A Walk Through Rani Bagh’s Living Heritage: Mumbai’s Sole Botanical Garden, led by Hutokshi Rustomfram, will explore the rich biodiversity, tree wealth, and historical significance of Mumbai’s oldest botanical garden- Rani Bagh. It offers a blend of nature and heritage, revealing the stories behind its diverse flora and built structures.

Hutokshi Rustomfram, a founder-trustee of the Save Rani Bagh Botanical Garden Foundation, is a nature enthusiast with a special interest in flora and conservation from an egalitarian perspective. Since 2007, the Foundation has actively used democratic forums to successfully oppose BMC’s proposed redevelopment of Rani Bagh. She has co-edited 'Rani Bagh 150 Years', co-directed the documentary 'Rani Bagh – Mumbai’s Only Heritage Botanical Garden', and has a background in Philosophy and Law, with past experience as a banker and journalist.

This walk is an outreach program part of the exhibition - In The Dappled Light: Seeking Nature in Art, Science, and the Spirit at Sarmaya Arts Foundation on view until 4th May 2025.

Meeting Point: V.J.B Botanical Udyan & Zoo (Rani Bagh), Railway Station, 91A, Lalbaug Flyover, near Byculla, Byculla East, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027

Instructions:

1. We meet at the ticket window at 9.30 sharp. Senior citizens have free entry. The rest need to pay the entry fee at the ticket counter or online. 2. Disposable plastic water bottles (Bisleri-type) are not permitted. You can carry drinking water in steel or non-disposable plastic bottles. Water coolers with filtered drinking water are available.3. Food in plastic or foil bags is not permitted. You can carry a snack in a steel or any other type of non-disposable box. There is a canteen and a restaurant on campus.4. Parking is available for a fee of Rs. 80 per vehicle.5. A hat is recommended.

Image: Victoria Gardens, Bombay, (Undated) c. 1890-1920, Clifton & Co., Bombay, ©Sarmaya Arts Foundation. (2018.48.3(57))