Gilbert Hill Mumbai
A 66-million-year-old monolithic basalt column offering stunning city views and ancient temples atop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Mesmerizing sunset views
Gilbert Hill Mumbai
Best Time
Mesmerizing sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 66-million-year-old monolithic basalt column offering stunning city views and ancient temples atop.
"A rare prehistoric marvel in the city, offering mesmerizing views and a glimpse into Earth's ancient past."
🎯 Ask for Jamatkhana
To avoid getting lost, ask for Andheri Jamatkhana near Noor Masjid instead of directly mentioning Gilbert Hill.
🚗 Two-Wheeler Friendly
If possible, use a two-wheeler as parking for cars is very limited near the hill.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monolithic Basalt Column
Base of the hill
Marvel at this 66-million-year-old, 200-foot-tall black basalt rock column, a rare geological wonder.
Gaodevi and Durgamata Temples
Summit of the hill
Find peace at the ancient temples atop the hill, offering spiritual solace and historical insights.
Panoramic City Views
Summit of the hill
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Mumbai skyline, the sea, and the airport, especially captivating at sunset.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Gilbert Hill
Navigating to Gilbert Hill
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Insider Tips
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Do You Know The Fascinating History Behind The 66 Million-Year-Old Gilbert Hill In Mumbai?
🎯 Ask for Jamatkhana
To avoid getting lost, ask for Andheri Jamatkhana near Noor Masjid instead of directly mentioning Gilbert Hill.
🚗 Two-Wheeler Friendly
If possible, use a two-wheeler as parking for cars is very limited near the hill.
Gaodevi temple, Gilbert hill Andheri
Big Building size rock
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The stairs to the temple can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended for the climb.
📸 Sunset Photography
The view of the city lights post-sunset is captivating, making evenings ideal for photographers.
In Mumbai for 2 weeks with no plans. What all should I do? (open to everything)
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for Jamatkhana
To avoid getting lost, ask for Andheri Jamatkhana near Noor Masjid instead of directly mentioning Gilbert Hill.
🚗 Two-Wheeler Friendly
If possible, use a two-wheeler as parking for cars is very limited near the hill.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The stairs to the temple can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended for the climb.
📸 Sunset Photography
The view of the city lights post-sunset is captivating, making evenings ideal for photographers.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if visiting during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on the hill.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gilbert Hill is lauded as a rare prehistoric marvel and a unique geological wonder right in the heart of Mumbai. Visitors are captivated by the stunning panoramic views from the summit, especially during sunset and after dark. However, concerns have been raised about the cleanliness of the surrounding area and the need for better conservation efforts.
"Gillbert Hill , an amazing timeless prehistoric marvel , right in the center of the city is a rare find , more efforts should be made to create awareness for protection and conservation of these rare preshistoric monuments not only by people but also from government , i saw a group of youngsters smoking on the stairs of the temple ,also there is not much cleanliness around the area surronding the hill , it is sad to see that today the prehistoric hill is only protected beacuse of the Gav devi temple on the top , and not because of its timeless prehistoric value
The Gav devi temple is open for devotees from - morning - 7am- 12:30PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 pm , The temple will also remain open for devotees on important religious days"
abhi bhalerao
"A unique hill in the world. Made by volcanic eruption magma which got cool over the years. There are hardly 3-4 hills present in the world and one of them is in our Mumbai. Government is taking steps to preserve it.
The road to reach Gilbert hill is very narrow and unclean. You can drive your 2 wheeler upto the gate. Cars won't find parking space. It takes about 10-15 min to reach the top. There is no entry fee.
The view is mesmerizing. You can see the sea, the airport and the city. Good time to visit will be in the evenings before sunset. Post sunset the view of the city lights is captivating. There is a temple on the top with good seating arrangements outside. In the past one year the infrastructure is crumbling.
Highly recommended!"
Omkar Joshi
"Gilbert Hill is a 200 ft (61 m) monolith column of black basalt rock at Andheri, in Mumbai, India. The rock has a sheer vertical face and was formed when molten lava was squeezed out of the Earth's clefts during the Mesozoic Era about 66 million years ago. During that era, molten lava had spread around most of the Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, covering an area of 50,000 square kilometres (19,000 sq mi). The volcanic eruptions were also responsible for the destruction of plant and animal life during that era.
Atop the rock column, two Hindu temples, the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples, set in a small garden, are accessed by a steep staircase carved into the rock. The hill offers a panoramic view of suburban Mumbai."
Aditya Tiwari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gilbert Hill is located in Andheri West. While local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis are available, be specific with your destination. Asking for 'Andheri Jamatkhana near Noor Masjid' is often more effective than directly asking for Gilbert Hill, as some drivers may try to take you on a longer route. Two-wheelers can get closer to the entrance, but car parking is scarce.
Yes, Gilbert Hill is accessible by public transport. You can take local trains to Andheri station and then hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi. Ensure your driver knows the correct route or use the 'Jamatkhana' landmark.
From South Mumbai, you can take a local train to Andheri station. From there, an auto-rickshaw or taxi will take you to Gilbert Hill. Alternatively, you can hire a cab directly, but be mindful of potential detours.
Parking at Gilbert Hill is very limited, especially for cars. It's advisable to use two-wheelers or consider public transport and then a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride.
The road leading to Gilbert Hill can be narrow and is sometimes described as unclean. Two-wheelers can navigate it more easily than cars.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Gilbert Hill. It is a public monument and a place of worship, making it accessible to everyone.
Gilbert Hill itself is generally accessible throughout the day. However, the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples located at the top have specific timings: typically from 7 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. These hours may extend on important religious days.
Since there is no entry fee, advance booking is not required for Gilbert Hill. You can visit anytime during the accessible hours.
While there are no strict entry restrictions, visitors are advised to maintain cleanliness and respect the religious nature of the temples. Some reviews mention issues with littering and smoking, so responsible tourism is encouraged.
Yes, a visit to Gilbert Hill can be relatively quick. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the top from the base. However, you might want to spend more time enjoying the views and the temple.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Gilbert Hill, you can marvel at the unique monolithic basalt column, visit the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples, and enjoy panoramic views of Mumbai. It's a great spot for photography and appreciating geological history.
The view from Gilbert Hill is described as mesmerizing and panoramic. You can see the sea, the airport, and the sprawling city of Mumbai. The city lights after sunset are particularly captivating.
There are good seating arrangements outside the temples at the top. Information about restrooms is less clear, but it's advisable to use facilities before you ascend if needed.
Absolutely! Gilbert Hill offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunset and after dark when the city lights up. The unique geological formation itself is also a great subject.
Gilbert Hill is a rare geological marvel, a 66-million-year-old monolithic column of black basalt rock formed from volcanic eruptions during the Mesozoic Era. It's one of only a few such formations globally.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are from the base looking up at the monolith, from the top with the panoramic city views, and near the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples. The sheer vertical face of the basalt column is a unique photographic subject.
Evenings, particularly around sunset, are highly recommended for photography. The golden hour light on the city and the subsequent city lights create a magical atmosphere.
Information regarding drone usage at Gilbert Hill is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or seek permission before flying a drone, especially given the proximity to residential areas and potential flight paths.
Capture the scale of the monolith by including people in your shots. Experiment with wide-angle lenses for the panoramic views and telephoto lenses to capture details of the city. The contrast between the ancient rock and the modern city is a great theme.
A versatile camera with a good range of lenses (wide-angle to telephoto) would be ideal. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography during sunset and after dark.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there, visiting the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples can offer a cultural insight. However, parents should be mindful of the temple timings and ensure children are respectful. It's advisable to carry water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The limited parking and narrow approach road might require extra planning for families traveling by car.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Bring your own water and snacks to save on expenses. The experience of witnessing a rare geological formation and enjoying city views without spending a rupee makes it a highly recommended spot for those watching their wallets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Gilbert Hill
The sheer vertical face of the basalt is a striking visual, a stark contrast to the urban landscape surrounding it. Visitors often express awe at its age and scale, contemplating the immense geological forces that shaped it.
Efforts are being made by the government to preserve this prehistoric monument, recognizing its value not just as a tourist attraction but as a crucial piece of Earth's history.
Experiencing Gilbert Hill: Views and Temples
Atop the hill, you'll find the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples, which are not only places of worship but also contribute to the serene atmosphere of the summit. The priests at the temple are often knowledgeable and can share details about the history of the temples and the hill itself.
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