Madh Island Mumbai

Madh Island- the Versova Island in Mumbai

A serene gateway away from the crowd into the village area of Mumbai ashore Arabian Sea describes the Madh Island, also known as Versova island. A group of small villages and farmlands that inhabits local fishermen is located in Northern Mumbai. With the Arabian Sea to its west and Malad creek on its east it is accompanied by a few other beaches like Dana Pani Beach, Aksa Beach, and Erangal beach.  The rural; area of the island is home to people of Roman Catholic, Marathi, and Kolis origin. People from other communities too are found to inhabitant the island. Raheja Exotica is one such place in the island where lots of celebrities are staying for 15 years due to the beautiful natural environment. The beach is separated from the mainland by some mangrove trees that add up to its charm.

How to reach

The area is easily associable by bus no 271 from Malad and Bus no. 269 from Borivali. Auto rickshaws too are available from Malad. If you choose the ferry service then you can catch it from Versova which would take you to the island in five minutes. Malad station is the nearby railway hub if you wish to reach there by train. From there transport facilities are enough to take you to your spot. Apart from all these option, the easiest way to reach there from the city is to have a thirty minutes drive from Mumbai.

Madh fort

The Madh fort is on Madh Island and was built by the Portuguese to be used as a watch tower to view the coastline, who later on lost it to the Maratha Empire in a war in 1739. It stands in the secluded part of the island and could be reached by 271 best buses at its last stoppage. The fort is at the southern part of Madh village and is near to the Madh Bus Stop. It offers as a guard to the Marve creek. You need to take prior permission from the Indian Air Force Base as the fort is taken control by them. The fort is surrounded by the communities of local fishermen. The fort is also a famous one as many Bollywood film shootings was done here including Shootout at Wadala and Baazigar. Famous serials like CID and Chandrakanta have been shot here in this spot.

Nearby places to visit

Erangle, a local farming community is located in Madh Island which is also of varied interests, other than the fishing communities. Another attraction is Madh fort which is already described above.  The Erangle beach houses the Portuguese-structured St. Bonaventure Church. The feast day of St. Bonaventure is celebrated with great pomp in the month of January which is a prime attraction for tourists. Another one is the beautiful Marve beach which connects Madh Island and Essel World by ferry service. Swimming is not allowed here but sitting with your loved ones and strolling around is the best thing to do in the beach.

A visit to the beach of Madh Island is a memorable one and serves as an insight into the tradition and culture of the village. Mumbai is a metropolitan city and is full of modern trends, be it people, surrounding, transport and lifestyle. You would be astonished to visit such places like Madh Island can exist in the locality. People from the city take a break and feel better as they get the opportunity to interact with nature by entering the world of Madh village. Whenever you are in Mumbai do visit this place where you can spot the beautiful blend of modern and traditional beauty.

Things to do

Madh Island is a popular tourist destination located in the suburbs of Mumbai, India. There are several activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy while in Madh Island:

1. Visit the Madh Fort: The Madh Fort, also known as the Versova Fort, is a historic fort located on the shore of Madh Island. Visitors can explore the fort and enjoy scenic views of the Arabian Sea.
2. Relax on Madh Beach: known for its pristine beaches, and visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities.
3. Visit the Madh Church: The Madh Church is a historic Roman Catholic church located on the island. Visitors can explore the church and its beautiful architecture.
4. Explore the mangrove forests: Madh Island is surrounded by dense mangrove forests, and visitors can take a boat tour to explore the forests and observe the diverse wildlife.
5. Go fishing: The Island is a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can hire a boat and go fishing for a unique experience.
6. Enjoy water sports: Visitors can enjoy various water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and speed boating in The Island.
7. Visit the Global Vipassana Pagoda: This pagoda is a meditation hall located on the island and is a popular attraction among tourists.
8. Shop at the local markets: The Island has several local markets where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items.

These are just a few of the many activities and attractions available on The Island. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled vacation, Madh Island has something to offer for everyone.

Activity

Here are some popular activities that you can do in The Island:

1. Sunbathing and swimming at Madh Beach
2. Exploring the Madh Fort and its surroundings
3. Visiting the Madh Church and other religious sites
4. Taking a boat tour through the mangrove forests
5. Fishing and other water-based activities
6. Enjoying water sports like jet skiing and parasailing
7. Meditating at the Global Vipassana Pagoda
8. Shopping at the local markets for souvenirs and other items
9. Visiting the nearby Aksa Beach and Essel World amusement park
10. Trying local cuisine and street food in the nearby villages

These activities are suitable for people of all ages and interests, making Madh Island a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, Madh Island has something to offer for everyone.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Madh Island:

How do I get to Madh Island?

You can reach Madh Island by taking a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from Mumbai. The island is also accessible by local trains and buses, but the journey can be a bit longer.

Is Madh Island safe for tourists?

Madh Island is generally considered to be a safe place for tourists, but as with any tourist destination, it’s always advisable to be cautious and take basic safety precautions such as keeping your valuables safe and avoiding walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Is there a good place to stay in Madh Island?

There are several hotels and guesthouses available in Madh Island, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Visitors can choose a place to stay based on their budget and preferred location.

Is there a good place to eat in Madh Island?

There are several restaurants and street food stalls in and around Madh Island that serve a variety of local and international cuisines. Visitors can try local specialties such as seafood and traditional Indian dishes.

What is the best time to visit Madh Island?

The best time to visit Madh Island is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The monsoon season in Mumbai can be heavy, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time.

Are there any cultural or religious festivals celebrated in Madh Island?

Yes, there are several cultural and religious festivals celebrated in Madh Island and the surrounding areas, including the annual Madh Beach Festival and various Hindu and Christian festivals. Visitors can experience the local culture and traditions by participating in these events.