Land of Bollywood, dreams and nightlife, Mumbai has always been beautiful on screen. A photographer’s delight, this city is picturesque in all its form, from the sea to high rises, to its vibrant streets. These are some of my favourite photo walks for an amateur photographer looking to explore Mumbai.
How To Create Your Own Photo Walk Around Mumbai
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Ten-Second Takeaway
Mazgaon Photo Walk
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I enjoy reminiscing the bygone era of old Bombay, and heading over to Mazgaon to embrace its past. This place is a beautiful amalgamation of the old, and the present. Mazgaon also has a historical prominence attached to it, dating all the way back to the time of British Raj. Also, the Mazgaon dock was quite pivotal during those days, especially with Mumbai being a port city. This walk is really good for capturing architecture and semi-shot landscapes.
The Route
I start the photowalk from the Dockyard station {Central Railway Line}, and bang opposite to the station find the oldest church of this area, Our Lady of Rosary Church. Thereon, keep walking. Alongside the railway tracks you’ll find an old bridge and cross it. I like to capture the elevated railway tracks, which are quite a rarity. Also, opposite the bylanes of the dock, find quintessential wooden doors, old dilapidated buildings from the 1920s.
The best bit, however, is the Chinese Temple, Kwan Tai Shek, a simple shrine, almost 80 years old. This beautiful, tiny hidden gem is the only Chinese temple in the whole city of Mumbai.
#LBBTip: When I feel like exploring further, I take a short walk towards St Anne’s Church, in the byculla railway colony. Here I find the Sales Tax building, which can be interesting to shoot. Though the churches are rather iffy with photography.
Three Gate Walk Photo Walk
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This walk covers the typical South Bombay full of rich architecture and ancient buildings. This part of Mumbai reminds me of the richness British architects infused in the city. It’s easy to forget that, but a lot of them lived here all their life, and even died here. Their goal was to replicate the beautiful streets of Europe and London. They devoted their life to these buildings, and I can see it in the details of the intricate stonework. Head there early on Saturdays to avoid office-goers, 9am onwards.
The Route
I start the walk from Victoria Terminal and spend some time around this area. I check out the beautiful structure, and even the interesting railway museum {open only on weekdays}, and of course, across this I find the iconic Bombay DMC Headquarters. From there, I cross the General Post Office, and come to the enclosure where I can photograph my feathered friends.
Then I carry on the Ballard estate {which is like mini London}, and check out the famous Grand Hotel as well .Now you’ll be near the Mint office in Fort. Though photography is prohibited in that area of the buildings, you can try getting a few nice shots.
From hereon, I walk all the way to Horniman circle garden facing the Asiatic Society of Mumbai library, and just explore the area.
#LBBTip: Keep a look out for a lot of pre-wedding photoshoots happenings outside these grand old buildings.
Bandra Photo Walk
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Bandra is an urban village that exudes old-school charm. It’s fascinating to see all sorts of communities just co-existing peacefully together. When I’m looking to shoot face, and stories, and details of an urban life, Bandra is ideal.
The Route
I start the walk from Hill road, St Peters Church in Bandra. The church area can be entered, though I suggest take permission before doing so. Apart from this, Hill road is a brilliant photography ground. It’s good for getting street portraits, as a lot of small business flourish in that area, just functioning out of their one small rooms, and windows. Also, the street art is really vibrant, and makes a colourful backdrop for portraits. Cross Vienna Bakery { its the cute elephants themed cafe}, and you’ll find a lot boutiques also there. Feel free to explore the felle markets as well.
To make it more interesting, I walk towards the Lilavati Hospital, and turn to Bandstand for a quick timelapse or capturing the sunset. If there’s time, I head to Castella De Aguada {Bandra fort}, and explore that too.
#LBB Tip: Heads up, the traffic is a nightmare, so head out to shoot early mornings, or close to the sunset for nice lighting. In September, the annual Mount Mary fair is a delight, where people from Mumbai and beyond flock to Bandra. So keep an eye out for that!
Timings: Mondays to Sundays, 6:30am to 7pm, and the entry is free.
Banganga and Walkeshwar Photo Walk
Probably one of the few places in Mumbai which really brings out its diversity. Balganga Tank is a man-made tank, and a sacred one at that, adjoined by the famous Walkeshwar temple. There are at least 3-40 temples in that area, within a walking distance of each other.
The Route
Once I get to the Walkeshwar temple, I just walk across Banganga, and start exploring the divine enclosure of a tank with gorgeous steps. It’ll give you very Banarasi vibes, sans all that travelling and crowd.
#LBBTip: There’s a Dhobi Ghat nearby, if you’d like to continue on. Heads up, the dhobi’s often ask for money to get photographed, so just sweet talk them.
