Being a city that has grown without a proper plan, Mumbai has very few green spaces for the public to relax. However, away from the centre, lies an open (almost) secret garden: Mumbai Port Trust’s Sagar Upvan.

Locally known as BPT (Bombay Port Trust) garden, it is located near the tip of the city, behind Colaba Bus Depot; making your way there from the causeway, you will pass landmarks like Regal Cinema and Sassoon Dock, then a left-right-left will get you there. The road leading up to the garden is called Women’s Graduate Union Road and it's a dead end road which keeps this spot safe from traffic and crowds.

Owned by the Mumbai Port Trust, the garden is open only in the morning and in the evening and the small two rupee fee charged goes towards maintaining the grounds, in addition to keeping miscreants out. This garden is special; you can forget that a completely chaotic world exists beyond its walls. The strategic landscaping of the plants and trees allows a walker to experience fresh air, quiet, and peace. Known to be a botanical garden, it houses several unusual and exotic plants and trees, however what mostly calls for attention is probably the beauty of a massive Peepal tree left of the entrance.

As you walk down the pathway, you are welcomed by several kinds of butterflies hovering at your legs, and you'd feel in a fairy tale if it weren't for the crows, which don't let you forget you are in Mumbai. They hover above you, and insist on screeching obscenely.

The garden boasts a well designed rockery that has a winding pathway of stone and plants, adding several layers to the space, and giving the visitor an elevated view of the lush greenery, making it seem bigger than it really is. The trail also takes you through a few secluded spots, which of course have high chances of being occupied by couples trying to sneak an intimate moment.

The sea next door makes for a wonderful view of boats plying by and for some very soothing breeze. Marine Drive, Carter Road and all the other seaside views are beautiful, but the Mumbai Port Trust’s Sagar Upvan is quiet and secluded, making you feel that what you see is yours and yours alone.