early so that you get a good deal, and also fresher fish. The market is so large that the smell of fish wafts through the entire neighbourhood. Every January there is also a fish festival where the locals cook delicacies for one and all.
4. Seven Bungalows Garden, Mumbai
The other park mentioned on this list may be better maintained, but this has a more diverse set of flowers and tropical plants. There are often musical events organised here by and for the elderly. If you’re in the area on a Friday evening, be sure to check out if anything is going on.
5. Taste of Darjeeling, Mumbai
Quite possibly the best momos in the city, served at a very reasonable price. The Taste of Darjeeling is a roadside joint located opposite Chai Coffi and it is run by locals of Darjeeling.
6. Janardan R Patil Park, Mumbai
A small park that is wonderful for jogging, this is an escape for residents of Versova. It also features some amenities for a light workout, a badminton court and a nice play area for kids. Car parking is available right outside. This place is very well maintained.
7. Swami Samarth Temple, Mumbai
A beautiful temple with a well maintained garden, this math is frequently decorated by its staunch devotees. Thursdays are crowded here.
FAQs about Versova, Mumbai
The travel distance or driving distance between Versova and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is 8.6 kilometres and between Sahar Domestic Airport is 5.6 kilometres.
There is one bus depot in Versova, in Sai Nagar. The suburb of course has easy connectivity to all parts of the city from the depot and bus stops around the neighbourhood.
Yes, there has been a metro in Versova for some time. It is part of Line 1 of the Mumbai Metro and offers connectivity to Ghatkopar too.
There are too many things to do on the weekend in Versova. Take a jetty ride and go across to Madh Island, shop for fish at the large fishing village, take a walk on the beach, hang out at one of the many great watering holes like Social or get a meal at Jamjar Diner or a slice at Joey’s.
The quickest way to get from Mumbai International Airport to Versova is by taxi which costs ₹200 to ₹300 and takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Versova is indeed a posh area, given its location on the sea and the presence of a number of celebrity residents.
Yes, Versova is a very safe area to live it. It has residential options and many commercial establishments. There are nice schools, good restaurants, many shops and good hospitals all in the vicinity.
The hospitals in Versova include Sanchaiti Superspeciality Hospital, Seven Star Multispeciality Hospital, Shreeji Hospital and Ozone Therapy Centre, Vansh Hospital, Manavhit Hospital, Vighnaharta Multispeciality Hospital, Gokul Hospital, Surabhi Life Care Hospital and Dhiral Hospital.
Some schools in Versova are Kripa Hospital, Kokilaben Multispecialty Hospital, American hospital, Mahima Hospital and Polyclinic, Patel Hospital and Dr MI Jamkhanawala Tibbia Unani.
There are several parks in Versova. Bianca Park on Yard Road is a great place to take the kids, as is Vigneshawar Udhyan Park. There is also Dattaram Kaskar Udayan (called the Coconut Gardens because of the coconut trees in it) and Janardan R Patil Park on Fisheries University Road.
Versova has many good options for fitness enthusiasts – from gyms to fitness and yoga centres. Some of these include Planet Muscle Performance and Fitness Centre, Body Design Gym and Fitness, Talwalkars FLC, Le Traction Gym and Dhaka’s Gym.
The Versova Police Station is on New Link Road near CD Barfiwalla School and can be reached at 022 2630 4812.