If you are looking for a green oasis in the bustling city of Mumbai, then you should definitely visit Kamala Nehru Park, a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline. Kamala Nehru Park is also known as the Hanging Gardens, as it consists of several terraced gardens with colorful flowers, plants, and animal-shaped hedges.
The park is named after Kamala Nehru, the wife of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and was built in 1952 on top of a water reservoir. The park covers an area of about 4 acres and has many attractions and features that will delight visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to visiting and enjoying Kamala Nehru Park, and help you plan your trip to this amazing place.
Things to Do at Kamala Nehru Park
There are plenty of things to do and see at Kamala Nehru Park, whether you want to relax, have fun, or learn something new. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy at the park:
Taking photos with the giant shoe structure: One of the most iconic and quirky attractions of the park is the giant shoe structure, which is inspired by a nursery rhyme and symbolizes the old woman who lived in a shoe. The shoe structure is made of stone and concrete and has a staircase that leads to the top, where you can get a panoramic view of the park and the city. The shoe structure is also a popular spot for children to play and climb, and for adults to take selfies and photos.
Exploring the hanging gardens complex: The main attraction of the park is the hanging gardens complex, which consists of several terraced gardens with colorful flowers, plants, and animal-shaped hedges. The gardens are designed in a geometric pattern and have a variety of flora and fauna, such as roses, jasmine, bougainvillea, hibiscus, palm trees, cacti, and birds. The gardens are also a great place to enjoy the fresh air, the greenery, and the fragrance of the flowers.
Climbing up the boot house: Another attraction that is similar to the shoe structure is the boot house, which is a replica of the shoe structure and offers a panoramic view of the park and the city. The boot house is located on the opposite side of the shoe structure and has a spiral staircase that leads to the top. The boot house is also a fun place for children to play and explore, and for adults to take photos and admire the view.
Relaxing at the rainbow amphitheater: If you want to take a break from walking and sightseeing, you can relax at the rainbow amphitheater, which is a circular seating area with a colorful canopy and a fountain in the center. The amphitheater is a peaceful and serene place to sit and enjoy the sound of the water and the breeze. The amphitheater is also a venue for cultural programs and events, such as music, dance, and drama performances, that take place occasionally at the park.
Walking through the pergola: Another place to enjoy the beauty of the park is the pergola, which is a shaded walkway with arches and pillars decorated with floral motifs. The pergola is a romantic and elegant place to stroll and admire the architecture and the design of the park. The pergola is also a good place to take photos and capture the charm of the park.
Listening to the echo gazebos: If you want to have some fun and entertainment, you can visit the echo gazebos, which are circular structures that amplify the sound of the visitors’ voices. The echo gazebos are a great place to test your vocal skills and hear your voice echo back to you. The echo gazebos are also a good place to have a conversation with your friends or family, or to make some new friends with other visitors.
Checking out the compass: If you want to learn something new and interesting, you can check out the compass, which is a large circular platform with a metal pointer that indicates the direction of the four cardinal points. The compass is a useful and educational tool that can help you navigate and orient yourself in the park and the city. The compass is also a cool and unique feature that adds to the appeal of the park.
Admiring the view gallery: One of the best things to do at the park is to admire the view gallery, which is a raised platform that overlooks the Arabian Sea and offers a stunning view of the Marine Drive, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Gateway of India. The view gallery is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to witness the beauty and the splendor of Mumbai from a different perspective. The view gallery is especially breathtaking during the sunset and the night, when the city lights up and sparkles like a jewel.
Snapping selfies with the minions selfie point: If you are a fan of the popular animated characters from the Despicable Me franchise, you will love the minions selfie point, which is a wall with paintings of the minions in different poses and expressions. The minions selfie point is a fun and cute place to take selfies and photos with your favorite characters and show your love for them. The minions selfie point is also a good place to express your creativity and personality by posing with the minions in different ways.
Learning about the history and culture of India at the Ashoka Stambha: If you want to learn more about the history and culture of India, you can visit the Ashoka Stambha, which is a replica of the pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and bears the emblem of the Indian flag. The Ashoka Stambha is a symbol of the ancient and glorious heritage of India and its values of peace, justice, and harmony. The Ashoka Stambha is also a source of pride and inspiration for the people of India and the visitors of the park.
Telling the time at the sundial clock: If you want to test your knowledge and skills, you can try telling the time at the sundial clock, which is a large circular structure with a metal rod that casts a shadow on the numbered dial. The sundial clock is an ancient and ingenious device that uses the position of the sun to measure the time of the day. The sundial clock is also a fascinating and curious feature that adds to the charm of the park.
How to Reach Kamala Nehru Park
There are different ways to reach Kamala Nehru Park, depending on your mode of transport and your location. Here are some of the options that you can choose from:
By public transport:
The easiest and cheapest way to reach the park is by public transport, such as train, bus, or metro. The nearest railway station to the park is Grant Road, which is about 3 km away. You can take a train to Grant Road from any part of the city and then take a bus, a taxi, or a rickshaw to the park. The bus numbers that go to the park are 108, 124, and 132. You can also take the metro to Mahalaxmi station, which is about 4 km away, and then take a bus, a taxi, or a rickshaw to the park. The metro line that goes to Mahalaxmi station is Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ).
By private vehicle:
If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the park and park your vehicle at the parking lot near the park. The parking fee is Rs. 20 per hour for cars and Rs. 10 per hour for two-wheelers. The park is well-connected by road and can be reached from different parts of the city. The main roads that lead to the park are Ridge Road, Nepean Sea Road, and Peddar Road. The park is about 20 km from the airport, 15 km from the railway station, and 10 km from the city center.
By taxi:
If you want to travel in comfort and convenience, you can take a taxi to the park from any part of the city. The taxi fare depends on the distance and the traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500. You can book a taxi online or offline, or hail one from the street. The taxi drivers are familiar with the park and can take you there without any hassle.
Best Time to Visit Kamala Nehru Park
The best time to visit Kamala Nehru Park is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and the flowers are in full bloom. The park is open throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid visiting the park during the summer (April to June) and the monsoon (July to September), as the temperature and humidity are high, and the rain can spoil your experience.
The park is also crowded during the weekends and holidays, so it is better to visit the park on weekdays and early mornings or evenings, when the park is less crowded and more peaceful. The park also hosts some special events and festivals during the year, such as flower shows, cultural programs, and concerts, which can add to your enjoyment and learning. You can check the park’s website or social media pages for the latest updates and announcements about these events.
Timing and Entry Fee
Kamala Nehru Park is open every day from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, except on Wednesdays, when it is closed for maintenance. The park does not charge any entry fee for the visitors, so you can enjoy the park for free. However, you need to follow some rules and regulations that are displayed at the entrance and throughout the park, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, avoiding littering, smoking, and drinking, and respecting the plants and animals. The park also has some facilities and amenities for the visitors, such as drinking water, toilets, benches, and security guards.
Attractions around Kamala Nehru Park
If you want to explore more of Mumbai after visiting Kamala Nehru Park, you will be glad to know that there are many attractions and places to visit in the vicinity of the park, such as:
Marine Drive:
Marine Drive is a 3.6 km long boulevard along the coast that is also known as the Queen’s Necklace for its sparkling night view. Marine Drive is a popular place for locals and tourists to walk, jog, cycle, or drive along the sea and enjoy the breeze, the sunset, and the skyline. Marine Drive is also lined with many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer a variety of cuisines and experiences.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link:
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a cable-stayed bridge that connects the suburbs of Bandra and Worli and offers a scenic drive over the sea. Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a marvel of engineering and architecture that reduces the travel time between the two areas from 60 minutes to 10 minutes. Bandra-Worli Sea Link is also a great place to admire the view of the sea, the city, and the bridge itself, especially at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights.
Gateway of India:
Gateway of India is a monumental arch that was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 and is a symbol of Mumbai’s colonial heritage. Gateway of India is a majestic and impressive structure that stands at the waterfront and welcomes visitors to the city. Gateway of India is also a hub of activity and entertainment, as it is surrounded by street vendors, performers, photographers, and boats that offer rides to the nearby Elephanta Caves and other islands.
Kanheri Caves:
Kanheri Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 1st century BCE and contain Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions. Kanheri Caves are located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is about 40 km from the park. Kanheri Caves are a treasure trove of art, culture, and history that showcase the evolution and diversity of Buddhism in India. Kanheri Caves are also a serene and tranquil place to meditate and appreciate the natural beauty of the park.
Global Vipassana Pagoda:
Global Vipassana Pagoda is a dome-shaped structure that houses the world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars and serves as a meditation center. Global Vipassana Pagoda is located in Gorai, which is about 50 km from the park. Global Vipassana Pagoda is a spiritual and architectural wonder that aims to spread the teachings and practice of Vipassana, a form of meditation that leads to inner peace and happiness. Global Vipassana Pagoda is also a place to learn about the life and legacy of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Kamala Nehru Park is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai, as it offers a blend of nature, culture, and entertainment. Kamala Nehru Park is a place where you can relax, have fun, and learn something new, while enjoying the stunning views of the sea and the city. Kamala Nehru Park is also a place where you can discover more of Mumbai and its attractions, as it is close to many other places of interest and importance. Kamala Nehru Park is a place that you should not miss when you are in Mumbai, as it will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. We hope that this article has helped you plan your visit to Kamala Nehru Park and that you have a great time there.
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