Best Places For Street Photography In Mumbai

by Mary Smith Writer

Looking for a guide to help you explore the heritage city if Mumbai through an artist’s lens? Capturing the images of a busy city like Mumbai could get challenging. A place known to be the economic capital of the country has much to be captured beyond the naked eye.

The high-rise buildings in Colaba, the largest slum, the happening film industry, the crowded streets, the local trains, the flyovers sheltering a thousand homeless, the chaotic roads of Mumbai speak a volume about the stark reality, invincible class disparity and gaps between lifestyle and livelihoods. And yes, not to forget the Arabian Sea that outlines the city does whiff some fresh breeze into the lives of ‘Mumbaikars’.

If you are keen to explore Mumbai inside out, this comprehensive brief can enable you to establish you Mumbai connect.

Let’s start with Marine Drive! Want to film the magical white ocean? This spot is great to gaze at life beyond the horizon. While you enjoy the skyline, you can watch couples lost in their romantic world oblivious to the surrounding bustle, people jogging by the bay and so much action just unfolding in the day to be clicked.

Next on our list is the famous Chor Bazaar. Yes, one of the largest flea markets in the country. If you want to capture the ancient architecture of the British era, the crumbling buildings can give you ample scope. From dusty roads, the antique items on sale can make for novel photography for sure.

Travel a little in the north-east direction of the Chor Bazar and you will step into the Byculla vicinity. If Mumbai’s heritage structures feature on your list, visit the Byculla station. West Byculla boasts of being the largest vegetable market in the city and if you want to explore the factory settings, fishing villages and local markets, head east on Mumbai’s Harbour Line to reach the Raey Road station that leads to the slums of Mumbai.

Let’s take you to Mumbai’s primary railway station, the ChhatrapatiShivaji Terminus. Developed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic architecture makes for a splendid backdrop. Located in Fort, which is Mumbai’s primary business area, the streets resemble convenience with shops, hotels and restaurants. And yes! The Gateway of India isn’t far from here.

Another fishing village that has received much attention is the Worli fishing village. Out there you will feel as though you’ve escaped the urban life to walk into a rustic trail. The narrow streets, walls with posters and bright paint, kids playing ‘gully’ cricket and locals treading the streets for routine work is a simply mesmerizing to be snapped.

A popular tourist attraction, the Gateway of India is a favorite photography and selfie clicking spot. The sea view, the anchored boats afloat on the rippling waterfront and the age-old monument hints at what you would have heard or read about this place.

Want to see how the world’s largest ‘Laundromat’ washes and dries thousands of clothes every day? You must visit the Dhobi Ghat located under the Mahalaxmi Bridge in Mumbai. Hundreds of launders at work, clothes washed in the open, it is a unique sight indeed!

Mumbai’s life is mirrored through its suburbs and Bandra is the ‘queen of Mumbai suburbs’. With a rocking nightlife, high-end cafeterias, star-studded residencies, Bandstand is one place you can’t miss when in Mumbai. The view of the Bandra Fort, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a recommended site for classic photography.

Juhu Chowpatty, Versova, Suruchi beach in Vasai or the Girgaum Chowpatty, these beaches are always bustling with visitors and locals enjoying the view with some ‘pav-bhaji’ and ‘pani-puri’.

Whether it’s the humbling life of those living in Dharavi, Dhobi Ghat, thousands of worshippers queuing up at the Siddhivinayak Temple or the hustle around CST, you can always break the monotony to taste the street flavours of Mumbai as you sip some steaming ‘chai’(tea) and nibble the famous ‘vada-pav’ on your way!