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This park was an attempt by nature lovers to grow a forest in the middle of the city. A dumping ground back in the 80s, the 37-acre spot boasts of over 18,000 trees today, mostly indigenous to Mumbai. It’s built so city kids can interact with nature – you can book an educational tour seven days in advance on the special medicinal and spice plants inside this park.
And in case you don’t feel particularly social, or you didn’t think ahead, a solitary, peaceful stroll down the well laid paths is well worth your time too. Most of the trails end at the nursery, where you can buy flowering plants and medicinal herbs at a minimal cost. The ficus trail, though, leads one to the Mahim creek which is dotted by a lush mangrove forest, a vital ecosystem that keeps regions across Mumbai protected from floods.
The area has over the years grown into a nesting ground for migratory birds and is a treat for bird watchers from April to mid-October. You can also make time to visit straight when it opens in the morning – that’s when the butterfly garden earns its name, as more than fifty varieties flutter about during this time. Quite something to behold.
While there are no picnic benches inside the forest park, you can and are encouraged to bring your own picnic blanket and lay down to read a book, or even have a quick nap under the trees.