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.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra at a Glance#
Address: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
About Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 51% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 31° | 25° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 22° - 32° | 27° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 25° - 33° | 30° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 53% | 2.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.5h |
| May | Excellent | 27° - 34° | 33° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 60% | 3.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 36° | 444 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.2h |
| July | Good | 25° - 30° | 33° | 666 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.1h |
| August | Good | 25° - 30° | 32° | 417 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 33° | 281 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 33° | 33° | 85 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 33° | 30° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 1.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.1h |
| December | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 25° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 60% | 1.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.9h |
