Two centuries across one lawn.
Few places show two eras of a city this plainly. Stand on the lawn and turn slowly: Victorian Gothic courts and university halls to the east, Art Deco apartment blocks to the west, and the Rajabai Clock Tower rising above the trees. In between, several cricket matches often run at once. Walk the edge, choose a patch of shade, and let the buildings and the games do the talking.
Behind the facades.
Significance · A World Heritage lawn
The Oval sits at the centre of a UNESCO site inscribed in 2018.
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The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, set along the Oval Maidan. The Gothic buildings borrow Indian elements such as balconies and verandas, while the Art Deco buildings blend modernism with Indian motifs in a style known as “Indo-Deco”.
Continue reading at Ministry of Culture, Government of India ↗Architecture · A tower after Big Ben
The clock tower above the trees was modelled on a London landmark.
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The Rajabai Clock Tower was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who modelled it on Big Ben; it was begun in 1869 and completed in November 1878. Part of the cost was given by the broker Premchand Roychand, on condition that the tower be named after his mother, Rajabai.
Continue reading at Wikipedia ↗History · Once part of the Esplanade
Today’s cricket ground was once part of a far larger open space.
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Until the early 20th century, the Oval, Azad Maidan, Cooperage Ground and Cross Maidan together formed the open ground known as the Esplanade. The Oval, named for its shape, now covers about 22 acres, and cricket and football are its most popular games.
Continue reading at Wikipedia ↗Mind the outfield.
Matches run side by side across the ground, so walk the edges, stay off the pitches and keep an eye out for fast-moving balls. There is little shade in the middle of the day, and the roads around the maidan are busy, so carry water and cross at signals. The High Court and the university are working institutions: enjoy them from outside and check current access before planning to go in.
A pause nearby
Marine Drive is a few minutes’ walk west, past the Art Deco blocks, with its long sea wall and wide views over the bay. It makes a natural place to sit down with a cold drink once the light starts to soften.
South Mumbai · Heritage streets
Kala Ghoda · Museum & garden
Fort · Books & architecture