Madh, Mumbai

The Madh Island of Malad West is a popular area in Mumbai. Its PIN Code is 400061. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all three sides, the island has transformed from a small village of fishermen into a sought-after residential and tourist area. Madh Island is close to several affluent regions of Mumbai, such as Versova and Malvani. 

The island of Madh is infrastructurally sound and socially vibrant. The locality is a unique mix of fishing villages, farmlands, and luxurious bungalows and resorts, illustrating a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. The residents of this locality are connected to other parts of Mumbai via a network of roads and ferries. Several beaches, like Aksa Beach and Dana Pani Beach, among others, make it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Mumbai. Its proximity to the sea contributes to its secluded nature and peaceful environment. 

Madh Island has always been a popular location in Mumbai. Several films have been shot at its scenic locations, and numerous celebrities have invested in properties in this area. Today, the island stands as a unique blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back lifestyle, making it a distinctive region within the bustling city of Mumbai.

What’s Good v/s What Can Be Better

Physical Infrastructure & Livability Index

Madh Island’s physical infrastructure is a blend of residential and commercial. On the residential front, the island combines the contrasting settings of rustic fishing villages along with posh private bungalows. This reflects the diverse socio-economic demography of this region. Public services and civic amenities are also amply provided for in this region. While the locality offers sufficient educational and healthcare facilities, it might not be as good as the central parts of Mumbai. 

On the commercial side, the locality’s economy is primarily driven by local businesses and the tourism and hospitality industry. As commercial development is limited, there is more space for tranquil environments and higher exposure to nature. In contrast to rapid commercialisation, the locality possesses a cultural richness unlike others. The area's road network, primarily consisting of narrow lanes winding through the villages, connects the island to the mainland via the Malad suburb. Apart from that, rail and ferry connectivity is also readily accessible in Madh Island. 

Madh Island also features a plethora of entertainment and recreational centres for its residents. Overall, the coastal location, well-knit community and ample tourist getaways lend a high livability index to this area. 

Social Infrastructure - Restaurants

The delectable flavours of seafood dominate the food culture in Madh Island. Residents of this locality relish the exciting flavours of Maharashtrian cuisine. Here are some of the popular restaurants in the locality:

• Baywatch 
• Dariya Kinara Family Restaurant
• Ruskon Restaurant
• Dana Pani: A Multicuisine Restaurant
• Red Chilli Restaurant
• Jamjar Diner Restaurant
• Upper Deck- The Resort
• Banana Leaf Restaurant
• Fish Villa Restaurant
• Andy’s 1979 Boutique Hotel
• Escobar Restaurant
• Wazwan Restaurant

Banks/ Metro Stations/ Airport/ Bus Terminal/ Railway Stations/ Parks

Banks & ATMs

• Citizen Cooperative Bank
• HDFC Bank 
• Bharat Bank
• SBI ATM
• Union Bank ATM
• Axis Bank ATM

Metro & Railway Stations

• Malad  Train Station
• Andheri Train Station
• Jogeshwari Train Station
• Goregaon Train Station
• Versova Metro Station
• Andheri West Metro Station

Bus Terminals

• Bhati Village
• Hira Devi Temple
• Erangal Village
• Kamal Baug

Airport

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Public Parks

• Jogger’s Park
• Walawalkar Garden
• Manish Nagar Park & Playground
• Raj Classic Park
• Shahaji Park, Shivaji Chowk
• Sangeetkar Anil Mohile Manoranjan Park
• Ganpatrao Aambre Maharaj Udhyan
• Posha Nakhwa Park
• Pedigree Dog Park
• BMC Park and Garden 

Popular Roads in Madh, Mumbai

Madh Marve Road: This is the main road that connects Madh Island to the main city of Mumbai, which is around 30 kilometres away. It is a popular channel of commuting for the locals of this area.

Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road: Offering a longer route of approximately 42 kilometres, this road also connects the island to different central parts of Mumbai.

Regional Roads: These include channels like the Old Ferry Road, Madh Jetty Road and Patil Wadi Road among others. These roads facilitate inter-district travel and help people move from one part of the island to another.

Nearby Localities to Madh

How Do People Rate Madh

Madh Island has garnered an overall average rating of 4.0/5. Sound connectivity and attractive neighbourhoods are among the many strongholds of this locality. Additionally, several people enjoy its coastal location with its proximity to tourist spots and pleasant weather. At the same time, the coastal character of this island makes it prone to flooding and heavy rainfall. While all necessary amenities are sufficiently available, Madh Island is slightly secluded from the bustling city life. This is beneficial for residents looking for quaint spaces but can also be a downside for those looking for a heavily urbanised environment. 

How to Visit Madh

Here are the common road, rail, air and ferry routes which can be used to visit Madh island from nearby cities and states.

By Road

The Western Express Highway and National Highway 48 (NH 48) can be used by visitors from nearby states to enter Maharashtra and then commute to Madh Island via local routes. People from the main cities of Maharashtra can commute to Madh via local taxis and cabs. 

By Rail

The Western line of Mumbai’s suburban railway network facilitates inter-city rail travel. The Malad train station is only a few kilometres from Madh island.

By Air

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is roughly 25 kilometres from Madh Island. Visitors flying into Mumbai can use local cabs to travel from the airport to Madh Island. 

By Ferry

People can also take ferry rides from Versova to reach Madh island. Ferry services typically operate from 6:30 and 6:30. Travellers can usually board a ferry within 30 minutes. 

Places to Visit Near Madh

Kileshwar Mahadev Temple

The famous Lord Shiva Temple is less than 5 kilometres from Madh. The spiritually charged temple is known for its one-thousand-year-old Shiv Lingam. It is believed that the original temple, constructed from black stone, was destroyed by the British. However, the site remains a culturally and spiritually significant spot even today. Adjacent to the temple is a unique Surya Yantra made of copper, which is believed to protect the city from natural calamities. Every year, the Mahashivratri celebrations are a sight to behold at this historic religious centre. 

Madh Fort

Located near Aksa Beach, the Madh Fort is integral to Madh Island’s history. The Portuguese originally built the fort as a watchtower in the 17th century. The bastion then passed on to the Marathas and eventually to the British. Madh Fort is characterised by its long, narrow structure with a seven-sided polygonal design. Despite its dilapidated state,  the fort offers stunning views of the Gorai, Worli, and Mumbai Beach skyline. Today, the fort is under the supervision of the Indian Air Force and Navy. Although visitors do not have direct access, they can admire it from a distance by engaging with the local fishermen communities. 

Mukteshwar Temple

The Mukteshwar Temple, at walking distance from Madh, is the perfect gateway to experience the faiths and values of the region’s local people. The temple is known for its tranquil and peaceful aura. Despite its small size, the temple is home to the idols of different deities. Each floor in this seven-story structure is dedicated to different gods or goddesses from the Hindu pantheon, including major deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesh. Visitors from Madh island can indulge themselves in prayers, meditation and heartfelt community services in the temple. 

Aksa Beach

Aksa Beach is one of the island’s most famous and oldest beaches. It is a favoured weekend destination, featuring numerous private cottages and hotels for tourists and visitors. The beach’s picturesque settings make it one of Mumbai's most comforting unwinding spots. Beautiful sunsets, leisurely walks and bustling food stalls make for vibrant scenes at Aksa Beach. Residents from Madh and nearby localities can comfortably visit the beach via BEST, local train and ferry services. 

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Known for its rich biodiversity, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park houses a vast range of flora and fauna species. It is the perfect getaway destination for nature and wildlife lovers. On one hand, its exotic views make for excellent photographic landscapes. On the other hand, its rich diversity makes for an educational and recreational visit. The park’s Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake contribute to the city's water supply and serve as the 'lungs of Mumbai' by purifying the air. The 2400-year-old Kanheri Caves, Krishnagiri Upavan area, crocodile park and safaris are some major attractions in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Locality Comparison

Neighbouring areas like ‘Aksa Gaon’, ‘Marve’, ‘Malad West’ and ‘Goregaon West’ are quite a distance away from the quaint location of Madh Island. Closer areas like Aksa Gaon and Marve feature a similar lifestyle to Madh island. These localities offer a laid-back lifestyle with coastal terrains and cultural richness. Areas like Malad West and Goregaon West, on the other hand, represent the bustling cosmopolitan side of Mumbai. These areas feature an urban lifestyle with sprawling residential and commercial developments. 

Key Takeaways 

From a tourism standpoint, Madh Island is a thriving attraction that houses several beaches, resorts and historical structures. From a residential point of view, Madh is still a developing locality. Cut off from the central Mumbai, Madh island is closer to nature and enjoys deep cultural richness. It is a perfect locality for people looking for quaint and picturesque surroundings coupled with ample amenities.