Where would you go to get a bird’s eye view of the Maximum City if you don't live in a high rise building? Well, Mumbai has a public place 200 feet into the sky, in the very centre of bustling Andheri. It's a designated national park, a grade II neritage structure and a national geological monument all rolled into one.

We are talking about Gilbert Hill, a 60 metre high monolith of black basalt rock situated a stone’s throw away from Andheri railway station. The Hill, though due to quarrying much smaller today than its original size, is impressive for its sheer vertical walls. Its unique formation is due to molten lava that rushed upwards from the earth’s surface some 65 million years ago: this is a very rare geological phenomenon, and Gilbert Hill has only a few cousins across the world, including Devils Tower and Devils Post Pile, both in USA.

Getting to the hill is a bit of task, but the views from the top make up for it. From Andheri railway station head towards Bhavan’s College. Ask around for the Hill and you’ll be directed into a slum on the left. Walk 10 minutes through the winding lanes, and you’d reach the foot of the Hill. From here it’s an easy 20 minute uphill walk on clearly demarcated steps.

On top of the Hill is an ever-expanding marble clad temple of the local goddess. A rather pushy priest may cajole you to pay your due respects before you can head to the periphery to take in the view.

On the northern side are the distant high rises of Powai, while parts of the airport are seen from the southern edge. However, the west face reveals the best vista, starting from Juhu on the left to Lokhandwala on the right, a panoramic view of Mumbai stretches out lazily, and it is bordered by the glistening Arabian Sea. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Madh Fort. For the most spectacular views, climb to the top just before sunset and spend a few quiet moments taking in this hidden wonder.