Elevated forest pathway in Malabar Hill introduces nature to the urban atmosphere of Mumbai
In the bustling city of Mumbai, a unique green oasis has emerged, offering a tranquil retreat from the concrete environment. The Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail, a 482-750 meter long elevated wooden walkway, has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Championed by Aaditya Thackeray, the local government's tourism and environment minister at the time, the project was designed by Rahul Kadri of IMK Architects. The trail was proposed as a pro bono project during the first Covid lockdown and has since become a successful architectural project.
Historically, the 12.5-acre forest area had become neglected and degraded by the 1990s, suffering misuse including acting as a dumping ground and site for drug and liquor activity. Originally a lush tropical forest, the space was sealed off by local authorities until revitalization through this project.
The trail, which was inaugurated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in March 2025, follows the path of older ground-level trails to minimize disturbance to the forest floor and surrounding wildlife. It is built using timber decking and epoxy-coated steel supports, allowing visitors to observe more than 100 native tree species and spot birds such as kingfishers and parakeets while enjoying panoramic views of Mumbai’s coastline and Girgaon Chowpatty Beach.
The trail's lighting is designed to avoid spilling light into the forest, and the timber used for the trail is sustainably grown Indonesian Teak from Kerala, which requires annual oiling. The trail does not have a glass-bottomed observation deck or make a complete loop, as these features were deemed too expensive and potentially disturbing to the forest floor.
The Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail is ticketed for entry, with Indians paying 25 rupees (£0.21) and foreigners paying 100 rupees (£0.85) for a one-hour slot. The trail allows entry for 200 people at a time, and tickets must be booked at least a week in advance due to its popularity.
The project received support from the Nepeansea Road Citizens' Forum and leading steel manufacturer JSW Steel. The trail has sparked interest in creating more access to green spaces and conserving living ecosystems in the city. In fact, the local government is considering creating similar nature trails in other locations, including a 75-acre forest in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a testament to the value of nature and its integration into design. It offers unique views of Mumbai's Girgaon Chowpatty Beach, the city coastline, and the Arabian Sea, and it contributes significantly to Mumbai’s green spaces by protecting the forest ecosystem, enhancing public access to nature, promoting urban biodiversity, and offering a tranquil retreat from the city’s dense concrete environment.
To learn more about the Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail and to book your visit, please visit naturetrail.mcgm.gov.in. The trail is one of a kind, emphasizing the importance of preserving and showcasing our city's remaining natural ecosystems.
This unique green retreat, the Malabar Hill Elevated Nature Trail, not only serves as a popular tourist destination but also promotes sustainable living by integrating environmental-science principles into its design, such as the use of sustainably-grown Indonesian Teak for its construction. Furthermore, its existence encourages a lifestyle that values home-and-garden spaces, as more green spaces are being considered for cities across Mumbai.
