[category]
[title]
First came the Kolis, then, much later, came Mumbai. The floating boats and pastel homes behind them that you spot from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link constitute one of the oldest fishing villages of the city – more than eight hundred years old. Efforts to save and restore the historic neighbourhood have been underway for years, and now, houses around the Sonapur Lake, and through the length of Golfa Devi Road till Goda Dapkal Ground, have been repaired and repainted. These’ll make for a great photowalk.
What’s new at Koliwada?
In the last couple of months, Koliwada's winding streetscape has come alive through vibrant colours. Yellows, blues and other vibrant colours now mirror the hand-painted fishing boats of the locals that buoyantly sway on the waters of the Arabian Sea. You will also spot motifs and murals representing the Koli way of life in the district.
An initiative founded by Radha Goenka has been restoring the precinct and turning it into an art haven: The Heritage Project. Since 2022, under the Worli Koliwada Transformation Project, they’ve been supporting the livelihoods of the Koli community. This time, they've collaborated with Birla Opus Paints to repair and repaint more than 100 homes and four community centres, just in time before the harsh monsoon, which tends to wreak havoc on the village.
What else to do in Koliwada?
Apart from visiting the 1675-built Worli Fort for fab coastline views and sunsets, you have to savour the seafood fare that they make with unique recipes. The precinct also sees regular festivals, heritage walks, art trails, food events, and community events.