Mount Mary Basilica Bandra Mumbai - a clock on a tower
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Mount Mary Basilica Bandra Mumbai

4.7
·16k reviews·Mumbai, India

A historic Catholic Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai, offering spiritual solace, stunning architecture, and panoramic sea views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Mount Mary Basilica Bandra Mumbai - a clock on a tower

Mount Mary Basilica Bandra Mumbai

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Catholic Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai, offering spiritual solace, stunning architecture, and panoramic sea views.

4.7
(16k reviews)

"A truly divine and peaceful place to visit. You can genuinely feel the presence of divinity there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid weekends and mass times for a more peaceful experience. Weekday mornings are ideal for quiet reflection.

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Basilica Itself

The Basilica Itself

Bandra West

A historic Catholic church with stunning architecture, offering a serene escape and a sense of holiness.

Street Shopping & Food Stalls

Street Shopping & Food Stalls

Outside the Basilica

Enjoy vibrant street shopping and local snacks during the annual feast or on weekends.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

From the Basilica steps

Take in breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai's coastline.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To experience the true peace of Mount Mary Basilica, aim for weekdays outside of mass times. Weekends and the annual feast in September can get very crowded, though some find the festive atmosphere uplifting. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more tranquil experience.

Respectful Attire and Conduct

As a place of worship, modest dress is appreciated. While the church is welcoming to all faiths, as noted by a visitor seeking a friendly environment,Reddit covering shoulders and knees is recommended. Maintain a quiet demeanor inside to respect those praying.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
September (Feast)
Why
Lively festive spirit
Crowd
High
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

I visited mount Mary church Today

🎯 Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid weekends and mass times for a more peaceful experience. Weekday mornings are ideal for quiet reflection. Reddit

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. Reddit

reddit.com

I am Not a Christian But Mount Mary's Basilica in Bandra is such a Beautiful Church!

reddit.com

Muslim girl wants to attend church

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Steps

Enjoy the sea breeze and city views from the steps of the Basilica. :camerawithflash:

🕯️ Offer a Candle or Flower

Many visitors light candles or offer flowers as a sign of devotion. :pray:

reddit.com

Sometimes Mumbai can treat you very poorly

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid weekends and mass times for a more peaceful experience. Weekday mornings are ideal for quiet reflection. Reddit

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Steps

Enjoy the sea breeze and city views from the steps of the Basilica. :camerawithflash:

🕯️ Offer a Candle or Flower

Many visitors light candles or offer flowers as a sign of devotion. :pray:

🛍️ Browse the Stalls (Feast)

During the annual feast, enjoy street shopping for trinkets and sweets. :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(16k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mount Mary Basilica is widely praised for its divine and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape from the city's hustle. Visitors appreciate its clean surroundings, beautiful architecture, and the calming spiritual experience. While the annual feast brings a lively festive spirit and shopping opportunities, it also leads to significant crowds.

"This is a church ⛪️ where we can feel holiness. This is very nice place. There area is very peacefully and calm. We enjoyed street shopping here. However, we talk about our problem to lord by sitting in the church and praying 🙏 this is very clean and well maintained place. Washrooms are very neat and clean. You do not have to pay here.this is such a great place .✌️👌😋🥰😍☺️🤩❤️"

Bhargini Solanki

"It’s a truly divine and peaceful place to visit. You can genuinely feel the presence of divinity there.
Yes, it does get quite crowded during the St. Mary’s Feast, but even that feels like a sacred and uplifting experience.
You can also visit during quieter times and sit there peacefully for as long as you like.
I absolutely loved it and find myself going back often."

DARIN Joy

"Mount Mary Basilica is best visited in the month of September as Mother Mary's birthday falls on the 8th to celebrate Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. People from all walks of life irrespective of religion, caste and creed, pay a visit to offer candles, flowers and prayers to fulfill all their wishes and seek Mother Mary's blessings. This year, it has undergone an extensive renovation in terms of the church's colour scheme. The Fair begins the Sunday after the feast and lasts till the following Sunday. During the fair, one can buy things from sweets to knickknacks."

Matt Ras

What People Like

Divine and peaceful atmosphere
Beautiful architecture
Clean and well-maintained

What People Dislike

Very crowded during feast
Crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mount Mary Basilica is easily accessible by various modes of transport. You can take a local train to Bandra station and then a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the Basilica. Buses also ply regularly to Bandra West. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing apps for convenience. TikTok

Limited parking is available near the Basilica, especially during peak hours and events. It's advisable to use public transport or ride-sharing services if possible. Reddit

From South Mumbai, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or a local train to Bandra station. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

No, there are no entry fees to visit Mount Mary Basilica. It is a place of worship open to all. Reddit

It's a bit of a walk from Bandra station to Mount Mary Basilica (approximately 2-3 km). Taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi is more convenient, especially if you have luggage or prefer not to walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Basilica is generally open from early morning (around 6 AM) until late evening (around 9 PM). However, it's best to check specific mass timings if you wish to attend a service. Reddit

No, tickets are not required to enter Mount Mary Basilica as it is a place of worship. You can visit anytime during its opening hours. Reddit

Yes, Mount Mary Basilica is open on Sundays, but it can be quite crowded due to services and visitors. Weekdays are generally quieter. Reddit

To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon. Weekends and the annual feast in September are significantly busier. Reddit

While there isn't a strict dress code, modest attire is appreciated out of respect for the religious site. Covering shoulders and knees is recommended. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can offer prayers, light candles, admire the architecture, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and take in the scenic views from the steps. Reddit

Yes, the Basilica's architecture and the surrounding views offer great photo opportunities. However, be mindful of others and avoid disruptive photography during prayer times. Instagram

Yes, clean and well-maintained washrooms are available on the premises. Reddit

Absolutely. Mount Mary Basilica is known for being welcoming to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Reddit

The annual feast, celebrated in September, honors Mother Mary's birthday and attracts devotees from all walks of life to offer prayers and seek blessings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around Mount Mary Basilica, especially during the feast, has numerous street food stalls offering local snacks and sweets. Several cafes and restaurants are also located in Bandra West. Reddit

You can find a variety of street food like chaat, pav bhaji, and sweets. For more formal dining, Bandra West offers diverse cuisines. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy the street food experience during the feast. It's advisable to choose stalls that appear clean and have a good turnover of customers. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The facade of the Basilica, the steps offering city views, and the surrounding gardens are excellent for photography. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful and avoid using flash or taking photos during prayer services. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for both the Basilica and the city views. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mount Mary Basilica offers a peaceful environment for families looking for a spiritual outing. The spacious grounds and the steps provide areas for children to explore, and the clean washrooms are a plus. Reddit During the annual feast in September, the surrounding street fair can be exciting for kids with its colorful stalls and snacks, though it can get very crowded. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid large crowds and allow children to experience the serenity of the church. The views from the steps can also be a point of interest for younger visitors. Remember to dress modestly and keep an eye on children in crowded areas.

🙏 Devotees and Pilgrims

For those seeking spiritual solace, Mount Mary Basilica is a renowned pilgrimage site. Visitors often come to offer prayers, light candles, and seek blessings from Mother Mary. Reddit The church is known for its holy ambiance and the sense of peace it offers. Reddit

The annual feast in September is a particularly significant time for devotees. Many travel from afar to participate in the celebrations and experience the divine presence. Even outside of the feast, the Basilica provides a tranquil space for personal reflection and prayer throughout the year.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Mount Mary Basilica presents a beautiful blend of architectural grandeur and scenic beauty, making it a prime spot for photographers. The intricate details of the Basilica's facade, especially when illuminated, are captivating. Instagram The steps leading up to the church offer a fantastic vantage point for capturing panoramic shots of the Arabian Sea and the Bandstand promenade, particularly during the golden hour. Instagram

While photography is generally allowed, it's crucial to be respectful of the sacred space. Avoid using flash inside the church and refrain from taking photos during prayer services. The vibrant street stalls during the annual feast also provide opportunities for capturing candid shots of local life and festive activities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Architecture

The Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai, boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. While the original structure was destroyed, it was rebuilt in 1761, and has since undergone renovations, most recently with a refreshed color scheme. The Basilica is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics in Mumbai. Its architecture blends colonial influences with local styles, creating a unique and visually appealing structure that draws visitors for its spiritual significance and aesthetic beauty. Reddit

The Basilica is perched gracefully on a small hill, offering a sense of elevation and prominence within the bustling city. This elevated position not only provides a tranquil setting but also affords visitors panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Bandstand area. The serene atmosphere inside the church is a stark contrast to the city's hustle and bustle, making it a cherished spot for quiet contemplation and prayer. Reddit

Beyond its religious importance, the Mount Mary Basilica is also a cultural landmark. It hosts the annual Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in September, a major event that attracts people from all walks of life, irrespective of their religion. This feast transforms the area into a vibrant fair, complete with street shopping and food stalls, showcasing the inclusive spirit of Mumbai. Reddit

Experiencing the Annual Feast

The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on September 8th, is the most significant event at Mount Mary Basilica. The celebrations extend beyond the feast day, with a fair typically commencing the Sunday after and lasting for a week. During this period, the vicinity of the Basilica buzzes with activity, transforming into a lively marketplace. Reddit

Visitors can explore a wide array of stalls selling everything from religious artifacts, sweets, and knickknacks to clothing and toys. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience local culture and pick up unique souvenirs. The atmosphere is festive and vibrant, with crowds of people coming together to celebrate and seek blessings. Reddit

While the feast period is a highlight, it also means significantly higher crowds. For those seeking a more peaceful experience, visiting outside of this week is recommended. However, for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and cultural immersion, the feast offers an unforgettable experience. Reddit

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