Malabar Hill Viewpoint

Overview

Malabar Hill is Mumbai's most affluent residential neighbourhood, perched on a forested ridge overlooking Back Bay and the Arabian Sea. The various viewpoints along its western edge offer sweeping vistas from Marine Drive to the harbour.

Highlights

• Chowpatty View: The classic elevated view looking down on Chowpatty Beach and along the sweep of Marine Drive.
• Heritage Mansions: The drive through Malabar Hill passes grand old Parsi and Hindu mansions set among mature trees.
• Tower of Silence: The Parsi dakhma (Tower of Silence) compound is set in dense forest on the hilltop — not open to non-Parsis but its surrounding gardens are peaceful.

History

Malabar Hill has been Mumbai's most prestigious address since the British colonial era, when governors and wealthy merchants built their estates on the breezy heights. The name derives from the Malabar pirates who once used the hill as a lookout point.

Visitor Tips

• Combine: Walk from Kamala Nehru Park to Hanging Gardens to Banganga Tank for a full Malabar Hill circuit.
• Jain Temple: The beautiful Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple on Ridge Road is worth a stop.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes at the viewpoint.