The Central and Harbour Suburbs of Mumbai consists of the suburbs of Kurla, Vidyavihar, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kanjur Marg, Bhandup, Mulund, Powai, Chembur, Mankhurd, Govandi and Trombay. These suburbs have developed quite a bit in the past few decades. This is a middle-class residential area which is getting more middle-class by the year as factories are being shifted out and replaced by shopping malls and apartment blocks.

The district is home to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), several petroleum refineries and a chemical fertiliser factory which used to be (but is no longer) notorious for its pollution. It is also the home to many educational institutes, including the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, International Institute for Population Sciences and many private colleges of engineering. None are particularly attractive from a tourist's point of view, although Powai Lake and Thane Creek are the major attractions in the district.

Get in

By train

The Central and Harbour Suburbs fall on the Central and Harbour lines. The district can be accessed from Kurla, Vidhyavihar, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, Nahur and Mulund on the Central line and Chembur, Mankhurd, and Govandi on the Harbour line. Kurla is also an interchange point for the Harbour line.

By bus

A number of BEST buses serve this area and there are bus depots at Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, and Mulund.

By taxi

Metered taxis can be used to get to and around this area and there are also air-conditioned taxis, called cool cabs, that can be hired.

By rickshaw

Metered rickshaws can be used to get to and around this area and are the cheapest way to get around if you do not want to use a bus or train.

See

Powai Lake

Flamingoes at Thane Creek

• 1 Bail Bazaar and Sindhi Camp, Lal Bahadur Shastri Rd, Bail Bajar, Sakinaka (Old Kurla, - Bus to 'Sheetal'). Is an area in the northern end of Kurla West (populated by mostly Sindhi's, Kanojia's and Malwanis) 
• 2 Hanuman Temple (Hanuman Mandir), Vidyavihar Station Skywalk, ONGC Colony (East from Vidyavihar Station 0.3km). It has gone through a major renovation. In the good old days, it has a rural charm with a huge tree in the backyard. 
• 3 Rajawadi Garden, Rajawadi Road Number 3, Rajawadi, Ghatkopar East (From Vidyavihar station 0.5km E). This is the first municipal garden in it is a place which morning walkers have been using since a pretty long time. 
• 4 Sanyas Ashram, Rajawadi Rd NO.7, 32/33 (near the Rajawadi Garden is an old establishment. -From Vidyavihar station 0.7km E). As the name suggests, it is a transit point for the Sanyasis (the Hindu monks). It has the idols of all the major Gods and Goddesses 
• 5 Sindhu Wadi (At the junction of the MG Road and the road leading to Vidyavihar station on the Eastern side). This is a landmark arch with the words "Sindhu Wadi" and a big clock. 
• 6 Old Machi (fish) Market, RB Kadam Road area, Bhatwadi, Ghatkopar (West). It was once called horseshoe valley, because of the horseshoe-shaped hills surrounding the area. 
• 7 Powai Lake. One of the few things to see in this area is Powai Lake. It's a man-made lake that used to serve as the city's water supply. The lake now serves as a tourist destination though it isn't really that spectacular. There are many crocodiles on the lakeside. (updated Apr 2023)
• 8 Thane Creek (ठाणे खाडी Ṭhāṇe Khāḍī). One of the two creeks that separate Mumbai from the rest of India. It is known for various flamingo species, especially greater flamingoes and lesser flamingoes. Alongside the flamingoes, 167 species of birds and small mammals like golden jackals are also present. (updated Jun 2023)

Do

• 1 Hakone Games Park, Central Ave, Hiranandani Gardens, ☏ +91 22 2571 7205. 11AM–10:30PM. Hakone is a combination of Special Sports, Entertainment and Leisure at Powai. It is one of the most desirable attractions in Mumbai. The variety of attractions spanning rides and aqua pad boats for children as well as go-karting, paintball, and dashing cars for adults are as popular as the mini train ride for infants. ₹10-20 (per ride, most rides). (updated Jul 2023)
• Acres Lifestyle Club, 411-B, Hemu Kalani Marg,. For non-members also. Activities like Bowling, Pool, Video Games etc at their gaming arcade. They also have go-karting, cricket etc 
• Bombay Presidency Golf Club Limited, Dr. Choitram Gidwani Rd, Chembur, ☏ +91 22-5580670, +91 22-558-0198, fax: +91 22-557-2099. There are two golf clubs in Mumbai; this is the more famous one. 
• 2 Chembur Gymkhana, 16th Rd, Chembur, ☏ +91 22 2521 7030. For members only. 79 ft. x 45 ft. Swimming Pool, Two cafeterias by different contractors, gymnasium, tennis courts, indoor badminton, Has a 62,957 sq.ft (1.445 acres) ground used for cricket and seasonal wedding parties. 
• 3 IMAX dome theater, Bit outskirts on Eastern Express Highway, Near wadala truck terminus (Bakhti Park Station). The world's largest IMAX dome theater, in 2008. 

Buy

• Culture Shop, located in Hiranandani Gardens. A large selection of curios and other artifacts.
• Galleria Shopping Centre, Hiranandani Gardens. 
• Huma Mall, Kanjur Marg. Here is the Hotel Sheetal Samudra known for its fine seafood, a very nice open air restaurant Sheesha with nawabi cuisine and hukkas, also is a one stop shop for finest Factory outlets, 6 Screen BIG Cinema Multiplex, the Hotel Meeting point one of the best restaurants around the area, and Muthoot Finance known for its Gold Loans, Investments, Gold Coins, Money Transfer, Insurance, Foreign Exchange, Tours & Travels etc. 
• Loft, located in Hiranandani Gardens. One of the largest shoe shops in India.
• Metro Junction Mall Located in Kalyan East.
• Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, LBS Marg, Mulund. There is Shoppers Stop store, a McDonald's, and cafe including Manchester United Cafe Bar, Cafe Coffee Day, apart from six screen PVR multiplex. 
• 1 Phoenix Marketcity, Kamani Kurla (Easily accessible by all modes of transport), ☏ +91 2261801022. 11Am to 11pm. One of the biggest malls in Asia. (updated May 2017)
• 2 R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar W. It has over 194 shopping stores, over 66 food outlets, 10 entertainment areas, 3 ATM facilities, 13 service areas and an INOX cinema hall.  
• Sarvodaya Mall Located in Kalyan West.
• K-star Mall (Near Diamond Garden). Has a Food Bazaar and a multiplex cinema 

Eat

• Cafe Mocha, located in Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, Mulund and in Galleria, Hiranandani Gardens. Coffee house that also serves Hookah.
• Far East, located in the Rodas Hotel, Hiranandani Gardens. A restaurant serving Chinese and Thai cuisine.
• Fine Dine, located in Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, Mulund. Continental Food.
• Parabola, located in the Rodas Hotel, Hiranandani Gardens. A 24-hour coffee shop serving all cuisines with a buffet option.
• Rajdhani, located in Nirmal Lifestyles Mall, Mulund. Branch of the famous Gujrati Thali restaurant in South Mumbai.
• Saffron Spice, Sentinel, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, ☏ +91-22-2570-3838, fax: +91-22-2570-3737. An "Indian specialty restaurant" and one of the very few mid-range restaurants in the Powai area. The restaurant has received fairly decent reviews and the food has been appreciated for its variety. But it is extremely crowded during lunch and the staff will encourage you to choose the buffet. The lunch buffet is indifferent and the service is lousy, so you will have your rotis cold. It has a well-stocked bar and offers valet parking, but there is ample parking at all times. ₹221 (for the buffet, exclusive of VAT. An a la carte meal without alcohol would probably come to ₹500 per person all inclusive.). 

Drink

• Meghdoot, Station road, Ghatkopar (w), It is a cosy family restaurant and bar. Famous for Punjabi food and sizzlers.
• Pop Tate's, R Mall, Mulund and at Powai. A great place to have beer and chill out with your friends without shelling much out of your pocket. A little something for those in the central suburbs who are too bored to go all the way to the western suburbs.
• Timbuctoo, R Mall, Mulund, has an entrance through the Pop Tates. It is a great place if you wish to spend a nice time with your friends under the bare sky overlooking the city's main road. An air of difference in the central suburbs.

Sleep

• 1 The Beatle Hotel, JMJ House, Hiranandani, ☏ +91 22 4089 5000. 
• 2 Club Emerald. (updated Jun 2023)
• 3 Rodas Boutique Hotel, Central Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, ☏ +91 22 5693 6969, fax: +91 22 5693 6979, info@rodashotel.com. 
• Hotel Rajhans, Chembur, ☏ +91 22-5597 8090, fax: +91 22-2528 4058, reservations@rajhanshotel.com. Provides complimentary continental breakfast and has a restaurant "Ornament" and a wine bar. 
• Royal Orchid Hotel, 83 AN.G. Acharya Marg, Chembur, ☏ +91 22-2520 1234. 

Budget

• 4 Hotel Leafio. (updated Jun 2023)
• Hotel Pearl, 19th Road Corner, D.K Sandu Marg, Chembur, ☏ +91 22-2528 4025, +91 22-2528 4026. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 24 hours. ₹1100. 

Splurge

• 5 Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, Sakinaka Junction, Andheri Kurla Rd, Andheri E, ☏ +91 22 4085 1800. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Modern hotel with quality rooms. Good western and Indian breakfast. Local area and view from room not attractive but view from pool on roof is impressive. Less than 15 minute drive (can call hotel to arrange pick-up, although can be fee) from Terminal 2. (updated Jun 2023)
• 6 Marriott Executive Apartments Lakeside Chalet, ☏ +91 22 6692 8888, +91 22 2611 0414, +91 22 2611 0413. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Two and three bedrooms. ₹9,000–18,000 (US$200–400). (updated Jun 2023)
• 7 Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, ☏ +91 22 6692 8888. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. (updated Jun 2023)
• 8 The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, ☏ +91 22 6692 7777. (updated Jun 2023)