02-05-2025
I Walked Mumbai's Malabar Hill Walkway, So You Don't Have To (But Probably Should)
We know Mumbai as a concrete jungle.
But recently, authorities decided to cut through this jungle to make space for a real one.
🌳 A 'Elevated Nature Trail', inspired by Singapore's 'Tree Top Walk,' has been developed amidst the lush greenery of Kamla Nehru Park and Firozeshah Mehta Garden at Malabar Hill in Mumbai. 🌿
🌲 This 'Elevated Nature Trail' is now open to the public, offering Mumbaikar a…
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) March 30, 2025
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently inaugurated an elevated nature trail at Malabar Hill in South Mumbai to showcase the city's lush green cover. Inspired by similar walkways in Singapore, this roughly 500-meter trail winds through Malabar Hill, home to a variety of birds and reptiles that offer a glimpse into nature's beauty. It's the BMC's attempt to add to Mumbai's list of touristy spots—and honestly, it's a pretty neat addition.
Tbh, social media made me do it. With several reels making their way to my feed, I was mesmerised by the beautiful wooden bridge disappearing amidst all the green, which I haven't seen in Mumbai. So naturally, I dragged my friends along with me to see what the hype was all about. Here's how it went.
Getting tickets is a breeze.
Unlike most places in the city, there's no fear of long lines here. The BMC has a dedicated online system for the Malabar Hill Walkway tickets, which are super cheap – just ₹25! A friend dug deeper and found the website link (this link here), and we got our tickets in less than five minutes. There were multiple time slots to choose from, and after much deliberation, we decided to ditch the crowd and go in super early at 6 a.m. Also, the site allows you to book tickets for up to 15 days in advance. We love a flexible queen.
It isn't the easiest place to reach.
Kanksha Raina
Since the trail is located all the way in South Mumbai, It's best to leave well in advance. After getting off at Charni Road station from the Western local line (you can also get off at Grant Road), it took us about 15 minutes by cab to find the entry point. There are no clear signs or boards marking the walkway entrance—but the kind folks at the bus depot are always willing to help. The easiest way? Just ask your cab driver to take you to Kamala Nehru Park—the entrance is about 150 m before it.
The wait time can be a bit of a hassle.
The BMC has capped the number of visitors at 200 per slot to avoid turning the trail into a local train. But the check-in process isn't exactly seamless. We had booked the 6 a.m. slot but arrived at 7 a.m.—and were still allowed in. As the crowd grew, people became increasingly impatient, which only gets worse in the Bombay heat. So, a little prep and patience go a long way.
The actual space is small, but pretty damn cool.
The moment we stepped onto the trail, it felt like we'd been transported to a quieter, calmer space—almost like walking through a hill station.
Though we were told that we had an hour to walk around, we didn't have anyone tell us we needed to leave. We took our time soaking in the scenery: tall trees, chirping birds (mostly crows, but hey, it counts), and a view of Girgaon Chaupatty on the other side. The forest's shade was such a welcome break from the heat. Maybe it was the early morning time slot, but all the visitors maintained silence, which was honestly refreshing in a city that thrives on noise and chaos.
Though we didn't spot much—just heard a bird that definitely wasn't a crow or a parrot—it was still a refreshing change from the usual Mumbai darshan. The website does say that guided tours are provided, but we didn't feel the need for it. In case you do, you can speak to someone at their ticketing counter.
You might run into influencers.
We didn't bump into any familiar faces, but I was ~influenced~ into visiting the means there will be a person with a camera to their face saying, 'hey guys', to their audience. It can be distracting, but in true Mumbai fashion, we just pretend we don't see it.
It's still Mumbai, after all.
Kanksha Raina
Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the trail was that it really didn't let us forget we were in Mumbai. Skyscrapers, construction equipment, and dilapidated buildings loomed on the other side, almost making it feel like we were at a childrens' park, walking up and down a toy bridge. But despite that, the BMC's attempt to create a green space in the middle of the city is pretty cool—and for that, it gets a pass.
