About Above The Habitat
Above The Habitat is an intimate multi-arts performance space on Bandra’s 3rd Road in Khar West, Mumbai. It occupies the 4th floor of the Hotel Unicontinental (Townhouse Khar), adjacent to the Khar Railway Station (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Launched by the team behind The Habitat (formerly called Tuning Fork), this new venue is “purely dedicated to the performing arts, open mic nights and music gigs” (lbb.in ). The club is wired with pro audio/video equipment — for example, its tech spec lists a 32-channel mixer and on-site multi-track recording capabilities for capturing live shows (indiehabitat.com ). Seating capacity is roughly 160 in theatre-style (or about 140 by some accounts) and up to 250 standing; another report describes it as a “140-seater” hall (indiehabitat.com ) (lbb.in ). In Mumbai’s current live-music scene (hollowed out by recent closures of larger clubs), a mid-sized venue like Above The Habitat plays an outsized role (qz.com ).
Events and Programming
Above The Habitat’s schedule is eclectic, reflecting the venue’s live-focus. The space hosts stand-up comedy and open-mic nights most weeks, as well as theatrical, improv and spoken-word performances. Music events run the gamut from solo acoustic sets to full-band gigs (early on, indie-rock groups like Daira and The Lightyears Explode even played launch shows here) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, programming mirrors The Habitat’s format: nightly comedy lineups (Hindi/English) around ₹300 on weekdays or ₹500 for headline weekend shows (www.ticketfairy.com ), along with recurring theme nights. Big-name comedians occasionally appear upstairs (cards have included Vipul Goyal and Abhishek Upmanyu), and the venue continually introduces new themes and languages to its comedy roster (www.ticketfairy.com ) (wanderlog.com ). The official description stresses its “140-seater venue for performing arts, open mic nights, and music gigs” (wanderlog.com ), embodying Mumbai’s indie scene by blending comedy, music, poetry and film under one roof (indiehabitat.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Because Above The Habitat is a small, in-demand space, advance planning is recommended. Tickets to events are usually sold online or via the venue’s official channels as soon as shows are announced (www.ticketfairy.com ). Popular gigs often sell out, so it’s best to watch the venue’s social-media or mailing-list announcements. In general there is no guarantee of walk-up entry: shows typically require advance purchase. Occasionally a handful of tickets may be held for door sales or special promotions at the venue (www.ticketfairy.com ), but one should not rely on tickets being available at the door. Typical comedy ticket prices range around ₹300 for mid-week shows and ₹500 for weekends (www.ticketfairy.com ), with higher rates for major headliners.
Seating and Layout
The venue is one open hall roughly 60×32 feet (including stage and bar) (indiehabitat.com ), with a low (18-inch) raised stage at one end (indiehabitat.com ). Seating is flexible: a theatre-style arrangement of chairs (up to about 160 seats) is used for many shows (indiehabitat.com ), but the floor can also be cleared for general admission crowds (up to ~250) when the chairs are removed. Front-center seats give the clearest view, given the stage height. The sound system — two QSC K12.2 speakers up front plus subwoofers — is very powerful (indiehabitat.com ), so even the rear or side areas hear the performance clearly. As a tip, the middle of the room (rather than directly against the walls or speakers) tends to get the most balanced audio-visual experience.
Getting There and Parking
Above The Habitat’s exact address is 4th Floor of Hotel Unicontinental (Townhouse Khar), 3rd Road, Khar West, Mumbai 400052 (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). It’s directly adjacent to Khar Railway Station on the Western Line of Mumbai’s suburban train network, making trains the easiest access. From the station, the venue is just a short walk along 3rd Road. Other options include local buses and auto-rickshaws on the major roads nearby. For drivers, street parking in Bandra/Khar can be scarce; if you must drive, look for metered parking or a paid lot in the area. Rideshare or app cabs can drop you at the venue entrance on 3rd Road. During late-night hours (past local train service), plan to take a taxi or ride-hail, as suburban trains stop around midnight.
Inside the Venue
On arrival, guests typically check tickets at the entrance and security may briefly screen bags. Inside, expect a casual club atmosphere: dim stage lighting, booth or table seating off to the side, and a friendly crowd. Above The Habitat does not emphasize food menus — instead many shows allow BYOB (bring-your-own-beverage) as part of the relaxed policy (lbb.in ). A small bar serves beer/wine, but most people arrive ready to enjoy the acts. A smoking terrace is provided outside; indoor smoking is not permitted (indiehabitat.com ). Restrooms are available in the lobby area. There’s no open public Wi-Fi advertised, so use your mobile data. Overall, the mood is very laid-back and participatory — after all, the whole point is to be “a habitat for performers” and audiences alike (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Nearby Amenities
The area around Above The Habitat (Khar West) is crowded with bars, restaurants and hotels. Strictly speaking, there’s nowhere to grab dinner inside the venue, but just steps away you’ll find plenty of options. For pre-show dining, popular spots include Out of the Blue (a trendy cafe) and Kuai Kitchen (Asian fusion) on 3rd Road (en.tripadvisor.com.hk ) (en.tripadvisor.com.hk ). There are also Italian/pizza places like Cafe Mangii (en.tripadvisor.com.hk ) and local snack joints nearby. Visitors often arrive early: the Linking Road corridor (a few blocks away) has many bars and cafes (e.g. Olive Bar & Kitchen, Raasta Bombay) for pre- or post-show drinks. The building itself is the Townhouse Khar hotel, which is convenient if you need to stay overnight. Note that Mumbai’s local trains end by midnight, so for late-night departures you’ll likely take a taxi or ride-hail back.
What Makes This Venue Special
Above The Habitat is more than just another club; it embodies Mumbai’s surviving independent arts scene. For one, it has one of the city’s only pro recording setups in a small club — stand-up specials and video shoots (e.g. Amazon Prime comedy releases) have been taped here (indiehabitat.com ). It also insists on being artist-friendly: local media note that the owners encourage performers to become stakeholders in the venue’s success (lbb.in ). Unlike a typical bar gig, Above The Habitat emphasizes the art — its own tag line calls it a “140-seater venue for performing arts, open mic nights, and music gigs” (wanderlog.com ), and its sister-location is famously “literally a habitat for performers” (www.ticketfairy.com ). Fans love the relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe, BYOB-friendly policy, and the chance to see big acts in a small setting. In sum, it’s a cornerstone of Bandra’s creative community and a marquee spot for Mumbai’s indie music and comedy circuit.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you need guidance, here are some quick pointers. Accessibility: The venue is on the fourth floor of a hotel building, which has an elevator, so it should be reachable without stairs. Arrival Time: Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before the posted showtime. Arriving early will help you get a good seat or clear spot, and time to order a drink. What to Bring: A printed or digital ticket and your ID. A small bag or purse is fine, but avoid large backpacks. Cash can be useful for any cover charges or tips, although credit cards are accepted for drinks. Food & Drink: Many shows allow BYOB (bring-your-own-beer/wine) (lbb.in ), so you may pack a small bottle. Otherwise plan to dine nearby or before you arrive. Photography: Casual phone pictures are normally fine if you don’t use flash or record entire sets — keep the focus on the performance. Age Policy: Check the event listing: most comedy nights are 18+ due to mature content, while some music or family-oriented shows may be all-ages. Clothing: There is no formal dress code — smart-casual or comfortable attire is recommended. Other: There is no coat check, so keep coats/backpacks with you. The crowd is friendly and creative, so feel free to mingle during intermissions or between sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating capacity of Above The Habitat?
Above The Habitat is relatively small: it can seat roughly 150–160 people in theatre-style seating. The management also lists it as a 140-seater space (with up to about 250 people standing). In practice, a full house tops out around 160 seated, so buy tickets early for popular shows.
What types of performances take place at Above The Habitat?
A wide variety of live acts happen here. Regular shows include stand-up comedy, open-mic nights, improv and storytelling. There are also live music events (from indie bands and acoustic acts to jazz or rock) and occasional theatrical or film performances. In short, anything from comedy and poetry to band gigs can be on the schedule.
How do I buy tickets or find upcoming events at Above The Habitat?
Tickets are usually sold through official channels when shows are announced. Keep an eye on Above The Habitat’s social media or website (or the organizers’ event pages) for sale dates. Popular shows often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. Listings may also appear on general Mumbai event sites, but checking the venue’s own updates is safest.
What are ticket prices like at Above The Habitat?
Prices vary by show, but as a rough guide comedy and small gig tickets are often around ₹200–₹300 on weekdays and ₹400–₹500 on weekend nights. High-profile headliners or special events can be more expensive (often ₹500 or higher). Always check the advertised price when booking. Some themed or open-mic nights may even be cheaper or have free admission.
Where is Above The Habitat located and how do I get there?
It’s on 3rd Road in Khar West (near the Khar railway station) — specifically, the venue is on the 4th floor of Hotel Unicontinental (Townhouse Khar). The easiest public transit is the Western Line; just take a suburban train to Khar Station and walk one block to 3rd Road. Buses from Bus Depot (Route 211, etc.) also stop in Khar. For cars, street parking is limited so rideshare or train is recommended.
Is there parking available at Above The Habitat?
Parking is quite limited in the Khar area. There is no dedicated free parking for guests; street parking is metered and often full. If you drive, plan to arrive early and pay for a nearby lot or multi-level garage. In practice, most people reach it by train, taxi or rideshare to avoid the parking hassle.
What is the nearest train station or bus route to Above The Habitat?
The nearest train stop is Khar Station on Mumbai’s Western Line — the venue is literally next door. From the station it’s just a couple-minute walk along Khar’s 3rd Road. City buses that run on Linking Road or SV Road also serve the general area, but most visitors simply use Khar station.
Should I arrive early for my show at Above The Habitat?
It’s a good idea. Doors often open 30–60 minutes before the scheduled showtime. Arriving early lets you get through the entry line, pick a seat (or a good standing spot), and grab a drink or a snack before it fills up. Late arrivals risk standing at the back if the place is busy. So plan to be there ahead of time for the best experience.
Is there a dress code at Above The Habitat?
No strict dress code is enforced. The venue is casual and crowds typically wear everyday attire. Many patrons wear smart-casual or comfortable clothes (jeans, shirts, etc.) to comedy and music shows. You’ll fit in wearing neat, breathable clothing—nothing too formal is needed. Most visitors prioritize comfort, especially if standing for a show.
Can I bring my own food or drink into Above The Habitat?
Many events at Above The Habitat have a BYOB (bring-your-own-drink) policy. In fact, one media writeup notes the venue “will not have focus on food and drinks” and welcomes BYOB for certain shows (lbb.in ). There’s only a small bar counter, so attendees often bring their own beer or wine. Note that no outside food is served, so it’s best to eat before arriving.
Are cameras or phones allowed during performances?
Basic cameras and smartphone photography are usually fine, as long as you don’t use flash or get up and walk around during the show. However, professional video cameras or recording equipment typically require permission from the performer. Always check the event description—some shows explicitly request no recording. In general, casual phone pictures (no flash) are acceptable and often taken by audience members.
Is Above The Habitat wheelchair accessible or have elevators?
Yes, the building (Hotel Unicontinental/Townhouse Khar) has an elevator to the 4th floor, so wheelchairs or strollers can reach the venue without stairs. The main event hall itself is on one level. It’s still a good idea to call ahead if you have special accessibility needs, but generally it is reachable without mobility barriers.
Can I smoke at Above The Habitat?
Smoking is not allowed inside the hall. However, Above The Habitat provides a designated outdoor smoking area. After a break or intermission, guests can step out to smoke just outside the venue entrance (indiehabitat.com ). Otherwise, indoor smoking is prohibited by Mumbai regulations.
Are children/minors allowed at Above The Habitat shows?
It depends on the event. Some music or family-friendly shows may allow teenagers or younger children, but most comedy nights are geared toward adults and often carry an 18+ advisory. Always check the age rating or disclaimers on the event listing. If in doubt, contact the venue before buying tickets for a minor.
Does Above The Habitat serve food or have a bar?
The focus is on performances, not dining. Above The Habitat has only a small bar area (beer, wine, simple cocktails) and no full kitchen, so you won’t get a meal there. Because of this, many attendees eat before the show or bring snacks. The ground-floor Habitat has a cafe menu, but upstairs it’s mostly drinks.
Are there restrooms or coat checks at Above The Habitat?
Yes, restrooms are available (one for men, one for women) near the entrance/lounge area. They are typically clean and not far from the seating. However, there is no coat check for this small venue, so if you have bulky items, keep them with you or stow them under your seat. Mumbai is warm year-round, so a coat check is usually not needed.
