Hanging Gardens

Perched on a hilltop and blessed with scenic serenity is the attractive Hanging Gardens park. This manicured and terraced park is a place to escape the bustle of Mumbai’s city streets and relax in natural surroundings. At the Hanging Gardens admire colorful flower displays, topiary art and impressive coastal views. The park is also called Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens and one section of plantings spells out the initials.

Major highlights of the park are the animal-shaped trees and hedges. Spot elephants, giraffes, horses and a topiary man herding cattle, among other representations. Check out the pristine flowers, which include multicolored rose bushes. Watch for brightly colored birds and butterflies.

Sit on a bench and watch as locals meet to walk and jog around the park’s paths. Join them for some exercise or simply bask in the opportunity to relax away from the busy streets. Marvel at the views across the Arabian Sea and down to the animated Chowpatty Beach. Visit in the evening to witness eye-catching sunsets and see the topiary take on shadowy mystique as the park becomes illuminated by solar-powered streetlamps.

Located in the Malabar Hill district, the Hanging Gardens is about a 15-minute drive from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. Catch an affordable tuk-tuk or taxi to reach the site. Public buses also stop nearby. Energetic visitors might want to walk or follow a jogging path along Marine Drive, a palm-lined coastal boulevard that links Nariman Point with Malabar Hill.

Find other interesting attractions nearby. Kids will have fun exploring the giant Old Woman’s Shoe at Kamla Nehru Park. Visit Banganga Tank, a 12th-century sacred pool set amid the Walkeshwar Temple complex. Mingle with locals at Chowpatty Beach and sample a bhel puri, a spicy Indian snack made with puffed rice, vegetables and tamarind sauce.

The Hanging Gardens park is open daily and admission is free. Arrive in the morning to avoid large crowds or in the evening to elude the hot midday sun.