Banganga Tank, Mumbai: History and How to Visit

On the western slope of Malabar Hill, a short walk from some of the most expensive homes in India, lies a place that feels as if it belongs to another century. Banganga Tank is a rectangular stepped water tank surrounded by temples, shrines, old houses and narrow lanes. Ducks paddle on the water, children play on the steps, and pilgrims come to pray. For many visitors, it is the quietest place they find in Mumbai.

The legend

According to local tradition, the tank is linked to the Ramayana. The story goes that Lord Rama, travelling in search of Sita, stopped here and felt thirsty. His brother Lakshmana shot an arrow into the ground, and a spring of fresh water rose up. The name Banganga is often explained as coming from “baan”, meaning arrow, and Ganga, the sacred river, suggesting that a branch of the Ganga came here. Believers consider the spring especially holy because it gives fresh water so close to the sea.

The history

Historians generally date the present tank to the early twelfth century, when it is said to have been built by a minister in the court of the Silhara dynasty, which ruled parts of the Konkan coast at the time. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt and renovated, and much of what you see today, including several temples around its edges, was reconstructed in the eighteenth century with funding from wealthy local patrons. Details of dates vary between sources, so treat any single figure with a little caution.

The most important temple nearby is the Walkeshwar Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Its name is often linked to a legend that Rama made a lingam of sand here. The original temple is said to have been destroyed in the colonial-era conflicts on the coast, and the present structure is a later rebuilding.

What you will see

The tank itself is surrounded on all sides by stone steps leading down to the water. At one end stands a pillar or post in the centre of the tank, which local tradition associates with the spot where the arrow struck. Around the tank, you will find:

Small temples and shrines, many in traditional styles with painted spires.
Old houses and dharamshalas, or pilgrim rest houses.
Banyan and peepal trees shading the steps.
Samadhis, or memorials, of holy men.
A cluster of lanes that lead down towards the sea and a small fishing community.

The overall effect is of a small, self-contained temple town, though the high-rise towers of Malabar Hill rise directly above it.

The Banganga Festival

In the past, Banganga has hosted a classical music festival, usually held in the cooler months, with performances on the steps of the tank by leading Indian musicians. The event has not been held every year, and its schedule can change, so check local listings if you are visiting in winter.

Rituals and daily life

Banganga is not a museum. It is a working pilgrimage site, and many people come here to perform rituals, including ceremonies for deceased family members. You may see families gathered with priests on the steps. Please be respectful: do not photograph rituals without permission, keep your voice down, and dress modestly.

Locals also use the tank as a place to relax, feed fish and ducks, and meet neighbours. Early mornings are especially peaceful.

Visiting in July

In the monsoon, the tank fills well and the trees and steps turn green with moss. It is beautiful, but the steps can be very slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and take extra care. On days of very heavy rain, it may be best to visit only briefly or come back another time. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons.

Getting there

Banganga is in the Walkeshwar area at the tip of Malabar Hill. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi or app-based cab; ask for Banganga or Walkeshwar Temple. The final approach is through narrow lanes, so you may need to walk the last few minutes. From Marine Drive or Chowpatty, the ride is short in good traffic.

You can combine a visit with:

The Hanging Gardens, formally Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, on top of Malabar Hill.
Kamala Nehru Park, across the road, with views over Marine Drive.
Girgaum Chowpatty, at the foot of the hill.
The Jain temple at Walkeshwar, known for its decorated interior.

Tips for a good visit

Go early in the morning for calm and soft light.
Remove your shoes before entering temples.
Carry small change for offerings, if you wish.
Do not feed the fish bread or packaged snacks; locals often use special feed.
Do not litter; the tank’s water is considered sacred.
Ask before photographing people.

Heritage and conservation

Banganga has long been the focus of conservation efforts by local residents, heritage groups and civic authorities, who have worked at various times to clean the tank, restore its steps and protect the surrounding precinct from inappropriate construction. Challenges remain, including pollution, encroachment and the pressure of development on Malabar Hill. Visitors can help simply by treating the site with care and leaving nothing behind.

Why it matters

Banganga is one of the few places in Mumbai where you can sense continuity with a much older city, long before the British, the cotton mills and the skyscrapers. It is a reminder that beneath the busy surface, the city has always been a place of faith, community and stories. Spending an hour here, sitting on the steps and watching life go by, is one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can do in Mumbai.

A short walk from the tank

From the lower side of the tank, lanes lead down towards the sea, past small homes and a fishing area. The walk gives a glimpse of a community that has lived on this coast for generations. Go respectfully, stay on public paths and keep your camera down unless invited. The sea views are lovely, but in the monsoon waves can be high and rocks slippery, so stay well back from the shore.