Horniman Circle Gardens is an eco-tourism spot in Mumbai. This place is a large park in South Mumbai. Horniman Circle Gardens attracts a large number of tourists of both national and international levels. The domestic tourists can easily go to this place to seek peace and comfort in the midst of nature.
Location of Horniman Circle Gardens
Horniman Circle Gardens is a great park in South Mumbai. Horniman Circle Gardens encompasses an area of 12,081 square yards (10,101 square meters). Horniman Circle Gardens is situated in the Fort district of Mumbai.
Surroundings of Horniman Circle Gardens
Horniman Circle Gardens is surrounded by office complexes housing the premier banks of the country. Horniman Circle Gardens is designed to be a large open space with grand buildings in the middle of the walled city, the area had been known as Bombay Green in the 18th century, while the area around it was called Elphinstone Circle. Following India`s independence in 1947, the area was renamed in honour of Benjamin Horniman, editor of the Bombay Chronicle newspaper, who supported Indian Independence in the year 1947.
Building in Horniman Circle Gardens
The building of Horniman Circle Gardens was begun in the year 1821 and not completed for twelve years. In 1842, the area had been just a dump of coconut shells and debris. The Police Commissioner, Charles Forjett, thought of converting the Green into a circle surrounded by buildings. He was supported by Governors Lord Elphinstone and Sir Bartle Frere.
Structure of Horniman Circle Gardens
The garden of Horniman Circle Gardens was planned in the year 1869 and completed in 1872 with well laid out walkways and trees planted all around. The whole complex of Horniman Circle Gardens was then renamed Elphinstone Circle after the Governor, Lord John Elphinstone. An ornamental fountain was placed in the centre, but it was replaced by a modern art deco iron pipes design.
Park in Horniman Circle Gardens
The park in Horniman Circle Gardens was a favourite social venue of the Parsi community. In the pre-independence era, a band used to perform there every evening. Asiatic Society of Bombay overlooks the Horniman Circle Gardens and the Reserve Bank of India. Close by Horniman Circle Gardens is St. Thomas Cathedral, which is known as the first Anglican Church in Mumbai, completed in 1718.
Annual Festival in Horniman Circle Gardens
Horniman Circle Gardens hosts the annual Sufi and mystic music festival, Ruhaniyat. It is also one of the venues of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival when several music and dance concerts are held at the park of Horniman Circle Gardens.
