Heavenly bliss

If someone told you that it were possible to attain nirvana in the midst of this bustling city, you’d scoff at him or her.

If someone told you that it were possible to attain nirvana in the midst of this bustling city, you’d scoff at him or her. Well, not if you’ve been to the Nirvana Park at Powai. This place, quite truly, is a haven.

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As you stand outside the bamboo gate entrance of the park, you are reminded by the security guards to buy an entrance ticket of Rs 5. You may resent paying that for a public space that should be rightfully yours but the moment you step in you’d find that it is complete value for money.

It is best to pay an additional Rs 10 and take a camera along because what you see inside will make you want to capture the sights. I haven’t seen any park so well landscaped with so many plants, and so well maintained that even in the height of summer, when most of flora wears a withered look, the plants are a soothing green.

What is surprising is that this park, spread over two-and-a half acres, belongs to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It is unlike any BMC-owned park in the city because the Hiranandani Developers Private Limited is responsible for its maintenance.

A waterfall gently gurgles somewhere, almost hidden by the foliage. A serpentine water body flows through the park, where couples and families enjoy a paddleboat ride. And though parents bring their children here to play on the slides, it does not interfere with the peace of the place because of the location of the play area.

Sit around in the pavilions and enjoy the greenery reflected in the water, or just walk along the cobbled pathways. The walk is a pleasant change from the crowded, often-potholed roads of Mumbai. There is no rush here. You can move at your own pace without the fear of being pushed aside by Mumbaikars in a hurry. You do not have to watch out for doggie poop when you take your next step.

Climb up the watchtower and take in the view, though you’d be better off standing on the little bridge and watching the muti-coloured fish that prance about in the water below. They just add to the tranquil ambience of this park.

And when you sit down on one of the many benches here and look up at the windows of air-conditioned multi-storeyed buildings on the periphery of the park, you feel blessed that you are sitting here and breathing fresh air. That is bliss.