Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra
Church Famous Bandra hilltop basilica and pilgrimage site
Mumbai’s Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra sits on a small hill; devotees and visitors arrive for the shrine, weekly markets and the annual feast in September.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Basilica, is a Roman Catholic church and Marian shrine in the Bandra neighbourhood of Mumbai. It is a popular pilgrimage site in the city and is closely associated with a yearly fair and religious celebrations.
Devotional highlights include the sanctuary where the image of the Virgin Mary is displayed and the regular liturgies that draw both local worshippers and visiting devotees. The basilica sits on a small hillock and offers views across Bandra toward the Arabian Sea.
The site traces its origins to the period of Portuguese presence on the western Indian coast and the shrine has been rebuilt and renovated over time to serve the local Catholic community. It remains an active parish and an important cultural landmark in Mumbai.
Geographically the basilica occupies a promontory in Bandra West, within Mumbai’s suburban west, and is easily reached from local roads and rail links to Bandra station.
- Feast and fair: The annual Bandra Fair surrounding the feast of the Nativity on September 8 draws large crowds and is the busiest time to visit the basilica.
What to See #
- Shrine and image: The church contains a shrine area with the image of the Virgin Mary that is the centre of devotion and attracts pilgrims, especially during the annual feast and fair each September.
- Viewpoint terrace: A terrace and avenues around the basilica provide elevated views over the Bandra neighbourhood and the Arabian Sea, used by visitors for both devotional and tourist visits.
How to Get to Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra #
Mount Mary Basilica is in Bandra, Mumbai. From Bandra railway station it is a 20-30 minute walk up the hill or a short taxi/auto-rickshaw ride. Local buses and suburban trains connect Bandra with the rest of Mumbai.
Tips for Visiting Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra #
- Attend a weekday mass for quieter viewing of the interior and to observe local parish life.
- The church sits in a busy suburb - plan for traffic at peak commute times.
Best Time to Visit Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra #
November-February offers the most comfortable weather; September is busiest for the annual feast day celebrations.
Weather & Climate near Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra #
Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1945 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm, feeling like 27°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (444 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (666 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (417 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (281 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
