Jijamata Udyaan

Formerly known as the Victoria gardens, the Jijamata Udyaan is one of the oldest parks in the city. The garden’s walking path weaves itself through small nature-themed parks and a zoo, and is filled with trees that can be found all around Mumbai. While some of these trees are native to India, many have travelled from across the world. An impressive example are the massive 2000 year old Baobab trees, native to Africa, that welcome you at the gate. Or the many types of Eucalyptus trees that were brought to the city from the southern hemisphere by the British. 

Even if you know very little about trees or plants, there’s plenty to admire – like the massive Banyan trees that form a woven canopy near the aviary exhibit. Or the Noni fruit and Breadfruit plants that are native to India, but are unlikely to be seen anywhere else in an urban landscape. 

Take a pause at the Japanese garden which has seating by a small stream. You can’t really carry food inside the park, but there is a small canteen where you can get a snack. If it all gets too hot, you can always walk in and visit the Humboldt Penguins who are placed in a sub zero degree exhibit (heads up, this one’s popular). Or exit the gardens to go visit the Bhau Daji Lad Museum that has some stellar artworks and handicrafts from all across the country.

If you want to visit the park when it’s quiet and don’t mind missing the zoo or the museum, it opens only on Sundays from 6am to 8.30 am before shutting for an hour before regular hours.