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History
It is said that the prominent Keyi family of Northern Malabar in Kerala owned many areas in Mumbai, including the area which is now known as Malabar Hill and some portions in Chowpatti beach area. They had trade links with Portuguese, British and French, but when British started creating issues for their business benefits they made a truce with the British and donated the entire area to the English East India Company. Thus, the area became English east India Company's property.
Tourist Destination
Malabar Hill is famous for Mumbai's top tourist destinations including Walkeshwar temple constructed by the Silhara Kings. The area also houses the Banganga tank whih is believed to have sacred and holiest water of holy river Ganga. There many temples, samadhis and pilgrim centers here. The wooden pole in the centre of the tank is said to be the center of the earth. According to legends, Lord Rama pierced the earth with his arrow when he felt thirsty when he reached here. The place is also famous for the annual Banganga music festival. You can also pay a visit to the Hanging gardens which is a perfect destination for a stroll. The visitors also get the best view of the Kamala Nehru Park, Marine Drive and Chowpatti Beach from Malabar Hills.
Residential Hub
Here, Mountstuart Elphinstone, who served as the governor of Mumbai from 1819 to 1827, constructed the first bungalow. Now, Malabar Hills has become one of the posh localities in Mumbai. It is home to plenty of business tycoons and film personalities and also houses the official residence of the governor and the Chief Minister. The houses in Malabar Hills are one of the most expensive ones in the world as the location provides an unhindered view of Back Bay, Girgaum Chaupathi and Nariman Point. The Malabar House also has a residence of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan though it is not open to public due to property disputes.
Samadhis
Malabar House has a cremation ground located adjacent to the sea. This cremation ground is home to the Samadhi shrines of several saints. The most prominent among is of the Samadhi shrine of the guru of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and his devoted disciple Shri Ranjit Maharaj. Once you climb the steps of Malabar Hills, you find the popular temple of the Tirthankara, Adinath. Constructed lavishly, its walls are attractive and bright and the floors of this temple are made of black marble.
There are plenty of tourist destinations in Malabar Hills. Hope this article familiarizes you with the place and the wonders that are in store.