Kalina, Mumbai

Kalina is a residential locality in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This rapidly developing suburb offers easy access to Santa Cruz East and the Bandra Kurla Complex. This proximity makes it one of the most well-connected and sought-after residential areas in Western Mumbai. Kalina offers a wide range of housing facilities that cater to families with children and young-aspiring professionals. 

The University of Mumbai’s magnificent campus is one of the biggest highlights of this locality. The presence of a renowned institute has made it an educational hub of the city and multiplied its overall appeal. Kalina has the general characteristics of a promising area, such as well-developed infrastructure, robust connectivity, and peaceful neighbourhoods. This prosperous mix of facilities makes Kalina a residential area fit for everyone, from families to bright young minds and working professionals. 

What’s Good v/s What Can Be Better

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

Kalina’s infrastructure is a sound mix of residential and commercial facilities. Residents can choose from a wide range of properties. These housing units are well-equipped with modern amenities and well-connected to all daily necessities. With renowned schools and colleges, Kalina’s characteristic educational edge further multiplies its residential appeal. 

Commercially, easy access to the Bandra Kurla Complex makes it a highly suitable area for job seekers and young professionals. BKC is one of Mumbai’s most famous business centres and offers flourishing growth prospects. A solid public transport framework is another key highlight. With the closely located international airport and the Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line under construction, residents are guaranteed ease of movement.

These developments ensure a high livability index. Closely located cultural landmarks, like the Elephanta Caves and Mahim Beach, make for a well-rounded lifestyle in Mumbai’s Kalina.

Social Infrastructure - Restaurants

Mumbai is famous for its flavour-rich food culture. From savoury street food to full-course Marathi meals. Here are some of the popular eating joints in Kalina:

• Delicacy Restaurant
• Hare Krishna Hotel
• Thotrin Cafe
• The Camp
• Mandarin Oak BKC
• Myra’s Kitchen
• Cafe Sultan
• Shon Shon House
• Hotel Mahesh Annexe
• King Chilli
• Smoking Joe’s
• Swagat Veg Restaurant

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

Banks & ATMs

• IndusInd Bank
• Federal Bank
• Saraswati Bank
• Axis Bank
• HDFC Bank ATM
• Canara Bank ATM

Metro & Railway Stations

• Santacruz Railway Station
• Kurla Junction Railway Station
• Bandra Railway Station
• Western Express Highway Metro Station
• LIC of India Andheri Metro Station

Bus Terminals

• Kalina
• Windsor Lane
• Vidya Nagari
• Central Plaza 
• Kolivery Village
• Amar Brass
• Kurla Depot
• Shantaram Raut Chowk

Airport

• Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj International Airport

Public Parks

• Joseph Baptista Gardens
• Almeida Park
• Shivsena Public Garden
• Karamveer Bhaurao Patil Park
• BKC Walk Park
• Madhu Park
• BMC Garden
• Dr. Ambedkar Park
• Chhatrapati Sivaji Udyan Park
• Jogger’s Park

Popular Roads in Kalina

Here are the most popular roads used to commute to various other areas from Kalina.

Western Express Highway: It is one of Mumbai's important and busiest routes. The Western Express Highway runs parallel to the western coast of Mumbai and connects Kalina to other parts of the city. It also offers direct connectivity to the Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj International Airport.

CST Road (Central Salsette Tramway Road): The CST Road connects Kalina to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). It also links further to the University of Mumbai’s Kalina campus.

Santacruz-Chembur Link Road: Easily accessible from Kalina, the road offers a quicker route to Chembur and the eastern suburbs and saves significant travel time. 

LBS Marg: The road is easily accessible from Kalina and is important in connecting it to the nearby areas.

Kurla Road: This road directly connects Kalina to Kurla, facilitating easy access to one of the major railway stations in Mumbai and acting as a vital link for daily commuters.

Nearby Localities

How Do People Rate Kalina

Kalina has gained an overall average rating of 3.9/5. Residents have reported a mixed response to the lifestyle offered by this locality. Apart from offering well-equipped residential spaces, the reliable educational infrastructure and vibrant commercial opportunities are two of its biggest highlights. Students prefer this area for its proximity to the University of Mumbai. Meanwhile, professionals living in Kalina enjoy easy access to the Bandra Kurla Complex. Further, easy connectivity to the Western Express Highway is also another significant advantage.

On the other hand, public hygiene requires greater attention in the locality. Cleaner neighborhoods, better maintained local roads, and uninterrupted power supply are a few improvements that can further elevate the standards of life in Kalina.  

How to Visit Kalina

Here are road, rail and air routes offering convenient access to Kalina from nearby states and cities.

By Road

Visitors coming from the north and south can use the Western Express Highway. Additionally, Goa, Karnataka, and southern Maharashtra visitors can easily visit Kalina using the Sion-Panvel Expressway.

By Rail

The Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Mumbai Central are the main railway stations catering to long-distance trains to Kalina. Visitors coming in from local trains can use local train stations like Kurla and Santacruz. 

By Air

The Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj International Airport is only 4-5 km from Kalina. Domestic and international visitors can comfortably use local cabs to commute from the airport to this locality.

Places to Visit

Here are the top attractions to unwind, rejuvenate and refresh near Kalina.

Mahim Beach

Few things are as calming as sunsets and as refreshing as the sea breeze. Walking on the sandy Mahim beach and the vibrant waters of the Arabian Sea is one of the favourite leisure activities of people living in Kalina. Apart from stunning views and lip-smacking food stalls, the presence of the Mahim Fort makes it a unique beach in this city. Visitors from Kalina can use the Western Express Highway to visit the beach comfortably for a perfect family outing. 

Gateway of India 

Mumbai’s cultural emblem, the Gateway of India, is a short distance from Kalina. The iconic structure is a popular attraction, inviting visitors nationwide. The monument's tower along the Arabian Sea is a testament to Mumbai’s rich colonial significance. Built to commemorate the Governors’ entrance into the city, the Gateway of India today is the starting point of Mumbai exploration for most visitors. Surrounded by street vendors, photographers and boat rides, this iconic landmark is a must-visit near Kalina. 

Elephanta Caves

Elehpanta Caves invites visitors for a magnificent spiritual, historical and cultural exploration near Kalina. The now UNESCO World Heritage Site was carved out from the 5th to 8th century. While the caves feature a series of temples predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva, the standout highlight is God’s three-headed carving - the Trimurti. The stone structure set in pure greens completely cuts the visitors off the city noise, and transports them to a deep, soulful experience. The Elephanta Caves is a short-ferry ride from the Gateway of India.

Our Lady of Egypt Church

Back when the Portuguese came to Bombay in the 16th century, along with several other influences, they left with remarkable churches built across the city. Our Lady of Egypt Church in Kalina is one such Portuguese remains. Following the tradition of venerating the Virgin Mary with various titles, the church completed its 400 years of existence in 2006. This church's colourful but simple character attracts the faithful and curious alike. It’s one of the easiest places to access from Kalina, situated less than a kilometre away.

Haji Ali Dargah

Another spiritually charged outing for the residents of this locality is the island-like sufi shrine,  the Haji Ali Dargah. The holy sanctuary is as mysterious as it is alluring, accessible only via a narrow causeway that appears and disappears with the tides of the Arabian Sea. Built in the 15th century, the complex honours the Sufi saint Sayyid Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Legend has it that upon losing his life on his way to the Mecca, Hajji Ali’s casket floated back to Mumbai. And thus, it was stoned here forever for the believers and the faithful to seek eternal grace and guidance. Visitors from Kalina can visit the Dargah via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.  

Locality Comparison

Kalina offers ready access to various localities, like Kurla, Sen Nagar, Golibar and Bandra East. All these localities offer unique characteristics to the residents. On a general note, Kalina is much quieter than all these areas. Kurla, for instance, is a highly vibrant locality due to its heavy commercial focus. It is a hub for numerous offices, businesses and other bustling commercial activities. Areas like Sen Nagar and Golibar are heavily residential localities, with mostly packed housing pockets. Bandra East is a popular locality known for its government offices and upscale character. Apart from all these offerings, Kalina’s sought-after educational infrastructure sets it apart from nearby areas.

Key Takeaways

In recent years, Kalina has emerged as a rapidly flourishing locality in Mumbai. With its harmonious blend of educational excellence, residential comfort, and commercial opportunities, it is one of the most sought-after areas in the city. Along with modern infrastructure, the locality’s rich social life makes for a fulfilling lifestyle. From home seekers to aspiring professionals, there is ample space for everyone in Kalina.