- Located at the top of the Malabar hills in Mumbai.
- Built in 1952, in the honor of Kamala Nehru, the wife of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Total area the park spans – 4,000 square yards.
- Major attractions are the Old Woman’s Shoe and the Queens Necklace.
- Visiting hours – 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, on all days.
- Nearest railway station – Grant Road station.
- Take a cab or bus from the exteriors of the Grant Road railway station to reach the garden.
Few of the subtle locations of interest in Mumbai are its gardens. Located on the very top of the Malabar Hill, which offers an amazing panorama of the entire city skyline, there are perched two gardens – the Hanging Gardens and the Kamala Nehru Park. The Kamala Nehru Park was built in the year 1952, in the honor of the beloved wife of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and hence, the place was named after her – ‘Kamala Nehru’ Park. One of the odd things about this park, which is different from the others, is that since the initial construction the garden has not undergone much renovations and decorations. And yet, the goodies of the park that people used to love then continue to magnetize them till day. The park is built on a 4,000 square yards stretch of hill top land. One can also have a beautiful view of the majestic Arabian Sea.
The Make Up
From the external look of it, the park will seem a ruin, since it hasn’t been much renovated after the first touch. But, just enter inside. Pt. Nehru loved children a lot, and so did his wife, in the name of whom the garden had been set up. Hence, the whole theme of the garden is realized keeping kids in mind. There is a good deal of play area for the children in the Kamala Nehru Park in Mumbai. Children can play here with their parents and friend while the elders can have other picnic activities in the lawn area of the park. Apart from the play ground, there are games and play props for children, static rides like see- saw and slides.
The Kamala Nehru Park in Mumbai promises children a great fun- filled time. There are benches provided in the park to rest . In case you are wondering, the park is not devoid of the green lawns and colorful flowers. There are tunnel- shaped hedgerows at the entrance of every lawn in the park. Festooned in these hedges are flowers of different colors and fragrances.
What Magnetizes You Here?
The main attraction of the Kamala Nehru Park in Mumbai is the Old Woman’s Shoe or the Old Lady’s Shoe, which is a very old building. The structure is huge and in shape of a laced shoe, with a hut like shed on top of it. Hence, it is also called the boot house. The boot house has a staircase inside it, entrance of which is at the back of the foot of the shoe. This staircase leads to the top of the tower, which has a balcony from which one can peep down to his mates. Running up and down the stairs and around the shoe, and climbing up the shoe lace becomes the most exciting thing for children, when they visit the Kamala Nehru Park in Mumbai. Second attraction is the pavilion at the end of the park. You’re rich when you’re here, because this place is one of the richest areas of Mumbai.
Looking down from the porch that guards the park territory you can have a look of the Arabian Sea, boundaries of which seems a semi circle to your vision; just like a necklace. Hence, it is called the Queen’s Necklace – the most exotic reason of visiting the Kamala Nehru Park. At night, when the main road lamps are switched on, the semicircle is highlighted with golden lights. This, from the top of the hill, seems a bit smaller than it is, and looks just like the necklace of a queen, which has been studded with golden gems. Hence, the name – the Queen’s Necklace.
The Vicinity
The Hanging Gardens are just opposite to the Kamala Nehru Park. Going back down the hill, you come face to face with the Girgaon Beach, or the Chaupati – as it is locally addressed, the Babulnath Temple – one of the oldest and most believed in temples of the city, and the Oberoi Group of Hotels – one of Mumbai’s richest and most expensive hotels.
Okay, before you leave the garden, don’t miss the Chaat, sour and spicy delicacies, and the Munchies that are sold in the shops just outside the Kamala Nehru Park. You might not like them by the look, but you must try them once. Yummy!
- Must Read: Famous Parks and Gardens of Maharashtra
