Virar sits at the northern edge of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway. It is a station on that line with a high frequency of local-train transit for both ends, which means it functions both as a place in its own right and as a gateway for travel further north towards Palghar and Dahanu, or south towards Churchgate and South Mumbai.
For a visitor, the city is easiest to read in terms of its two sides around the railway station. Virar-West has the skywalk, a long elevated walkway that is among the busiest of its kind in the region, and it is the side most associated with new housing and township development. Virar-East is where Jivdani Hill and its temple sit. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what to expect at different budgets.
Best areas to stay in Virar
1. Virar-West
Virar-West is the side of the city with the skywalk, a 589-metre elevated walkway with a four-metre-wide walkway. It is the most practical base for a visitor who wants to be close to the railway station and to the commercial activity that has grown up around it, including the large township development that has driven much of the recent growth in this part of the city.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone relying on the train, since Virar station gives you a direct connection both north towards Palghar and Dahanu and south towards Churchgate. Expect the noise and bustle of a busy station neighbourhood, particularly at peak hours when the skywalk carries its heaviest footfall.
2. Virar-East
Virar-East is the side of the city where Jivdani Hill rises, with the Jivdani Mata Temple at the top. The site is reached by a flight of roughly 1,400 steps, and there is also a cable lift for easier access. The temple draws a high volume of visitors, especially on Sundays and during local festivals.
Staying on this side suits travellers whose main reason for being in Virar is the temple and the hill, and who prefer to be within easy reach of it rather than crossing the city. Be aware that the area around the hill is at its busiest on Sundays and festival days, which affects both crowds and the availability of rooms.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Simple, functional rooms in the streets around the railway station and the main market areas, aimed at short-stay travellers and commuters. Expect basic furnishings and shared or minimal facilities.
- Mid-range: Larger, more comfortable rooms in the newer residential and township areas, with more space and more reliable amenities than the cheapest options.
- Splurge: Virar is not a luxury destination, and the top end of the market is limited. The most comfortable options tend to be the better-appointed rooms in the newer developments rather than anything resembling a resort.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Virar-West. It puts you next to the railway station, which is the one thing that connects you to everything else in the region, and it gives you the easiest access to the skywalk and the commercial centre of the city. From there, Virar-East and Jivdani Hill are a straightforward trip across town.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around Virar?
The Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway is the main artery. Virar station has a high frequency of local trains running both towards Palghar and Dahanu in the north and towards Churchgate in South Mumbai. The skywalk in the west section connects the station area on foot.
When is Virar-East at its busiest?
The Jivdani Mata Temple on Jivdani Hill receives a high volume of visitors particularly on Sundays and during local festivals. If you want a quieter visit to the hill, avoid those times.
Is Virar a good base for visiting Mumbai?
It can work if you are happy to commute. Virar is the outermost part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region on its northern side, and the Western Line runs directly to Churchgate in South Mumbai, so the city is reachable by train, though the journey is a long one.
What languages will I hear in Virar?
Virar is a cosmopolitan suburb. Marathi is the most widely spoken language, alongside a substantial Gujarati-speaking population and a smaller Hindi-speaking one, with several local communities speaking their own Konkani dialects.
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