When you think of the bustling city of Mumbai in Maharashtra, India, Bollywood, tall buildings, fast life and crowded trains come to my mind. But this megacity also has a few hidden gems that are of historical and spiritual significance. And prominent among them is Banganga Tank in the posh Malabar Hill area of south Mumbai. Locally known as just Banganga or Banganga Talav, it is a centuries-old rectangular water tank that has been built over a natural spring that constantly feeds it with fresh water. Steeped in legends, stretching all the way back to the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana, Banganga Tank was originally constructed in 1127 AD by a minister of the Silhara kingdom of Thane, Lakshman Prabhu, and again by the nearby Walkeshwar Temple in 1715. A number of temples, ashrams (Hindu hermitage) and dharamshalas (rest houses for pilgrims) have been developed around the tank. It is also an important place for Hindus since it is used as a cremation space and for conducting several other religious and spiritual rituals. To know more about this important city landmark, check out our guide to Banganga Tank, Mumbai.
Things to do / Highlights
Learn about the history of the tank
Banganga Tank is 135 metres (444 feet) in length and 10 metres (33 feet) deep, and is said to have mythological origins. It is widely believed that the tank stands at the spot where the Hindu deity, Ram, stopped for a while en route to the land of Lanka, to free his wife, Sita, was kidnapped and imprisoned by Ravan, the ten-headed demon. Locals believe that he shot an arrow (called ‘baan’ in Sanskrit) into the ground at the exact spot where the tank stands, and freshwater thought to have directly originated from the holy river, Ganga, burst forth from the ground. Thus, the name ‘Banganga Tank’. The spot where the arrow is believed to have hit the earth is now marked by a pole in the centre of the water. And the beauty of the tank is that it always has fresh water even though it’s close to the sea.
Over the centuries, numerous temples, most prominent among them being Walkeshwar Temple, pilgrimage spots, religious sects, etc. have been established around the tank. It is also a Hindu crematorium and visitors can witness several religious rituals at the tank. Thus, a visit to Banganga Tank provides you with a unique insight into the history of the area and the city.
Attend Banganga festival
The tank is rectangular in shape and has immense religious and historical significance. It has stone steps on all four sides, leading to the water’s edge. Ancient pillars adorn the main entrance to Banganga Tank. Each year in January, the local authorities, MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) hosts an annual musical extravaganza called ‘Banganga Festival’ to promote the tank as a tourist attraction. The tank and its surrounding areas are thoroughly cleaned and musicians and artists congregate at the tank for a celebration of music and history of the area. The festival is an important part of the city’s cultural landscape and visitors should definitely try to attend it.
Travel tips
Time your visit
Banganga Tank is best visited in the early morning or evening. Since it is an open space, the hot tropical sun can prove to be too harsh for visitors at other times. Plus, visiting in the early morning will also give you an opportunity to witness religious rituals that take place in the nearby temples. Another great time to visit Banganga Tank is during Banganga Festival in January or during any other prominent Hindu festivals, when the tank is decorated and lit up.
Be respectful and do not litter
Banganga Tank is a beautiful and spiritual place. Numerous temples and religious spots surround the tank and it is a place of worship for Hindus. It is also a crematorium, and a spot where many religious rituals are performed. Thus, visitors should be respectful of the beliefs of worshippers, and observe the activities in an unobtrusive manner. Ducks are often seen in the tank and visitors can feed them, if they choose to do so. But they should be careful not to litter the tank or its surrounding areas.
How to get there
By public transport
The closest railway stations to the tank are Grant Road and Charni Road stations on the Western Railway line of the Mumbai local trains. From the stations, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the tank. Alternatively, you can even board one of the many B.E.S.T buses plying the city and get off at the bus stop closest to the tank, Walkeshwar. From the bus stop, the tank is just five to six minutes’ walk away.
By taxi or ride-hailing apps
Taking a taxi is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Banganga Tank. Taxis can be hailed off the street in Mumbai and since the tank is a well-known landmark in the city, any taxi driver will be able to take you to it quite easily. Alternatively, you can even use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola to go to the tank.
By private vehicles
Banganga Tank is located in a posh and prominent area of south Mumbai, Walkeshwar. Thus, you can easily drive to it in your own car or motorcycle or even a rental vehicle.
Parking information
Those driving their own vehicle or a rental one can use street parking or one of the many paid parking lots located some distance away from Banganga Tank.
Banganga Tank information
Banganga Tank, Mumbai
Address: Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Department of tourism: Maharshtra Tourism
News & updates for Banganga Tank: Banganga Tank in Mumbai - a place associated with an epic legend | Mumbai: Banganga Tank To Be Restored
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