Red-light areas of Mumbai

Red light area — whether you call it red light districts or pleasure districts or lal bazaars, the names may differ but the place remains the same. These are parts of an urban area famous for prostitution, sex industry, and businesses like sex shops, strip clubs, adult theaters, etc. These areas are mainly known for female street prostitution.

Some big cities like Mumbai are even internationally known for their red-light areas — you can even find male prostitution and gay venues here. If you're wondering why women enter this line of work, the answer is usually economic hardship. Divorcees, housewives, and laborers often turn to sex work as a way to support their families.

Mumbai, a major city in India, includes brothel towns known for such activity. Kamathipura is one of Asia’s largest red-light districts with more than 5,000 workers, including men, women, and transgenders.

As Maharashtra’s capital, Mumbai has a population of over 18 million and several well-known red-light areas. Below are 10 of the most recognized ones:

Top 10 Prime Red-Light Areas in Mumbai

1. Kamathipura

   

   First settled in 1795, Kamathipura in South Mumbai is one of the oldest and largest red-light districts. Named after "Kamathis" (workers), it attracted migrants from all over the country.

2. Pila House

   

   Developed by the British in 1857 as an entertainment hub near Grant Road, it’s run mostly by Nepalese women and is also known as Play House.

3. Foras Road

   

   Known for kothewalis and mujras, this area attracts sex workers from Agra, Lucknow, and Bhopal. Beer bars and ladies bars are common.

4. Congress House

   

   A former hotbed for gangsters and politicians, famous for its late-night mujra shows, located off Lamington Road.

5. Malad

   

   Located in Western Mumbai, Malad has around 400 sex workers with lodges available on an hourly basis.

6. Mulund

   

   In northeast Mumbai, it's dubbed the mini Kamathipura with around 500 active workers.

7. Falkland Road

   

   Near Grant Road Station, known for cheap lodges and being a stopover for traveling businessmen.

8. Garib Nagar

   

   A hidden red-light district in northwest Mumbai known for prostitution and drug trades with workers from multiple countries.

9. Ghatkopar

   

   In eastern Mumbai, this area hosts up to 1500 workers and is often called the “prostitute lanes.”

10. Grant Road

    

    Located in Grant Road and known as Jamuna Mandi, it’s mostly populated by workers from South Karnataka.