Mumbai’s first treetop trail elevates the concept of sustainable urban planning

South Bombay comes with its many epithets: the upscale neighbourhood, the so-called snooty subculture, the alleged posher-than-thou attitude, to name just a few. Yet, with sunrise, the alter ego to this (mostly) misunderstood locale awakens before most of the world does. Morning joggers, walkers, and dog walkers, athletes, recent and retired couples, all frequent the verdant spaces of Malabar Hill for some form of urban respite. They know the unspoken truth: this is the true quiet luxury of their part of the city, away from the constant chaos in a concrete cosmopolis. Be it the sprawling Priyadarshini Park that offers the hottest sunset views with a side of cooling nariyal pani, or Kamala Nehru Park with its well maintained gamut of flowers, butterflies and even gazebos, this part of Mumbai is a thriving microcosm of greenery in itself. 

Hence, when the newly built Malabar Hill walkway opened, I was intrigued to see what it had to offer to my part of the city. Would it compete with the already beloved oases we had grown accustomed to? 

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE AND WHY

The 482 metre promenade spread across the 12-acre Malabar Hill forested area begins and ends at Siri Road in a unique loop-like structure. The brainchild of Rahul Kadri, Partner and Principal Architect at IMK Architects, this forest trail aims to (literally) bridge the gap between increased urbanisation and conservation, emerging as an endorser of sustainable tourism. Blessed with biodiversity, this trail is a conscious testament to the ongoing effort of preserving Malabar Hill’s delicate biomes that may be viewed as the last and long-standing green lungs of the megacity. 

STROLLING > SCROLLING

When I visited the walkway, first impressions did last. There are unfortunately no directional signs to guide visitors towards the trail, which remains well concealed behind Kamala Nehru Park. An odd twenty minutes later, I find myself opposite the Malabar Hill Club, which holds the entry to the walkway. It’s nearly 10 am now and the sun is playing its part all too well, but the locals barely notice. Beside me there are people from nearly every demographic. Two young girls in athleisure who’ve clearly visited to contemplate the fitness check of the trail, the grandmother who is beyond excited to see her city in a new avatar, college goers who are here for the gram, and more.

I head to purchase two tickets for my sister and I, but I’m met with an empty cabin as the registrations are now exclusively online. The security at the entrance immediately helps me at every step, ensuring the digital booking occurs smoothly and answering any queries along the way. It’s ₹25 for locals, while foreigners will have to pay ₹100. I receive a prompt confirmation of my registration via WhatsApp and I’m good to go. 

THE LONG AND WINDING WALK

Once you set foot on the spotless forest trail, it’s reminiscent of a Narnia-esque escape with its tall jamun trees, petrichor-like appeal, and aerial vantage point, all of which pose as welcome anomalies from the city’s trademark noise. I hear nothing but the sound of silence, elusive birds, and the gentle creak of the wooden pathway beneath my feet. Though well occupied, there’s a comfortable distance between me and the visitors around—a definite sign of the efficient crowd control on the management’s part. 

On my left, I’m alerted with a sign board that signals the possible presence of an Indian Cobra nearby. The highly venomous snake, it reads, has a “distinctive hood” which I’m eager, (read: apprehensive) to spot. On my right, the sound of a flock of parrots catches my attention, as they feed on the season’s freshly sprouted raw mangoes. A few steps ahead, the expansive Sita Ashok tree, renowned for its numerous Ayurvedic properties, makes an appearance. A far cry from Mumbai’s urban persona, the forest pathway is a quiet reminder of the forgotten aspects of the city that we do not just crave, but also ardently need. 

Venturing past Magpie robins, squirrels, parakeets, a nesting crow and even a camouflaging falcon, I forget my deadlines and greet serendipity along the way. The hand almost instinctively reaches for the camera, but the resounding peace that ensues from the nature-led walk prevents me from doing so. Something tells me that the solitude and ecological sanctity of this place must not be disturbed. Besides, even pictures that speak a thousand words would perhaps not do justice to communicate the experience of witnessing the calm in person, especially against its contrasting backdrop. 

The views are panoramic, with the Arabian Sea and Chowpatty beach playing main character, while the Queen’s necklace will make her cameo later in the day. Irony takes over the landscape with skyscrapers on one side and rocky facades on the other. I turn the semi-elliptic end of the trail and make my way back towards the entrance, with no particular awareness of the distance I’ve recreationally covered. 

WALK THE TALK

The experience was unique, uncharacteristic of Mumbai and a constructive step towards eco tourism. Even so, visitors may further benefit with a few local guides on site who may help in bird sightings or an audio guide that shares interesting trivia on the flora and fauna, to make the most of this noble initiative. The fixed signs explaining the species found nearby are exclusively in English, which might be challenging for those who speak other languages, as well as for international visitors from other cultures. Perhaps a QR code which directs visitors to an explainer page online would do the trick. However, the promenade itself is designed to be accessible including for the specially abled, with no steps along the way. 

The addition of a telescope would also make for a great viewing point post sunset, allowing for an al fresco sky observation point. This would further advocate and encourage Mumbaikars to embrace sustainability, with its displayed beauty and horizon acting as friendly reminders. 

A PATHBREAKING VENTURE

In a welcome change, the Malabar Hill forestway was made without deforestation, a feat worth screaming from atop its lush treetops. The project was a collaborative effort by the Nepean Sea Road Citizens' Forum (NRCF) and IMK Architects, with support from the JSW Foundation and funding from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

With sustainability assuming centrestage, the trail stands proud on cylindrical, epoxy-coated structural steel columns, carefully picked for their durability and ease of maintenance. Care was taken not to disturb any wildlife corridors present beneath the promenade and no major alterations were made to the drainage or groundwater systems. With minimised concrete use on the forest floor, visitors can enjoy the picturesque views of and from the walkway guilt-free.

“I have been walking this little stretch since childhood, but I reacquainted myself with the area during the first lockdown. My wife Shimul and I started exploring the neighbourhood, and one day, I climbed over the fence. That moment crystallised the idea of creating a trail through this enchanting portion of Malabar Hill, aiming to restore its neglected state,” explains Rahul Kadri of IMK Architects. "This project exemplifies how urban interventions can be designed with sensitivity to nature, enhancing citizen's experiences and contributing meaningfully to our sustainability goals.”

I return home, now back in the buzz of the city, grateful for this accessible experience and especially relieved knowing that the nature engulfing me did not pay the price for it.

All images: Rhea Mulani

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