Malabar Hill

Lonely Planet review

Mumbai's most exclusive neighbourhood of sky-scratchers and private palaces, Malabar Hill is at the northern promontory of Back Bay and signifies the top rung for the city's social and economic climbers. Surprisingly, one of Mumbai's most sacred and tranquil oases lies concealed among apartment blocks at its southern tip.

Banganga Tank is a precinct of serene temples, bathing pilgrims, meandering, traffic-free streets and picturesque old dharamsalas (pilgrims rest houses). The wooden pole in the centre of the tank is the centre of the earth - according to legend Lord Ram created the tank by piercing the earth with his arrow. The classical music Banganga Festival is held here in January.

The lush and well-tended Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) on top of the hill are a pleasant but often crowded place for a stroll. For some of the best views of the Chowpatty Beach and the graceful arc of Marine Dr, be sure to visit the smaller Kamala Nehru Park, opposite. It's popular with coy courting couples and there's a two storey 'boot house' and colourful animal decorations that the kiddies might like.