5 Mumbai gardens that are perfect for a quiet break

Mumbai boasts of many beautiful and well-maintained gardens. So, leave behind the space-crunched brick and mortar houses and take a walk to a lush green udyaan.

You don’t need to always spend big bucks on an outing. One of the most affordable and enjoyable ways to unwind over a weekend is by taking a walk to a green patch, some where close to your residential area. Mumbai boasts of many beautiful and well-maintained gardens. So, leave behind the space-crunched brick and mortar houses and take a walk to a lush green udyaan.

Victoria Gardens
Rani Jijamata Udyaan is a well-laid out garden in the Byculla area. It was formerly called Victoria Gardens and you will find many people still referring to it by its old and more popular name. On its very entrance stands a huge clock tower, reminiscent of Italian Renaissance architecture. Spread over an area of 48 acres, the garden is known for its lush green landscapes. There is a botanical zoo here, which houses several species of animals and birds. You can also visit the Victoria and Bhau Daji Lad Museum.

Kamala Nehru Park
Perched on top of the Malabar Hills, Kamala Nehru Park is essentially a vantage point and presents a panoramic view of the city of Mumbai. Apart from the shoe-shaped structure, where many people climb and pose for pictures, this garden can also be a nice place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle, by being right in the middle of the city. Frequently visited by school children on picnics, Kamala Nehru Park is amongst the many favourite hangouts for kids.

Hanging Gardens
Just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park is the Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens. This was earlier called the Hanging Gardens. There are many varieties of flowers planted in a row apart from shrubs which are artistically trimmed in the shape of animals. Presenting a picturesque vista of the dazzling city, this terraced garden sprawls on the slope of the hill and looks ‘hanging’ or suspended. Thus, the famous name. Many Bollywood flicks have been filmed here in the past.

BPT Gardens
The Bombay Port Trust botanical gardens or the Sagar Upavan is located in Colaba abutting the sea shore. Close to the wholesale fish market of Sassoon Docks, this garden has tremendous botanical wealth. It is also a pleasant place for a morning jog and many people can be seen leisurely strolling there on the jogging tracks. However, you could also check out many different species of trees here.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is acclaimed to be a large and exclusive park, which is located at the city limits. Earlier called the Borivali National Park, this wildlife haven was initially intended to be a natural retreat outside Mumbai. During the monsoon, this place almost comes alive with birdsongs all around. And narrow rivulets run where dry pathways used to be. This unique ecosystem nestled in the park boasts of many birds, animals and flora. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is often dotted by students and families who find this an ideal locale for an educational tour.