Afghan Church Mumbai
A serene, architecturally stunning 19th-century church in Colaba, Mumbai, honoring soldiers and offering a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Afghan Church Mumbai
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, architecturally stunning 19th-century church in Colaba, Mumbai, honoring soldiers and offering a peaceful escape.
"A peaceful place standing tall with the time, this amazing piece of architecture is eye-pleasing. "
🎯 Visit on Weekdays
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience.
👗 Dress Modestly
Show respect for the religious nature of the church.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neo-Gothic & Moorish Architecture
Admire the stunning blend of architectural styles, a testament to Mumbai's colonial past.
Memorial to Fallen Soldiers
Honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the First Afghan War, with regimental flags on display.
Serene Interior Ambiance
Experience the peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by filtered sunlight through stained-glass windows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respectful Attire and Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Afghan Church - Built in 1858
🎯 Visit on Weekdays
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience.
👗 Dress Modestly
Show respect for the religious nature of the church.
The Afghan Church is beautiful.
Afghan Church, Colaba
📸 Mindful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be considerate of worshippers.
🌳 Explore Surrounding Gardens
Enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst the lovely trees.
Good places to tour near colaba?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit on Weekdays
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience.
👗 Dress Modestly
Show respect for the religious nature of the church.
📸 Mindful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be considerate of worshippers.
🌳 Explore Surrounding Gardens
Enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst the lovely trees.
📜 Learn its History
Read the pamphlets to understand its unique past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Afghan Church is lauded for its stunning neo-Gothic and Moorish architecture and its peaceful, serene ambiance, offering a welcome escape from Mumbai's bustle. Visitors appreciate its historical significance as a memorial to soldiers and the well-maintained interior. Some note occasional locked doors, but the overall experience is highly positive, highlighting its beauty and tranquility.
"The Afghan Church in Mumbai is a stunning architectural gem located on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This historic church, also known as St. John the Evangelist Church, boasts a unique blend of neo-Gothic and Moorish styles, reflecting the city's colonial past.
A Serene Escape
Visiting the church on weekdays is highly recommended, as it's usually less crowded, allowing for a peaceful and introspective experience. You can sit, relax, and immerse yourself in the calm atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for self-reflection. The filtered sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows creates a serene ambiance, perfect for unwinding.
History and Significance
Built between 1847 and 1858, the Afghan Church commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives during the First Afghan War. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination in Mumbai ¹.
Tips for Your Visit
- Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for optimal lighting
- Dress modestly, showing respect for the church's religious significance
- Photography is allowed, but be mindful of worshippers
- Explore the surrounding gardens for a peaceful retreat
Getting There
The church is located in Navy Nagar, Colaba, and is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take a local train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) or a taxi/auto-rickshaw from there.
Overall, the Afghan Church is a beautiful and historic spot that offers a serene escape from Mumbai's hustle and bustle. Visit during the week to experience its tranquility and soak in its stunning architecture."
Divyansh Sharma
"Very peaceful place standing tall with the time. This amazing piece of architecture is eye pleasing one can definitely visit the Afghan Church while visiting Mumbai. From outside and age old building but in a very good condition and from inside amazing architecture with peace of mind, very relaxing church. This Afghan Church was built by Britishers in 19th Century in Colaba south Mumbai now a days this area known as Navy Nagar. One can surely visit this beautiful Church."
Imran Khan
"Fantastically restored 19th Century Anglican Church - originally built to honor the fallen British soldiers in the Afghan Wars. Recent renovations contextualize and honor the Indian soldiers who fought alongside the British. Regimental flags from the wars were carried back from the front lines and displayed here. Copies of these are now on display, but the originals are safeguarded on the premises. Pews toward the rear have niches were British soldiers would have stowed their rifles. Forward pews were for officers and do not."
Erik Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Afghan Church is located in Navy Nagar, Colaba. You can take a local train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) and then a taxi or auto-rickshaw. Buses from Regal also stop directly opposite the church.
Yes, it's quite accessible. Buses from the Regal area stop right in front of the church, making it convenient for visitors using public transport.
If you're coming from further away, taking a local train to CST is a common option, followed by a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Colaba.
Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but given its location in Navy Nagar, it's advisable to check local parking regulations or consider using ride-sharing services.
The Gateway of India is a popular starting point. While it's a walk, it's a pleasant one through Colaba, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of entry fees for the Afghan Church. It is generally accessible to visitors, though donations are often appreciated.
While specific hours aren't always listed, visiting during daylight hours, especially on weekdays, is recommended for the best experience. Some reviews mention it being locked at times, so a caretaker might be present.
No admission fee is typically charged. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and may consider making a donation to support the church's upkeep.
You can visit on weekends, but it's generally less crowded and more peaceful on weekdays.
Some visitors have found the church locked but were able to gain entry with the help of a caretaker or their family. It's worth inquiring if you find it closed.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Afghan Church features a unique blend of neo-Gothic and Moorish architectural styles, reflecting its British colonial origins.
It was built by the British between 1847 and 1858 to commemorate soldiers who died in the First Afghan War. Regimental flags from the wars are displayed here.
Yes, the pews at the rear have semi-circular notches designed for soldiers to rest their rifles, a unique historical detail.
Photography is generally allowed, but visitors are asked to be mindful of worshippers and the solemnity of the place.
The interior is described as very peaceful and relaxing, with filtered sunlight from stained-glass windows creating a serene ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons are recommended for optimal lighting conditions, creating a beautiful ambiance for photographs.
Photography is permitted, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and the religious nature of the site. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb others.
The exterior architecture, the stained-glass windows, and the surrounding gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive areas like religious sites and military zones (Navy Nagar). It's best to avoid drone photography here.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is suitable. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the interior architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to observe the stained-glass windows and the intricate details of the architecture. The surrounding gardens also offer a small space for children to stretch their legs. Remember to emphasize the importance of quiet behavior inside the church and respectful photography. It's a good opportunity to teach children about different cultures and historical periods in a tangible way.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
The church's tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by the soft light filtering through the stained-glass windows, makes it a perfect spot for introspection. The surrounding gardens also provide a quiet space to unwind. It's a chance to escape the city's energy and find a moment of calm and historical connection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and Historical Echoes
Inside, the church holds poignant reminders of its military past. The pews at the rear are notably equipped with semi-circular notches, a practical design feature for soldiers to stow their rifles during services. Regimental flags from the Afghan Wars, though now often represented by copies, were historically carried back from the front lines and displayed within these walls, adding a layer of solemn remembrance. The recent renovations have also sought to contextualize and honor the Indian soldiers who fought alongside the British, broadening the narrative of sacrifice.
Visitors often describe the interior as a sanctuary of peace. The filtered sunlight that streams through the stained-glass windows casts a serene glow, creating an atmosphere conducive to reflection. This tranquil environment offers a welcome respite from the city's usual hustle and bustle, making it a place for quiet contemplation and appreciation of its historical significance.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
To truly soak in the peaceful ambiance, it's highly recommended to visit during weekdays, ideally in the early mornings or late afternoons. These times offer not only fewer crowds but also the most flattering natural light for photography. While photography is generally permitted, it's crucial to maintain a respectful demeanor, being mindful of any ongoing services or worshippers. Dressing modestly is also a sign of respect for this religious site.
Some visitors have noted that the church might occasionally be locked, but the presence of a caretaker or their family often means entry is possible with a polite inquiry. Exploring the surrounding gardens is also a delightful way to extend your visit, offering a tranquil space to reflect on the church's history and architecture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit