A walk in the (governor’s) garden

The Mumbai Raj Bhavan has always been shrouded in mystery. Located at the southern tip of the city, the 50-acre residence, which is the official home to the Maharashtra Governor, lies behind a wall. The 130-odd year old overlooks the complex overlooks the Arabian sea on three sides and boasts of colonial-era bungalows heritage bungalows, large lawns and a beach. “It is almost as if the Raj Bhavan is beyond the other side of the wall,” jokes 21-year-old Rishi Shah of Mumbai Riders.

When Rishi visited the heritage site early last year, he was so impressed with the place, that he got in touch with the team to conduct walks. “Ever since the Governor has permitted visitors for a three-hour tour, the attraction remains viewing the sunrise from the deck overlooking the sea,” reveals Rishi, who regularly conducts heritage walks. Rishi adds that the estate holds many stories. “Only last year, the Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao unearthed a well-built tunnel beneath the Raj Bhavan. It was reported that this tunnel had rooms for ammunition. I think there are still many discoveries that are yet to be unearthed,” he raves.

The route starts at Colaba Causeway at 5 am, moving on to a 2-hour trip of the heritage, and finally concluding at Nariman Point. The walk at Raj Bhavan includes an helicopter landing, a sunrise deck which also boasts of an area for yoga enthusiasts, the banquet hall which hosts formal functions. There is also a temple dedicated to an unknown goddess that is a part of the tour. “Locales call it Sagar Mata, Sakalai Devi and Sri Gundi. Though not much is known, we have included it since it makes for an interesting pitstop,” he informs.

Although the Governor doesn’t live there any more, Rishi informs that it is home to the city’s government civil officials. Rishi concludes, “The Raj Bhavan is like a world in itself. Unlike your typical heritage walk, this walk is more about history that isn’t spoken about enough.”

On February 12, 5 am onwards. For more information, call on 9930590540