“South Mumbai’s ‘Sagar Upvan’, is a famous botanical garden, which is also known as ‘Bombay /Mumbai Port Trust (BPT / MPT)’ garden located at Colaba. It is the only green garden in the location rejuvenating life of people since last 17 years..”
Inside Sagar Upvan Botanical Garden
About 12 acres (46,000 square meter), Sagar Upvan was mere a Garbage dump yard in year around 2000 (17 Years now as of 2017). As Soon MPT took charge and planned to convert it to a green paradise. As soon the work was completed, Coloba residents cherished such a large space with lush greenery (See Pictures) welcoming varieties or birds inside this Botanical garden.
Sea facing natural heaven at Colaba Coastal now attracts humming sound of birds, cuckoos, crows, the rare seen regular Sparrow and many other birds. Early mornings are fresh with cool sea breeze entering the greenery with senior citizens seen walking, jogging, exercising and doing Yoga inside. A not very small nature heaven right adjacent to the hustle bustle and traffic jams of the very city called ‘Mumbai’.
Garden is open to public in early morning hours of 6:00 for all where one sees Locals, Kids and gradually tourists and couples too. First timers inside Sagar Upvan are keen reading the information labels all around written in English and Marathi language. As soon you enter, you will find the bliss as there are sacred banyan trees (Peepal), Mango plants, Coconut Trees, Blossoming Flowers in huge varieties and few Cactus to balance around the clean walking tracks and green lawns.
Entry gates are grilled with the MPT names in English and Marathi. Safe and secure for all age visitors as proper security personal always on duty. As soon you enter Sagar Upvan one see’s a Old standee which has rusty iron circular border with some icons with ‘Mumbai Port Trust’ written on it with a year 1873 as written below same. An iron bell hanging right below and the whole structure supported and erected on a concrete pillar talking about Mumbai Port Trust existence, Now also taking care of this Garden since last 17 years.
Tall trees that gives ample shade all the time to the green lawns with people seating and enjoying leisure time and also to kids jumping and rolling all around. At one of the locations inside garden is this circular concrete seating, idol for a group to seat and chit chat. People are also seen on lawn with their laptops below tree shades which looks like they having some relaxed time, grounding all the negative electro-magnetic waves from the machine.
Flora’s are awesome and an integral part of this garden. On the pathway is a big flower plant with Lavender coloured flowers in bunches and just opposite is another flower plant filled with yellow coloured blossoms. Many such floras and big trees all around the garden boundaries, No need to say monsoons makes people fall in love with this MPT botanical garden.
Iron fences are well placed for garden and visitors (Specially Small Children) security as Arabian sea is connected to same. A special enclosed section for plants is another attraction inside this garden. Those who loves plants and can identify them, may actually enjoy the section better. I love plants, but my understanding with its individual identity is not that par, But as always feel blessed when around such green blessing.
A Waste water treatment plant can also be seen here. An ideal example for school kids on how to treat wasted and used water again for some or other purpose.
Other Botanical Gardens and Institutes in Mumbai
To understand and explore more of such botanical gardens in city, You can refer Botanical garden institute in Mumbai. And another fascinating garden is located in byculla, famously known as Mumbai Zoo garden. You might also like to see Maharashtra Nature Park located at Sion Dharavi Area, which is another example of green garden converted from a garbage dump area.
Garden Restrictions Timings Fees Address Details
Rules and Restrictions
- Bringing in outside food and water is restricted inside sagar upvan.
- Drinking and Smoking not allowed.
- Outside vehicles or even small bicycle not allowed inside garden premise.
- Plucking flowers, plants or seasonal fruits as and when seem by kids or adults is restricted.
- Keep it very clean.
Entry Fees
Entry fees : Rs.2 for all age, Rs.10 Extra for Camera, Free for senior citizens.
Garden Public Timings
Remains open to public from Morning 6:00 Am to 11:00 Am and 4:30 Pm till 8:30 Pm in Evening.
Address
2, WG Union Road, Azad Nagar, Near Colaba Bus Station (Back Side Area), Colaba, Mumbai – 400005
Contact : +91-22-22019265.
Nearest Railway Station : Churchgate, CST for central railway route visitors.
Distance from Churchagte : 3.5 Kilometres, Time taken : 13 Minutes by car.
How to reach : Via Bus or Taxi from nearest railway station, Or via Private vehicle.
Parking : Outside Garden Available Road Side.
See Also : Joggers Park Bandra.
