Famous Parks & Gardens In Mumbai

February 13, 2023

It’s no shocker that the capital city of Maharashtra is one of the most visited cities of India. People love Mumbai for a number of reasons. The name itself now seems to be synonymous with vacation and enjoyment. From high end malls to great amusement parks, Mumbai has a lot to offer to its visitors. People usually have a misconception attached with Mumbai that it is a fast city and one cannot have a peaceful time here. Little do they know about the beautiful garden parks of Mumbai. These parks have everything a nature lover would want. If you are looking for someplace to have a peaceful time, given below are few of Mumbai’s best garden parks that you must check out.

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park

Shivaji Park, officially Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, is a public park situated in Dadar, Mumbai. It is the largest park in the island city. The park was established in 1925 by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, during British Rule. It was known as the Mahim Park until 1927, when it was renamed after the 17th century king of the region, Shivaji, at the behest of a municipal councilor, Avantika Gohkale. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation renamed the park from Shivaji Park to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park on 12 March 2020. This park houses a huge cricket ground that is used for legendary local matches. The same grounds are also used for football practices.

2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as SGNP, is an 87 km2 protected area in Mumbai. It was established in 1969 with its headquarters situated at Borivali. The 2400-year-old Kanheri caves, sculpted by monks out of the rocky basaltic cliffs, lie within the park. The rich flora and fauna of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park attract more than 2 million visitors every year. The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the park houses over 1,000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land, and water birds, 5,000 species of insects, and 40 species of mammals. In addition, the park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 150 species of butterflies, and a large variety of fish. Kadamba, teak, karanj, shisham, and species of acacia, ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton tree, and a number of other varieties of flowers.

3. Oval Maidan

Yet another haven for cricket lovers, this ground is named after its egg-like shape. Situated in South Mumbai, this precinct recently earned a UNESCO heritage tag given the stunning colonial structures that dot the area. Walk the grounds and look upwards at the 19th-century Rajabhai clock tower that was modelled after London’s Big Ben, the soaring spires of the Mumbai High Court and the many colourful art deco buildings.

4. Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park

The Hanging Garden in Mumbai are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill. It provides one of the most spectacular sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The plenty of visitors visit every day to keep the park and its surrounding abuzz with activity. It is also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Garden (PMG). The park was laid out in the year 1881 by Ulhas Ghapokar over the main Bombay reservoir line. The park is located right opposite Kamala Nehru Park, which is very popular with the children because of the huge shoe or boot house built within the garden premises. Kamala Nehru Park named after the first wife of the late Prime Minister of India, Sri Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Kamala Nehru Park also has a boot-shaped house where kids can play and a small open-air amphitheatre. Being said that, the park is the perfect spot to spend time with your kids or relax after a tiring tour of Mumbai. Tourists come here to enjoy the scenic views of the city, especially of the famed Marine Drive, and children love this place for its colourful themed park. If you stay until late evening, you will see the city at night glimmering along the horizon.

5. Priyadarshini Park

One of the best parks in Mumbai, it has become more of a community meeting place of sorts. The kids play on swings and slides while their parents take the opportunity to catch up. The senior citizens can be seen doing mild yoga or laughing it out at the numerous laughter clubs. Priyadarshini Park is on Napean Sea Road and overlooks the Arabian Sea. Visit here early in the morning to witness the magic of this refuge for the inhabitants of Mumbai. Also, Mumbaikars do not forget to visit here in the early monsoons to sit on its sea-facing end and seek a delight with the sound of soothing waves.

6. Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan

Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, also known as the Byculla Zoo and formerly Victoria Gardens, is a zoo and garden covering 50 acres located at Byculla, in the heart of Mumbai, India. It is the oldest public garden in Mumbai.[3] After Indian independence it was Named after Jijamata, the mother of Shivaji, the first Maratha emperor. The garden also houses the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, a staff building in Greco-Roman style erected in the memory of Lady Frere, an equestrian statue of King Edward VII of England made of black marble (originally installed near the University of Mumbai) known as Kala Ghoda and the David Sassoon clock tower.