Welcome to Mumbai's newest urban sanctuary—the Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail, a breathtaking escape that opened its doors in March 2025.​

If you've been searching for a peaceful retreat amid Mumbai's relentless hustle, this elevated walkway is your answer. Inspired by Singapore's iconic Tree Top Walk, this architectural marvel has quickly become the city's most sought-after green destination, attracting nearly 3 lakh visitors within its first few months.

A Hidden Forest Reborn: The Story Behind Mumbai's Elevated Walking Trail

For over 40 years, a forgotten 12.5-acre forest on Malabar Hill remained sealed from public access. During the 2020 lockdown, architect Rahul Kadri rediscovered this hidden gem and envisioned sharing its beauty with all Mumbaikars. Working pro bono with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Kadri designed an elevated walkway that preserves the forest's delicate ecosystem while offering visitors an immersive nature experience.​

Construction began in 2021, but building a sustainable structure on this ancient forest came with unique challenges. Since Malabar Hill is a designated silent zone, work could only proceed during limited hours. Every decision prioritized environmental conservation—from using wooden decks to minimize concrete usage, to positioning the walkway above ground to maintain natural water flow and protect wildlife habitats.​

After nearly four years of meticulous construction and an investment of ₹25 crore, the Malabar Hill elevated nature trail Mumbai finally welcomed its first visitors on March 30, 2025.​

What Makes the Malabar Hill Nature Walk Mumbai 2025 So Special?

An Architectural Wonder Above the Treetops

The Malabar Hill elevated walkway Mumbai stretches 485 meters in length and 2.4 meters in width, creating a winding wooden pathway through the dense forest. Starting from Siri Road behind Kamala Nehru Park, the trail loops through the forest, connecting visitors with nature in ways previously impossible in this concrete metropolis.​

The walkway rises between 2 to 10 meters above ground level, adapting to the forest's natural contours without disturbing the terrain below. This elevated design means you're literally walking among the treetops—eye-level with branches where birds perch and nest, offering perspectives few urban spaces can match.​

A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts

As you stroll along the Mumbai elevated walking trail, you'll encounter over 100 species of trees, including majestic Banyan trees, vibrant Gulmohar, fruit-bearing Jamun, Almond (Desi Badam), Mango, Coconut, and Jackfruit trees. The biodiversity here is remarkable for an urban setting.​

Birdwatchers rejoice—the trail attracts numerous avian species. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful Parakeets, melodious Bulbuls, swift Kingfishers, and occasionally, Black Kites soaring above. Early morning visitors report hearing a symphony of bird calls that transport them far from the city's chaos.​​

The forest floor below harbors small reptiles including lizards and pythons living in their natural habitat, though they're more shy than scary and rarely visible from the elevated path.​

The Stunning Sea Viewing Deck

Perhaps the most Instagram-worthy spot on the trail is the Sea Viewing Deck—a dedicated platform offering unobstructed panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, the famous Girgaon Chowpatty Beach, and the iconic Marine Drive coastline. Watching the sunset from this vantage point, with the city's "Queen's Necklace" lighting up below, creates a magical experience you won't forget.​

The Thrilling Glass-Bottom Viewing Deck

For adventure seekers, the trail features a glass-bottom observation deck that provides a bird's-eye view of the forest floor below. Walking on transparent glass with the forest canopy beneath your feet delivers an exhilarating sensation of floating above nature—definitely not for the faint-hearted but absolutely worth the experience.​

Eco-Friendly Design That Preserves Nature

Every aspect of the walkway's construction reflects environmental consciousness. The wooden deck uses sustainably sourced Indonesian Teak from Kerala that requires minimal maintenance—just an annual oiling. Minimal concrete usage ensures rainwater flows naturally down the hill slopes. Epoxy-coated V-shaped steel columns provide structural support without extensive ground disturbance.​

Even the lighting design is thoughtful—soft, warm LED fixtures embedded within the railings illuminate the path after dark without spilling light into the forest, protecting nocturnal wildlife from disruption.​

New Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail Mumbai Ticket Price & Entry Fees 2025

How Much Does It Cost?

The new Malabar Hill elevated nature trail Mumbai ticket price is incredibly affordable:

• ₹25 for Indian citizens​

• ₹100 for foreign nationals​

This nominal fee helps fund ongoing maintenance, security, and conservation efforts while keeping the experience accessible to all.

Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail Mumbai Timing Entry Fees 2025

The walkway operates daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM (some sources mention 9:00 PM). Visitors must book specific one-hour time slots in advance, with a maximum of 200 people allowed per slot to prevent overcrowding and preserve the serene atmosphere.​

The Complete Walking Experience

The trail is well-maintained with wooden railings on both sides for safety. Information panels along the route provide educational details about the local flora, fauna, and ecosystem. These boards transform your walk into a learning experience, especially valuable for children and school groups.​

At various points, benches offer comfortable rest spots. The path widens at intervals to accommodate viewing decks and seating zones without feeling cramped.​

Best Times to Visit

Early Morning (5:00-7:00 AM): The absolute best time for nature enthusiasts. Expect minimal crowds, active birdlife, cool temperatures, and beautiful sunrise views over the Arabian Sea. The forest comes alive with bird calls during these golden hours.​

Late Afternoon/Evening (5:00-8:00 PM): Perfect for sunset chasers. The setting sun paints the sky in brilliant hues, and the city lights begin twinkling below. Temperatures are pleasant, though these slots tend to be more crowded.​

Monsoon Season (June-September): The trail transforms into a lush, verdant paradise during Mumbai's rains. With over 1.81 lakh visitors during the 2025 monsoon season, it's clear that the rain doesn't deter nature lovers. The forest glows with fresh greenery, and the experience becomes even more magical—just remember to wear appropriate rain gear.​

Avoid midday slots during summer months as the heat can make the walk less enjoyable, despite the tree cover.​

Important Rules and Restrictions

To protect the ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, several rules apply:

• No outside food allowed—only water bottles are permitted to avoid attracting monkeys​

• No pets​

• No smoking or littering​

• No plastic bags​

• No commercial photography or videography without permission​

• CCTV surveillance throughout for safety​

• Children must be supervised at all times

These restrictions might seem strict, but they're essential for preserving this precious green space for future generations.

How to Reach Malabar Hill Nature Trail

By Local Train

The nearest railway station is Charni Road on the Western Line. From there:​

• Take a taxi/auto-rickshaw (approximately 15-20 minutes, 3-4 km)​

• Board a BEST bus heading toward Malabar Hill

By Bus

Several BEST buses serve the Malabar Hill area. Bus number 108 from CST/VT station goes directly to Kamala Nehru Park stop. Other routes include buses stopping near Hanging Gardens or Ridge Road.​

By Car/Taxi/Auto

The exact address is: Siri Road, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Mumbai 400006. Navigate to the lane behind Kamala Nehru Park. There's a small lane near Malabar Club—walk past the temple on the right until you reach the trail entrance.​

Parking can be challenging in this upscale residential area, so public transport is often more convenient.

Nearby Attractions: Make a Day of Your Visit

After your forest walk, explore these nearby attractions within walking distance:

Kamala Nehru Park (0.2 km)

Home to the famous "Old Woman's Shoe" playground from the Mother Goose nursery rhyme, this park offers beautiful gardens, sea views, and is perfect for families with children.​

Hanging Gardens/Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens (0.2 km)

Adjacent to the nature trail, these terraced gardens feature creative hedge sculptures shaped like animals, colorful flowerbeds, and stunning sunset views over the Arabian Sea.​

Walkeshwar Temple & Banganga Tank (0.8 km)

This ancient Hindu temple complex dates back to the 12th century and features a sacred freshwater tank fed by underground springs. According to legend, Lord Rama created the Banganga by shooting an arrow into the ground. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a must-visit.​

Girgaon Chowpatty Beach (2 km)

Mumbai's beloved beach is perfect for evening strolls, people-watching, and sampling famous street food like bhel puri, pav bhaji, and kulfi.​

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum (2.5 km)

Explore Mahatma Gandhi's Mumbai residence from 1917-1934, now a museum showcasing his life and India's independence movement.​

Visitor Reviews: The Real Experience

Feedback about the Malabar Hill nature walk Mumbai 2025 is overwhelmingly positive, though with some honest critiques:

The Positive:

• "Serene escape from Mumbai's chaos"​

• "Well-maintained and beautifully designed"​

• "Worth every rupee of the ₹25 ticket"​

• "Early morning visits are absolutely magical"​

• "Great for families, couples, and solo travelers"​

The Critiques:

• Advance booking can be challenging during peak times​

• One-hour time limit feels restrictive to some​

• City structures visible in some sections break the immersion​

• Limited shade in certain sections during hot afternoons​

• Influencers and photographers sometimes crowd popular spots​

Business tycoon Anand Mahindra praised the initiative, calling it a perfect example of bringing nature's beauty and serenity close to home without traveling far.​

Photography Tips for the Perfect Instagram Shot

While commercial photography requires permission, personal photography is welcomed. Here are tips for capturing the trail's beauty:

• Golden Hour is Golden: Early morning (6-7 AM) and late afternoon (5-6 PM) provide the best natural lighting

• Sea Viewing Deck: The most photogenic spot—arrive early before crowds gather

• Glass-Bottom Deck: Capture the unique perspective looking down through the glass

• Candid Bird Shots: Bring a camera with zoom capabilities for wildlife photography

• Vertical Compositions: Emphasize the height and forest layers with vertical framing

• Sunrise/Sunset: The Arabian Sea backdrop during golden hour creates stunning silhouettes

Remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking the walkway for extended photo sessions.

Final Thoughts: Why You Must Visit Mumbai's Green Jewel

Mumbai's new Malabar Hill elevated nature trail represents more than just another tourist attraction—it's a vision of what urban India can achieve when development and environmental preservation work in harmony. In a city notorious for its concrete sprawl and frenetic pace, this 485-meter wooden walkway offers something increasingly rare: genuine connection with nature.

Whether you're a Mumbaikar seeking weekend respite, a tourist exploring the city's diverse offerings, a photography enthusiast chasing golden-hour shots, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful spaces, the Malabar Hill nature walk Mumbai 2025 deserves a spot on your itinerary.

At just ₹25, it's one of the most affordable yet enriching experiences Mumbai offers. The BMC and architect Rahul Kadri have created something truly special—a hidden forest ecosystem now accessible to all, preserved for future generations, and designed with such care that walking through it feels like a privilege rather than just another activity.

Book your slot today, lace up comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera and water bottle, and prepare to discover a side of Mumbai few knew existed. The trees, birds, and breathtaking views await your visit.