The Hanging Gardens located in Malabar Hills, B G Khar Road, Mumbai is an ideal spot for tourists and picnickers due to the lovely sunset views of the Arabian Sea. It is also known as Ferozshah Mehta Gardens, named after barrister Pherozshah Mehta. These gardens are beautifully decorated with hedges in the shape of animals like elephants, horses, camels. It is called Hanging Gardens because of its location on the slope of a hill. It is one of the oldest Mumbai tourist attractions, rejuvenating the life of Mumbai.
Beauty with a purpose- The garden was made inorder to protect the city’s main reservoir from the pollution emerging from the nearby Parsi Tower of Silence. Because of the park, there is a balance in the atmosphere in the surrounding areas. Below the exquisite and splendid garden three underground water tanks are present. These tanks contain a huge capacity of 30 million gallons of water supply which are purified from the contamination and then sent to the city for further usage. The garden was established in 1880 and was later renovated in 1921.
Along with the stunning view of the Arabian Sea, one can also see a breath-taking sight of Marine Drive as well as entire South Mumbai right upto Cuffe Parade. The nearest railway station is Grant Road which is on the Western Railway lines.
At night the Queen’s Necklace is worth watching at this height. It is Marine Drive which looks like a glittering diamond necklace when all the street-lights are lit up.
“I visit this place quite frequently to keep myself and my mind away from the noise and crowds in Mumbai. I have been coming here for the past 7 years. It’s raining right now and this just the perfect place and time to enjoy the rains. I find eternal peace in this area which can never be found anywhere else in the world.”- Anita Gomes, 66, retired chemistry professor.
The surrounding attractive areas are the Jain temple, Banganga and Girgaon Chowpatty. It serves as an ideal getaway from the crowds of Mumbai because of its peace, calmness and lush greenery. Young children can enjoy themselves as the garden also has the “Old Woman’s Shoe” where they can play in it. It is a house in the shape of a shoe. It is mostly compared to the famous nursery rhyme-“There was an old woman who lived in a shoe”.
“I love playing here with my friends. The shoe in Hanging Gardens is where I enjoy the most. We can actually run inside and even play hide & seek. A nice view of Marine Drive can be seen from the top too. I also enjoy the cool breeze and click pictures whenever I come here with my friends and family.”- Ravindra Shetty, 12.
A striking flower clock and musical fountains can be noticeable in this area. The garden is well maintained and clean atmosphere is prevalent here throughout the year. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The temperature during summer can rise upto 42c and drop to 27c, while in the winters the maximum temperature is 26c which can fall further to 14c. It is full of colourful flowers, shady trees and lush green lawns. This is a perfect place where one can breathe fresh and pollution free air. It is open from Monday to Sunday between 5 am to 9 pm. Entry to the park is free to all throughout the year. At sunset, the waterfalls and fountains in the park are lit with colourful lights which are worth seeing.
“We met here for the first time 10 years ago. This place has been very memorable and special for us. Now, we are married, but still do take time out to visit this place to recreate the romance and breathe in the fresh air around us.”- Shantenu & Ratna Mehta, 39 & 43, Businessman & Homemaker.
The garden is situated 200 feet above sea level and covers an area of 32110 square yards.
“After a hectic weekend at work, I enjoy the peaceful weekend at Kamala Nehru Park and Pherozshah Mehta Park. Both these parks are so quiet and calm and make me feel relaxed and ready for another busy week ahead of me. I have been coming here for the past 3 years and always had an unforgettable experience.”- Shruti Gupta, 36, Banker.
The area is easily reachable by buses (bus number 108), trains or even by auto-rickshaws and taxis. A major landmark is the Kamala Nehru Park located directly opposite. It should’nt be difficult locating the place as the garden itself is a famous spot. One must surely visit this place atleast once while in Mumbai. There is a vast expanse of greenery and peace to be explored and discovered. Hanging Gardens is waiting for you!
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