Marine Drive, Mumbai | Queen’s Necklace | 

Mumbai’s Pride Landmark

“Ude, Khule Aasaman Mein.. Khaabon Ke Parinday” this song always make me feel calm whenever I travel. I started loving travel since childhood. As a Mumbaikar, one place was never new to me, but whenever I visit that place. It make me feel new every time. Good time.. bad time.. this place gulps every problem silently. The place is none other than Marine Drive, Mumbai.

Just say Marine Drive! and I filled with envy. Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometre road was constructed by late philanthropist Bhagojisheth Keer and Pallonji Mistry. It is a 'C'-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast of a natural bay. The road links Nariman Point to Babulnath and Malabar Hill.

Old Marine Drive

Every mumbaikar has a escape place in Mumbai. I have my one and that is Marine Drive. The healthy breeze and bold-calm view of horizon along sea mesmerize the beauty. I have seen Marine Drive alive, talking to me in the morning. The broad promenade stretches along the Arabian Sea. The 3.6km long sea road delivers a grand view of costal side of C-shape. People walk through Marine Drive stretching their hands, jogging, some cycling, some are walking with their dogs.

The Marine Drive is famous for its Neo-Gothic architecture of 19th century and Art Deco Style architecture of 20th century. This architectural beauty has gained the heritage site recognition for the region, recently. Thus, Marine Drive is included in the long list of heritage sites of Mumbai.

The large inverted funnel shaped concrete structures. People and tourists sit on the rocks to experience real Mumbai’s breath. These tetrapods protect the promenade from the high waves. When the waves hit the shore, these concrete structures absorb most of the kinetic energy avoiding erosion and other problems.

This drive becomes spectacular at night. It literally looks like “Queen’s Necklace”. The grand hotels along with corporate buildings and lights of Wankhede Stadium. In the fast-living Mumbai, Marine Drive instils the sense of serenity.

Marine Drive is a pride landmark of Mumbai…!  Cheers ….!

-  Sarthak Niwate (info.sarthakfeeds@gmail.com)