Mumbai, the city of dreams is considered to be the most populous city of India where around 12.4 million people reside. Within the chaotic and hectic life, a much-needed break is essential.
And what can be better than sitting near a beach and enjoying the soothing breeze? Marine Drive, the famous tourist attraction of the city of dreams is one of the most important destinations.
Not only among the tourists but also the citizens, this place holds a very special place among the residents of Mumbai.
The 3.6 km long- Boulevard that is the Marine Drive in the south Mumbai holds very interesting facts that for sure is known by any of us. So, let’s discover those interesting facts about this historical place that has been people’s favorite for years.
Marine Drive or Sonapur
What we know as Marine Drive, the 3.6 km long road along the coastline that forms a shape of ‘C’, is known as Sonapur by the locals. The C-shaped road connects two places that are the Nariman point and the Babulnath which is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill.
Also, the drive i.e, the road that runs throughout is known as the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose which is the official name of the drive.
An accidental byproduct
A few of you must know the fact that Marine Drive was never a pre-planned tourist destination by the government. Rather it was a reclamation project or you can say a by-product of a failed project.
During the 19th century, a project which is known as the Backbay reclamation project was initiated to link Nariman Point with Malabar Hill by the British government. But due to certain reasons, it didn’t go as planned and again tried during the 1920s.
According to the plan, 1500 acres of land was planned for this project. But due to the flawed plan and few other commitments of the government resulted in the replenishment of only 440 acres of land.
And out of which 235 acres were given to the military and the remaining 17 acres is now known as “The Marine Drive”.
The Miami of Mumbai
Slowly when the place became famous, the government decided to enhance the beauty of this place more. Then following the plan, the government was successful in producing the Miami of India. Like Miami, Marine drive is also covered with buildings, offices, apartments, malls, and cinemas.
The Art Deco style of the buildings gives the Sonapur a Miami feel which was the government’s plan.
A heritage site for World
Popular for its 19th century Neo-Gothic architecture and 20th century Art Deco Style architecture, Marine Drive has managed to acquire its place as a heritage site.
For its architecture, the UNESCO has nominated Marine Drive as one of the World Heritage Site. Hence, along with other heritage sites, Marine Drive is also now embraced as one of them.
A piece of Jewellery
Many of you must even unaware of this fact that Marine Drive is also called as ‘The Queen’s Necklace since the 1930s. To know and witness the reason of this name, what you have to do is to trek to Malabar Hill in the evening.
The yellow twinkling street lights in the shape of ‘C’ creates an illusion of a pearl necklace worn by a queen. Thus, this is the reason why it is called the Queen’s Necklace.
Tetrapods
When you visit the drive, you will find the concrete structure which is like an inverted funnel-shaped. Those are known as tetrapods. These are not built as a part of the design.
These are built for a reason which is to protect the promenade from the strong and large waves. The tetrapods usually acquire most of the kinetic energy when a strong wave hits the shore avoiding the erosion and other issues.
A pride of Mumbaikars
Isn’t it obvious why it is the pride for the citizens of Mumbai! Visit the place at night, witness the busy yet calm drive with your own eyes. The twinkling street lights, the street foods, children playing alongside the drive, couples and friends taking strolls are enough of the sites that will make you fall in love with this place. The sound of the waves hitting the tetrapods, and the soothing breeze hitting your face that will take you away from the chaos of your life.
- Low Rents
Another most interesting and attracting facts of this place are the rent. You may find it impossible to believe but it is the truth even if with such popularity of this place, the rents are comparatively low.
After the rent control act, the landlords are not allowed to raise the rent as well as the tenants can’t be evicted. Among the posh areas of Mumbai, Sonapur aka Marine drive is considered to be the economic region for renting.
Well, these are some of the interesting facts about the Miami of Mumbai, Marine Drive. But I am sure none of these facts can beat the fact of the view of this place.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan a vacation to Mumbai to witness this beautiful place.