India’s best rooftop bars to soak up the monsoon mood
As the nimbus clouds float in and fat droplets start to rain down, the monsoon is officially here. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t step out for a satisfying snifter. In fact, there are some amazing rooftop bars across India that maximise the monsoon magic, so you can enjoy the spellbinding vistas without getting drenched. Here are nine of the loveliest to put you on cloud nine… Bookmark them for the next rainy day.
Woo Bar
The beachfront W Goa at Vagator is a resort where you’ll likely meet globe-trotting trendsetters, multicultural mavens, and expat yogaphiles. And nowhere are conversations better than while nursing a drink at the glamorous Woobar on a moody monsoon evening.
30BB’s Rain Reco: 3 Wise Monks. Three rums — Captain Morgan, Bacardi, and Old Monk — with Martini Rosso, Triple Sec, with the added headiness of grapefruit and nutmeg. You’ll definitely wisen up to the fact that this is one potent pour!
Cirrus 9
That it’s named after high-flying clouds bodes well for a monsoon visit to this spectacular spot in one of Delhi’s most legendary neighborhoods. Get there early to enjoy the lush greens of the Delhi Golf Club and the historic reds of Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay late to soak in the vibe at this sizzling rooftop rendezvous with an eclectic menu of food, cocktails, and music.
30BB’s Rain Reco: The sharing cocktail called Emperor Yao’s Pleasure that’s served in a comforting teapot. Pandan-infused gin, pomegranate, lime, and Chinese five spice syrup.
Asilo
At the top of St Regis Mumbai, this centrally located space likes to say it’s the ‘entertainment epicenter of the city’. And it certainly wouldn’t be wrong. Asilo has set the bar high for debonair drunches and soigné soirées. Where tropical maximalism meets live saxophonists. And now, there’s one at the Westin Pune as well, with the same sophisticated vibe and great bar menu.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Cannela Amore. Tennessee whiskey, dry vermouth, amaretto, and the sexy smoke of cinnamon.
Kazé
Go 21 floors up to enjoy that 360-degree panoramic sight of Bengaluru by night. Its location at Skav 909 — the new corporate hub overlooking the city’s most renowned landmark, The Bangalore Club, is just right for Kazé’s cool clientele. Includes the almost-mandatory microbrewery for Bengaluru establishments, as well as a cocktail bar and lounge, which gets even better in the monsoon.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Rum Toast. Coffee-soaked toast, dark rum, hazelnuts, honey.
31 32
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat encourages you to live the high life at their spacious bar split across the 31st and 32nd floors. Oh-so-sensational, with live entertainment, cult cocktails and other premium pours.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Black Gold. Strong and intense with Ballantine’s Finest, brown cacao, homemade coffee liqueur, and vanilla bitters.
Al Di La
Pune abounds in al fresco spaces and charming rooftops. But the classiest has got to be this one at the Conrad. Italian bites complemented by some superbly crafted cocktails as you gaze out over a fairytale landscape. Like they say, it’s a real rooftop revelation.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Calmasutra, which they claim is an aphrodisiac! Vodka, citric acid, lime, rose, and betel leaves.
Dome
The best bird’s eye view of Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive and some cleverly crafted cocktails. The swish InterContinental Marine Drive is part of the Art Deco crescent recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage precinct. History and geography combine to create some superb chemistry.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Thai Chai. A hot toddy laced with lemongrass and several other spices, this one gets our rainy-day rave review.
Fat Pigeon
There’s no shortage of great party places in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills. But the incredible energy of Fat Pigeon is truly electric. Whether you’re swinging in the rain on the outdoor deck or tasting the thunder through those floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll still have a pigeon’s eye view of the city skyline.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Pearuna. Whisky muddled with fresh pears, fennel syrup and fresh lime.
Sangria
Udaipur is awash with wonderful rooftops, one better than the next. But this bar and lounge, with a splendid sweep of the Swaroop Sagar Lake from the terrace of Hotel Swaroop Vilas, is especially delightful in the rains.
30BB’s Rain Reco: Heritage. Whiskey, almond, fennel, smoked with clove.
Note: Aer at Four Seasons Mumbai and Over The Moon in Hyderabad are temporarily closed, so have not been included in this list.
