Shantivan Gardens in Mumbai’s Malabar Hills to Reopen with 8000 New Plants
Shantivan Gardens, now called ‘The Nest,’ reopens this month with over 8000 new plants, enhancing biodiversity in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill.
Mumbai, India, Shantivan Gardens, The Nest, Urban Forest, Biodiversity
Malabar Hill: Shantivan Gardens is back and better than ever! It’s now called ‘The Nest’ and has undergone a major makeover. They’ve added over 8,000 new plants, focusing on native species to create a vibrant ecosystem.
During the renovation, they kept a 70:30 ratio of native to exotic plants. Now, the garden boasts over 350 plant species, with nearly 200 being native. Each plant is labeled, and you can even scan a QR code for more info. How cool is that?
The garden is divided into seven unique zones, like aromatic and medicinal areas, which not only boost biodiversity but also provide homes for various creatures. Since reopening, it’s become a hotspot for birds and butterflies, making it a lively place to visit.
At the center of ‘The Nest’ is a lovely gazebo surrounded by a stream and pathways made from stone crete, which even offers acupressure benefits. They’ve also added an amphitheater for events and upgraded sanitation facilities using repurposed wood.
Radha Goenka, the founder of The Heritage Project, emphasized how important urban spaces like this are for our ecosystem. ‘The Nest’ is a big step towards a greener, more resilient city for everyone.
This project is part of a larger Green Corridor initiative aimed at connecting green spaces along Mumbai’s coast. ‘The Nest’ is a shining example of how urban areas can be transformed into ecological gems.