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Mumbai’s green getaways
Tucked away in Mumbai’s concrete jungle of high-rises and slums are some breathing spaces that add to the city’s charm. For many Mumbaikars, spending a few hours of leisure in these parks and gardens is routine. While open spaces such as the Oval Maidan and the Borivli national park are old fixtures and on every tourist’s itinerary, Mahakali Caves Road ALM garden and Priyadarshini Park are efforts by citizens to add open spaces to the megapolis. Priyanka Sharma lists six of the city’s popular gardens Sagar Upwan
(Mumbai Port Trust garden), Colaba Situated in the southern tip of south Mumbai, the 12-acre Sagar Upwan gives residents a respite from the concrete jungle.
The lush vegetation, an artificial hillock and the sea lapping at its boundary provides a perfect ambience to relax.
The garden has 360 species of medicinal, indigenous, exotic, flowering trees, including 150 varieties of plants. The All India Association of Industries has been maintaining the garden for seven years. Adults have to pay Rs2 entry fee while it’s free for children and senior citizens. “The garden is ideal for nature’s trail. Students visit it for an educational tour. It’s a delight for botanist and geologist. The place has something for everybody,” said Rupa Naik, executive director of All India Association of Industries. Oval Maidan Churchgate
The park has got its name from its oval shape.
One of the biggest open spaces in the city maintained by residents’ association, the grade-I heritage garden is owned by the state but is maintained by the Oval Cooperage Residents’ Association.
The 22-acre ground is crowded any time of the day and you can see youngsters playing on its cricket pitches and football ground. Some come to laze around and experience the garden’s urban heritage surrounded by many other heritage structures such as Churchgate and Bombay high court. “People from far-flung areas come to the garden to spend their leisure time,” said Neera Punj, convener of citizen’s group Citispace.
Rajabai Clock Tower on the University of Mumbai campus towers over the park.
Ferozeshah Mehta Garden
(Hanging Gardens), Malabar Hills Popularly known as Hanging Gardens, Ferozeshah Mehta Garden is on top of the Malabar Hill. The garden, spread over a reservoir, offers a spectacular view of south Mumbai’s Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea. Maintained by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation with help from residents, it is a hangout for both children and the elderly. “Our effort is not to add any innovative attraction. All we strive is to maintain the green space for people to spend their leisure time,” said Suhas Karwande, Deputy Municipal Corporation (Gardens). Watching the sun set here will make you come back to relish the same experience again.
And while you are at Hanging Gardens, the adjoining Kamla Nehru Park can be a bonus for you. Sanjay Gandhi National Park,
Borivli One of the few forests in the world situated within a metropolis, the park is a respite from Mumbai’s urban sprawl. You can spend an entire day here, taking in the serenity of its lakes, dense forests and the quiet Kanheri caves. Go on a safari, ride a toy train, go boating and trekking.
The park’s wildlife includes snakes, deer, antelope, leopards, around 250 species of birds and occasional visits by migratory birds. “With its huge expanse of flora and fauna, the national park is a heritage of biodiversity. There ought to be more effort to preserve it,” said environmentalist Rishi Aggarwal. Environmental groups conduct nature trails for people to explore the 104 km sq park. The park is open from 7.30 am to 6pm and the entry fee is Rs20. There are separate charges for tiger and lion safari, boat rides, toy train ride and visit to the caves.
Mahakali Caves Rd, ALM garden,
Andheri The 2.5-acre lush green space with tall trees and spread of flowers looks inviting.
Looking at the green oasis, it will be hard to believe that the area was a dump till members of Mahakali ALM trust converted it into a green space in 2001. The result is a garden full of flowers, tall coconut palm trees and play space for children.
The garden is also a venue for civic awareness programmes and yoga camps. “We try to make the place a green paradise and use the space to host civic awareness programmes for citizens,” said Vishwanath Shetty of the ALM trust.
Entry to the park is free.
Priyadarshini Park, Napean Sea Road
The combination of sports complex, lush lawns and the pebbled beach sets the park in the plush neighbourhood of Napean Sea Road apart from others.
Priyadarshini Park is a mini-sports complex by the sea. “The park combines nature and sport. The best feature is that the facilities are available in the vicinity of the residential area. There is no restriction for anyone. All that one needs to do it is to walk in,” said Susiieben Shah, general secretary of the park.
The 20-acre of the city’s treasured green lungs is a hub of fitness freaks and sports enthusiasts. You can make use of the garden’s walking and jogging tracks, tennis court, football ground, aerobics, basketball, gymnasium, a yoga centre and a 400-m eight-lane Olympic standard synthetic track.
Entry to the park is free and you don’t need a membership to avail of the facilities.
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