Are you looking for a green escape in the bustling city of Mumbai? Do you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline? Do you want to see some unique and artistic creations made of plants and flowers? If your answer is yes, then you should definitely visit the Hanging Garden Mumbai, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The Hanging Garden Mumbai, also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, is a terrace garden located on Malabar Hill, the highest point in South Mumbai. The garden was built in 1881 by Pherozeshah Mehta, a famous political leader and activist, to cover the water reservoirs and prevent contamination. The garden was dedicated to him after his death in 1915.
The Hanging Garden Mumbai is a beautiful and serene place that offers a refreshing break from the noise and pollution of the city. The garden is famous for its animal-shaped hedges, flower clock, sundial, viewing gallery, and Kamala Nehru Park. The garden is open from 5 am to 9 pm every day and has no entry fee.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Hanging Garden Mumbai, including its history, attractions, timings, location, and tips. We will also tell you about the nearby places to shop and eat around the garden. So, read on and discover why the Hanging Garden Mumbai is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and art.
History of the Hanging Garden Mumbai
The Hanging Garden Mumbai has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. The garden was originally built to cover the water reservoirs that supplied water to the city. The reservoirs were located near the Tower of Silence, a place where the Parsis (a Zoroastrian community) disposed of their dead by exposing them to vultures. The garden was meant to prevent the contamination of the water by the corpses.
The garden was designed by Ulhas Ghapokar, a civil engineer who worked under Pherozeshah Mehta. Mehta was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and a champion of civil rights and social reforms. He was also known as the Lion of Bombay for his fiery speeches and fearless attitude. He played a key role in shaping the city’s infrastructure, education, and public health.
The garden was completed in 1881 and was named after Mehta after his death in 1915. The garden is also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens or Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. The garden is a tribute to his legacy and vision for the city.
Attractions of the Hanging Garden Mumbai
The Hanging Garden Mumbai is a delight for anyone who loves nature and art. The garden has several attractions that showcase the creativity and skill of the gardeners and sculptors. Here are some of the main attractions of the garden that you should not miss:
Animal-shaped hedges:
The most distinctive feature of the garden is its animal-shaped hedges that are made of plants and flowers. You can see various animals such as elephants, giraffes, camels, horses, lions, tigers, bears, rabbits, deer, etc. These hedges are meticulously trimmed and maintained by the gardeners. They are a favorite among children and adults alike.
Flower clock:
Another attraction of the garden is its flower clock that is made of colorful flowers. The clock is functional and shows the accurate time. It is surrounded by a circular hedge that has numbers on it. The clock is also decorated with lights that make it glow at night.
Sundial:
The garden also has a sundial that tells the time by using the shadow of a metal rod on a circular plate. The sundial has numbers and markings on it that indicate the hours and minutes. The sundial is an ancient device that was used before clocks were invented.
Viewing gallery:
The garden has a viewing gallery that offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline. You can see landmarks such as Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Nariman Point, etc. from here. The best time to visit the viewing gallery is during sunset when you can witness a spectacular sight of the sun dipping into the sea.
Kamala Nehru Park:
The garden is adjacent to Kamala Nehru Park, another popular tourist spot in Mumbai. Kamala Nehru Park is named after Kamala Nehru, the wife of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. The park has a giant shoe-shaped structure that is inspired by a nursery rhyme. The park also has slides, swings, fountains, lawns, etc.
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How to Visit the Hanging Garden Mumbai
The Hanging Garden Mumbai is easy to reach by different modes of transport. Here are some details on how to visit the garden:
By bus:
You can take bus number 108, 112, or 124 from Churchgate or CST railway station and get down at Kamala Nehru Park bus stop. The garden is a short walk from there.
By taxi:
You can hire a taxi from any part of the city and ask the driver to take you to the Hanging Garden Mumbai or Kamala Nehru Park. The fare will depend on the distance and traffic.
By train:
You can take a local train to Grant Road or Charni Road station and then take a taxi or a bus to the garden. The train fare will vary according to the class and zone.
By car:
You can drive your own car or rent a car from a car rental service and follow the directions to the garden. The garden has a parking lot where you can park your car for a nominal fee.
The Hanging Garden Mumbai is open from 5 am to 9 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the garden. However, you may have to pay a small fee for using the camera or the binoculars at the viewing gallery.
Here are some tips or suggestions for visiting the garden:
1. The best time to visit the garden is during the morning or evening when the weather is pleasant and the crowd is less.
2. You should carry a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and umbrella with you as the garden can get hot and sunny during the day.
3. You should avoid littering, plucking flowers, feeding animals, or damaging the hedges in the garden. You should respect the rules and regulations of the garden and keep it clean and green.
4. You should also visit the nearby attractions such as Kamala Nehru Park, Priyadarshini Park, Raj Bhavan, Walkeshwar Temple, etc. when you visit the garden.
Shopping and Dining around the Hanging Garden Mumbai
The Hanging Garden Mumbai is surrounded by some of the best places to shop and eat in Mumbai. Here are some of the options that you can explore around the garden:
Shopping: If you love shopping, you can visit some of the famous markets and malls near the garden. Some of them are:
Crawford Market: This is one of the oldest and largest markets in Mumbai that sells everything from fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, dry fruits, flowers, etc. to clothes, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, etc. The market is also known for its Gothic architecture and its pet section that sells exotic birds, animals, and fish.
Colaba Causeway: This is a popular street market that sells trendy clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, books, antiques, handicrafts, etc. at bargain prices. The market is also famous for its cafes, restaurants, pubs, and art galleries that cater to different tastes and budgets.
Phoenix Mall: This is one of the biggest and most luxurious malls in Mumbai that has a variety of brands, stores, outlets, cinemas, food courts, restaurants, bars, etc. The mall is a one-stop destination for shopping, entertainment, dining, and leisure.
Dining: If you are hungry after visiting the garden, you can find some of the best restaurants and eateries near the garden. Some of them are:
Cafe Mondegar: This is a legendary cafe that serves delicious continental, Indian, Chinese, and Parsi cuisine. The cafe is also known for its jukebox, murals by Mario Miranda, and lively atmosphere.
Shree Thaker Bhojanalay: This is a traditional Gujarati restaurant that serves unlimited thalis (platters) of vegetarian dishes such as rotis (flatbreads), dal (lentil soup), rice, sabzi (vegetable curry), kachori (fried snack), dhokla (steamed cake), etc. The restaurant is also known for its hospitality and cleanliness.
Bademiya: This is a famous street food stall that serves mouth-watering kebabs (grilled meat), rolls (wraps), biryanis (rice dishes), curries, etc. The stall is open till late night and attracts a huge crowd of locals and tourists.
If you want to stay longer or explore more around the garden, you can also book a hotel near the garden. There are many options available for different budgets and preferences. You can use this link to find and book your hotel online.
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The Hanging Garden Mumbai is a wonderful place to visit if you want to experience nature and art in Mumbai. The garden has many attractions that will amaze you with their beauty and creativity.
The garden also offers a splendid view of the sea and the city that will leave you spellbound. The garden is also close to many other places that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the Hanging Garden Mumbai today and discover why it is one of the best tourist spots in Mumbai.
