While owning an apartment or a flat, a place to call home is definitely on top of every Mumbaikar's bucket list, the sprawling city makes it essential for every person to find housing near his/her place of employment, thereby cutting down on the commute time. This and the average Mumbaikar's undying love of the Arabian Sea is the secret behind the rise of suburbs like Lower Parel, Worli, Bandra West, and Mahim. No matter how hectic life becomes or how demanding the city is, there is something about coming home to sunset on the azure waters of the sea that brings the soul home. Lower Parel brings together both these great passions - proximity to the sea face and a teeming commercial hub with ample employment opportunities.
If you are looking to make Lower Parel your home, here is a handy guide for you.
From Mills to Modern Times
Parel was one of the original seven islands of Bombay that were handed to the British by the Portuguese. Later, in colonial times and post-independence, the stretch between Lower Parel and Worli became the hub of cotton mills. This is a legacy that has continued into modern times. While most of the erstwhile mills have been redeveloped into upscale residential communities, there is no shortage of commercial projects, malls, office complexes, and business enterprises in Lower Parel. Several major IT companies, MNCs, and international corporations have offices in Lower Parel. The transformation has been completed with the mills and factories being transformed into expansive commercial centres (like Kamala Mills) or taking on new avatars (like Todi Mills).
Connecting Mumbai
Lower Parel is part of the posh South Mumbai area, but its location on the fringe of SOBO makes for excellent connectivity across the city. While quite self-sufficient as a neighbourhood, Lower Parel will not disappoint if your work makes it necessary to commute to other parts of the city. Connected by several arterial roads such as the NM Joshi Marg, Senapati Bapat Marg, Shankar Rao Naram Path, and Pandrang Bhudkar Marg, Lower Parel is connected to notable Mumbai suburbs such as Bandra, Andheri, Parel, Dadar, Byculla, and Sewri. The Eastern Expressway that runs parallel to Lower Parel in the east offers unparalleled connectivity, as do the Lower Parel Suburban Railway Station and Lower Parel Monorail Station. The upcoming Metro Line 3 will further help bring Lower Parel closer to the rest of the city. If connectivity is the key to unlocking all that Mumbai offers, you are certainly at the gateway.
Live Life Lower Parel Size
Life in Lower Parel showcases the very best of glitz, glamour, and affluence. The neighbourhood attracts jet-setters and celebrities from media, Bollywood, and corporate circles. Home to some of Mumbai's best bars, pubs, and fine dining establishments, Lower Parel is also known for its two high street shopping hubs – Phoenix Palladium Mall and Grand Galleria.
With the rise of ultra-luxurious residential communities, the neighbourhood has seen a great deal of infrastructural development. As a result, Lower Parel has some world-class hospitals, medical centres, schools, and entertainment centres.
Residential Societies in Lower Parel
With two underground floors and 76 above ground, World One Tower in Lower Parel has the distinction of being the tallest building in India. Along with World View and World Crest, the tower was built on the site of the erstwhile Srinivas Mills. With this construction, the Lodha Group set the benchmark for residential societies, high rises, and large-scale projects in Lower Parel. Some of the city's top developers, including the Lodha Group, Ajmera Group, Prestige Group, Piramal Realty, and Runwal Group, have some very impressive residential societies in Lower Parel. The highlight of this neighbourhood is the seamless integration of commercial and residential projects, often in the same complex.
Investor's Pride
Lower Parel's luxurious lifestyle and excellent connectivity have made it one of the most sought-after residential neighbourhoods in Mumbai. Surrounded by other upscale localities like Prabhadevi, Worli, and Dadar has only served to cause a real estate boom. From expansive penthouses to 2 BHK flats in Lower Parel, property prices have multiplied several times over the past few years. This neighbourhood has indeed been a real estate investor's dream come true.
The social fabric of neighbourhood
Lower Parel is one of the most hip and happening neighbourhoods in Mumbai. If you love the inclusive and exuberant social fabric of this city, you will feel at home in Lower Parel - the heart of all the celebrations. Living in this neighbourhood, you will indeed be fired up by the enthusiasm of Mumbai's favourite festival, the Ganeshotsav. From the famed Lalbaugcha Raja right across the Eastern Express Highway to the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in neighbouring Prabhadevi. The popular Chinatmani Chinchpokli and Ganesh Galli Lalbaug pandals surround the neighbourhood. Every festival, every cricket match, and every film release is celebrated with a great deal of enthusiasm in Lower Parel.
Conclusion
Lower Parel is the swanky, sophisticated neighbourhood that every Mumbaikar loves. The comfort and convenience apart, it has become a symbol of this city's spectacular growth and prosperity.