With the impending approach of Navratri, the annual nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, now is a good time to plan your long-awaited getaway to Mumbai. The festive season lets you experience a different side of the city, in which timeless devotion, faith, culture, and tradition combine with contemporary celebrations that wonderfully reflect its vibrant spirit. However, if you would prefer a peaceful stay away from the city centre for a more intimate experience of the festivities, resorts in Madh Island are a great option.
Madh Island is a scenic coastal paradise nestled within Suburban Mumbai that features picturesque beaches, spectacular Arabian Sea views, lush greenery, quaint fishing villages, and a serene atmosphere which will make you feel like you are in a completely different world. If you are staying here during Navratri, there are many temples near Madh Island where you can seek the blessings of the beloved female deity's (Devi) various incarnations.
Read on to know which local darshan spots to include in your travel itinerary to lend a spiritual touch to your seaside escape!
What are the Navratri Dates in 2026?
After the recently concluded Ganeshotsav, the next major Hindu festival right before Diwali is Navratri. In 2026, the Navratri celebrations will kick off in Mumbai and the rest of the country with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and end with Maha Navami on Monday, October 19, 2026. Each day of this nine-day festive period honours a different form of Goddess Durga. The tenth day (or the day post-Maha Navami), i.e. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, will mark the occasion of Dussehra or Vijayadashami.
Top Temples Near Madh Island to Visit for Darshan During Navratri
While Mumbai is home to famous Devi temples such as the Mumba Devi temple and the Mahalaxmi temple in South Mumbai, they often get more crowded than usual during Navratri. Instead of travelling all the way to South Mumbai, you can cover a handful of temples that are in the close vicinity of your Madh Island resort to keep your itinerary relaxed.
The following are the top places of worship in and around Madh Island that you must visit during Navratri in Mumbai:
Shri Harbadevi Mandir, Madh Island
Located on Madh-Marve Road in Madh Island, Shri Harbadevi Mandir is a historic 12th-century shrine dedicated to Goddess Harbadevi, whom the coastal region's local fishing communities believe to be their guardian deity. This beautiful temple stands out due to its vintage stone architecture, ancient idols, and tranquil seaside ambience. It is a stone's throw from The Retreat Hotel & Convention Centre, one of the leading luxury resorts in Madh Island.
Hiradevi Temple, Madh Island
You will spot the Hiradevi Temple at different locations in Madh Island, including Erangal Village (Erangal Gaon), Bhati Koliwada, and Patil Wadi. All of them honour Goddess Hiradevi, who is another significant deity that the indigenous people living in the coastal Koli settlements here deeply revere. It is a must-see during Navatri, as you can get a glimpse of how the locals celebrate the festival traditionally. The closest Hiradevi temple near The Retreat is the one in Erangal Gaon, as it is right next to Erangal Beach where the hotel is located.
Probhat Kaali Baadi, Madh Island
If you've picked any of the hotels near Madh Fort as your base, such as The Retreat, you must definitely check out Probhat Kaali Baadi on Killeshwar Mahadev Marg. Also referred to as Kaali Mandir, this serene shrine set against Madh Island's breathtaking coastal stretches is dedicated to Maa Kaali. Since Maa Kaali represents Shakti, the same supreme divine energy as that of Durga Mata, the temple sees numerous devotees coming here for darshan during Navratri.
Santoshi Mata Mandir, Madh Island
Santoshi Mata Mandir is another popular Devi temple in Madh Island dedicated to the eponymous deity, who is the Hindu Goddess of peace and satisfaction. It is located in Patil Gully in Madh's Christian Wada. This temple can be a good inclusion in your Navratri itinerary.
Daya Mata Mandir, Madh Island
With its clean, serene coastal surroundings and verdant greenery, Daya Mata Mandir in Shivaji Nagar, Madh Sonapur, is one of the best Devi temples to visit in Madh Island during Navratri. You can easily access it from hotels near Madh Fort like The Retreat.
Hingla Devi Temple, Versova
Hingla Devi Temple (also known as Hinglaj Mata Mandir) is a shrine in Versova Village dedicated to Goddess Hinglaj, whom locals refer to as Hinglaai. Mumbai's Koli and Agri communities ardently worship this deity. Located just a short ferry ride away across the Madh-Versova channel, this temple is a prime Navratri darshan spot in the city's western suburbs.
Shri Ambabai Devasthan, Goregaon
Shri Ambabai Devasthan is over a century-old temple honouring Goddess Amba Mata or Ambabai situated on Aarey Road in Goregaon West. The black stone idol of the deity in this Mumbai temple is pretty similar to the one that sits in the legendary Shri Ambabai Temple in Kolhapur. This makes it a prominent attraction in the Navratri period. You can travel there from your Madh Island resort via a 40 to 55-minute car ride (depending upon the traffic).
Jogeshwari Mata Temple, Jogeshwari
Those who want to blend spirituality with history and adventure this Navratri must visit the Jogeshwari Mata Temple housed inside the ancient Jogeshwari Caves in Jogeshwari East. These rock-cut caves feature an idol along with the mystical footprints of Goddess Jogeshwari, from whom the suburb derives its name. It may take you about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach here from Madh Island via road, as per the traffic situation.
Maa Vaishno Devi Divya Dham, Malad
Maa Vaishno Devi Divya Dham in Malad East is one of the most famous temples near Madh Island as it is a miniature replica of the iconic temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra. Around a 40 to 50-minute journey by car (the travel time may vary based on the traffic conditions), this spot should certainly be a part of your Navratri darshan circuit across Mumbai's western suburbs.
Tips for a Comfortable Devi Darshan
It may be tempting to cover as many darshan spots as you can during Navratri in Mumbai, but a hectic itinerary that requires you to gallivant across the city will only lead to exhaustion. Ideally, you should pick a select few Devi temples close to your Madh Island resort that you can comfortably walk to or those that are just a quick ferry/car ride away. It is better not to squeeze more than one or two temple visits in a day.
The most important thing to remember is that the festive period draws hordes of devotees to these darshan spots, so you should plan your visit wisely. The timings may vary from temple to temple, but you can check them online or confirm locally before you head out. Early mornings are generally an ideal window to avoid the crowds that gather during the later hours of the day.
Traditional Dressing Ideas for Navratri Temple Visits
You must remember to pack suitable clothing for your Navratri getaway to Mumbai. While you should carry comfortable casual outfits for beachside walks and local sightseeing near your Madh Island beach resort in Mumbai, don't forget to bring along ethnic garments to adorn during temple visits. For instance, women can wear sarees, kurtis, or salwar kameez and men can wear kurta pajamas. In addition, you should also pack traditional footwear, jewellery, and other fashion accessories to pair with your ensemble.
Why is The Retreat, Madh Island, a Great Choice for Your Festive Stay in Mumbai?
If you are searching for the best resort near Mumbai to stay at during the upcoming festive season, The Retreat Hotel & Convention Centre in Madh Island should be among your top choices. It is located right by the Erangal Beach on Madh-Marve Road, which is close to many local Devi temples where you can have quiet and blissful darshan experiences. It is also easy to reach other more popular darshan spots across the western suburbs from the hotel's location.
The Retreat offers tastefully decorated rooms with stunning sea views, private beach access, modern amenities, multiple dining spaces, well-equipped event venues, and world-class hospitality. You can have a comfortable stay here in a calm environment away from the city's chaos yet witness the traditional style in which the local fishing communities celebrate the festival. So, for a festive escape that combines spirituality with relaxation, look no further than The Retreat Mumbai!
Conclusion
Bookmark this guide to the local darshan spots and temples near Madh Island if you are planning a trip to Mumbai this Navratri 2026. Get in touch with The Retreat, Madh Island, to book a room now!
FAQs
- What are the Navratri dates in 2026?
Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, October 11 and concludes on Monday, October 19, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20.
- Is Madh Island a good base for a Mumbai getaway in Navratri?
Resorts in Madh Island like The Retreat Hotel & Convention Centre can be an excellent base for a Mumbai getaway in Navratri as they let you combine spirituality with relaxation. Madh Island is home to many local Devi temples which provide peaceful darshan experiences. Besides, the nearby darshan spots across the city's western suburbs are also easily reachable from here.
- Which temples can I visit near Madh Island during Navratri?
You can visit Shri Harbadevi Mandir, Hiradevi Temple, Probhat Kaali Baadi, Santoshi Mata Mandir, and Daya Mata Mandir on Madh Island. Additionally, you may also cover temples in the neighbouring suburbs including Hingla Devi Temple in Versova, Shri Ambabai Devasthan in Goregaon, Jogeshwari Mata Temple in Jogeshwari, and Maa Vaishno Devi Divya Dham in Malad.
- What is the best time to visit temples for darshan during Navratri?
The timings may vary from one temple to another. While planning your Navratri darshan, you must check the temple's timings online or confirm locally before you visit any spot. Early mornings are typically the best time for darshan if you want to avoid the crowds in the later hours.
