Malabar Hill closes the northern end of Back Bay. It is the city’s most exclusive address, but for visitors its interest lies in three places that have nothing to do with wealth.
On the ridge are the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, with the best free view of Marine Drive. On the far side, hidden among apartment towers, is Banganga Tank, a sacred pool whose origins go back to the 12th century. And at the foot of the hill in Gamdevi stands Mani Bhavan, where Gandhi lived and worked on his visits to Bombay between 1917 and 1934.
What to see and do: Malabar Hill, Banganga & Mani Bhavan
Visit Mani Bhavan
The two-storey house on Laburnum Road is now a small, moving museum: Gandhi’s room preserved with his spinning wheel and mattress, a library, photographs and a series of dioramas telling his life. It was from here that several of his campaigns were launched.
Walk around Banganga Tank
A long rectangle of water enclosed by stone steps, lamp pillars and small temples, with the Walkeshwar temple close by. Legend links it to Rama; the tank itself is attributed to a minister of the Silhara kings in 1127 and was rebuilt in the 18th century. It feels like a different century from the towers above it.
Take in the view
Kamala Nehru Park, opposite the Hanging Gardens, looks straight down on Chowpatty and the curve of Marine Drive — best in the hour before sunset. Children like the giant “Old Woman’s Shoe”.
How to get there
- By taxi: the simplest way to link the three; each hop is five to fifteen minutes.
- By train: Grant Road and Charni Road (Western line) are the nearest stations to Mani Bhavan, around 15 minutes’ walk.
- On a tour: most full-day city tours include Mani Bhavan and the Hanging Gardens.
Insider tips
- Banganga is a living religious site: dress modestly, remove shoes where asked and do not photograph people at prayer without asking.
- The Parsi Towers of Silence nearby are not open to visitors.
- Mani Bhavan is usually open daily; entry is free or by donation — check current hours.
- Go to the tank in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
Tours that include this stop
These guided experiences cover this place or combine easily with a visit:
Guided city tour by car from US$21 Mumbai: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Mumbai
The most-reviewed Mumbai tour on GetYourGuide and the easiest way to cover a spread-out city in one day. You travel by air-conditioned car between the big South Mumbai sights, with a driver-guide or a separate guide depending on the option you pick, and choose a shorter or longer version to suit your day.
- Gateway of India, CSMT and Marine Drive
- Dhobi Ghat, Mani Bhavan and Malabar Hill
- Air-conditioned car with a driver-guide or a dedicated guide
Guided walking tour from US$26 Mumbai: South Mumbai Guided Heritage Walking Tour
A three-hour walk through the oldest part of the city, taking in St Thomas’ Cathedral, the streets of Fort and Marine Drive, with a guide to explain how seven islands became Bombay.
- St Thomas’ Cathedral and the Fort district
- Marine Drive
- The city’s colonial and trading history
