Salsette Island Island

Address: Salsette Island, Mumbai metropolitan region, Maharashtra, India

Salsette Island is an island off the west coast of Maharashtra that holds the majority of the Mumbai metropolitan area, including the city of Mumbai and extensive suburbs. It is the densely populated core of the region’s urban and economic activity.

The island contains a range of urban districts from the historic island city and port areas to expansive suburban developments, commercial centres and transport hubs. Coastal sections include reclaimed land, promenades and harbour facilities facing the Arabian Sea.

Originally made up of multiple islets and tidal marshes, Salsette was progressively urbanised and connected through reclamation and causeways over the 18th to 20th centuries, becoming the principal setting for Mumbai’s growth.

Salsette sits off Maharashtra’s Konkan coast in western India; the island is bounded by the Arabian Sea and separated from the mainland by creeks such as Vasai Creek and Thane Creek.

• Urban core: Salsette contains most of the urban area of Mumbai and its suburbs, making it the core of one of the world’s largest metropolitan populations.
• Creek separations: The island is separated from the mainland by water bodies including Vasai Creek to the north and Thane Creek to the east.

What to See#

• Mumbai (city): The southern central area that contains the city of Mumbai, including the original island city and its colonial-era districts.
• Thane and suburbs: An inland suburban district to the northeast of Mumbai on the island, forming part of the broader metropolitan area.

Salsette is part of the Mumbai metropolitan area. From Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) or Churchgate, the suburban railway network provides frequent services across the island. Major roads include Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway; traffic can be heavy-expect longer travel times during peak hours.

• Use local suburban trains (Mumbai Suburban Railway) to reach Churchgate or Marine Lines stations, then take local transport into island neighborhoods.
• Explore Salsette's quieter neighborhoods like Aarey and the historical villages in the suburbs for a different side of Mumbai.
• Avoid driving the full circumference during peak traffic; the island's arterial roads are busy in mornings and evenings.