Mumbai skyline from Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Asia

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Banganga Tank

Mumbai (Bombay)


Mumbai's most exclusive neighbourhood, Malabar Hill, at the northern end of Back Bay, surprisingly hides Mumbai’s most sacred oasis. Concealed between apartment blocks is Banganga Tank, a serene village enclave of holy temples, bathing pilgrims, meandering, traffic-free streets and picturesque old dharamsala (pilgrims’ rest houses). According to Hindu legend, Lord Ram created this tank by piercing the earth with his arrow.

For some of the best views of Chowpatty, about 600m east, and the graceful arc of Marine Dr, visit Kamala Nehru Park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mumbai (Bombay) attractions

3. Mani Bhavan

1.51 MILES

As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The leader formulated his…

4. Girgaum Chowpatty

1.69 MILES

This city beach is a favourite evening spot for courting couples, families, political rallies and anyone out to enjoy what passes for fresh air. Evening…

6. Khotachiwadi

1.89 MILES

This storied wadi (hamlet), a heritage village nearly 180 years old, is clinging onto Mumbai life as it was before high-rises. A Christian enclave of…

7. Marine Dr

2.13 MILES

Built on reclaimed land in 1920 and a part of Mumbai's recently crowned Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles Unesco World Heritage Site, Marine Dr arcs…

8. Bombay Panjrapole

2.27 MILES

In the middle of bustling Bhuleshwar bazaar is, of all things, this shelter for 350 homeless cows. Ducks, parrots, rabbits, pigeons and other small birds…