The concrete streets of South Mumbai move at a relentless, exhausting pace. While Mumbai (or then, Bombay) was built over the years as a hub of commerce and finance, for decades, peaceful parks and gardens were built as in-city escapes. While today the public craves a space of quiet, the locals of Bombay continue to cherish decades-old green covers that house something that Mumbai craves. Elevated high above the traffic, a massive expanse of green defies the urban chaos. The Hanging Gardens or Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens offer an immediate shift in atmosphere. This is not just an ordinary park; it is a functional piece of city infrastructure disguised as a serene escape and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Hanging Gardens, Malabar Hill
Located directly on Ridge Road on Malabar Hill, opposite Kamala Nehru Park, The Hanging Gardens space holds a major structural secret. Built in 1881, the entire garden literally floats over a colossal reservoir. Originally, the park was built atop the city’s main water reservoir to protect the water from contamination by the nearby Parsi Tower of Silence. Nevertheless, this subterranean colonial tank actively continues to supply water to the surrounding southern neighbourhoods. And, it merges vital public utilities with its unique landscape design.
But have you ever wondered why the name is Hanging Gardens? They are named so because of their terraced structure built on the steep slopes of the Malabar Hills. Constructed on multi-level stone terraces that cascade down the hillside, the plants create a one-of-a-kind visual effect of being suspended in the air. In fact, the garden was also the site of one of the first films shot in India, a wrestling match between Pundalik Dada and Krishna Nhavi.
Engineering peace inside a park
The park continues to attract thousands every day with its lush greenery and British-era fountains. Walking through the serene pathways, the defining feature of the grounds quickly comes into focus. Iconic animal-shaped hedges trimmed meticulously line the routes. Moreover, these green topiaries have stood for decades, adding a playful, historic element to the layout. One can see the continued colonial influences in the neat stretch of lawns, curved fountains, and charming flower beds. Moreover, there are two clocks in the garden, one standing tall in Gothic Style and the other a marble sundial. This sundial demonstrates various interesting ways in which ancient humans calculated time according to the position of the sun. a
As late afternoon approaches, the light shifts and draws visitors looking to step away from their routines. You can take a quiet walk along the edges, go for a quick run, or sit alone on the grass to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. The interesting layout offers breathtaking views of the sea, which makes it one of the best sunset spots in the city. Additionally, owing to its height, one can also catch the iconic and marvellous city skyline.
Accessible quiet in a relentless metropolis
As the local saying goes, this is “one of those rare places where Mumbai actually slows down.” It is a go-to escape for families looking to take their kids to the outdoors, featuring a playground, a maze, and even a pond with a variety of colourful fish and turtles. Reaching the area is straightforward, requiring only a short taxi ride from the Grant Road railway station. The gates open for early risers from 6 AM to 10 AM and reopen in the evening from 4 PM to 7:30 PM. With no entry fee, it remains an accessible daily sanctuary. However, if you want to visit the newly added elevated nature trail next to it, there is a minimal entry fee of ₹25/- for Indian citizens and ₹100/- for foreign tourists. In a city that never stops, this is where you finally can take a pause.
Key Information
🕒 5 AM to 9 PM
💸Free Entry
📍Ridge Rd, Simla Nagar, Malabar Hill
