If you are done laughing over the unintentional pun that the Britishers left behind, let’s move on to talk about Horniman Circle Gardens. A landmark people often use to navigate, it’s more than what meets the eye.
Horniman Circle, Mumbai, spans across two and a half acres of green in the art district of Kala Ghoda, Fort. It started building in the year 1821, the construction went on for 12 years. Today, it's one of the venues for the famous Kala Ghoda Festival and Ruhaniyat – a Sufi music festival.
The park is what comes to mind when all you want is solace from the madness of the city, especially if you work around this area. And when you are in the mood for a little pick-me-up after a day at work, the garden opens up to a whole new world of shopping and eating.
Where To Eat Here: Some of the restaurants that line the periphery are Starbucks, Oye Kake, Bademiya, Jimmy Boy, Bademiya Restaurant, and more!
Where To Shop: The area around the garden is also home to a selection of boutique stores and flagship locations. If you prefer to shop ultra-luxe, then the Hermes store is here. For electronics, there's a Croma store and for high-street fashion, the Zara Flagship location is just a five-minute walk away.
What To See: The Asiatic Library is a stone’s throw away from the gardens. You can go and sit on the step or chill inside.
The gardens have witnessed the city change over the years and have undergone landscape changes. It still has retained the old-world charm and couples it with modern elements, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Hours: The park itself is open from 10 AM to 8 PM. The restaurants and shops have their own timings which we suggest you check before heading on over. The time required to spend here differs as per the specific plan, but 1 to 2 hours are enough to spend in Horniman Circle Garden.
How To Reach: Located in Kala Ghoda in South Mumbai, the fastest way to commute here is via local trains. The closest railway station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station.