Gilbert Hill
At first glance, you might think, what’s so special about this hill? Isn’t this just like an ordinary hill? But no, this isn’t. It’s so unique that there are only three of its kind in the world and india is lucky to have one of such a rare geological wonders at Andheri in Mumbai. The other two hills are located in USA.
So, what makes it so special? What’s so unique about Gillbert Hill?
What is Gilbert Hill?
Gilbert Hill is a 200-foot monolithic column of black basalt rock. It was created by a massive volcanic eruption, where molten lava spewed out from deep within the Earth’s crust. As the lava cooled rapidly, it solidified into basalt rock, forming vertical, hexagonal columns—a rare geological phenomenon known as columnar basalt formation.
Now, here’s where it gets even cooler (or hotter, if you consider lava):
Formation of Gillbert Hill:
Gilbert Hill was formed around 66 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era (also known as the “Age of Dinosaurs“), a time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Not only this, its older than the Himalayas as well. That means it has seen the mighty Himalayas rise, the extinction of dinosaurs, the evolution of humans, and now, the traffic jams created by those humans.
Today, it stands like a great-great-grandparent, telling us stories of its past, saying, “Hamare zamaane mein to bade bade dinosaurs hote thhe, insaan to abhi abhi aaye hain.”
A Vanishing Gilbert Hill: Saving a 66-Million-Year-Old Legacy
But it was not as you see. what you see today is only a fraction of what Gilbert Hill used to be. In 1970, it was five times its present size. And In 1937, it was more than ten times its current height!
It has been designated a monument of national significance. In 1952, the location received the status of a national park. However, over time, rapid urbanization and erosion have been gradually diminishing this geological marvel.
Who Put Gilbert Hill on the Map?
This Hill is named after American geologist G.K. Gilbert , the man who studied this rare formation. He was fascinated by these basaltic column formations, and his research helped the world understand how they were created through volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Why You Should Visit Gilbert Hill
If you love history, geology, or simply enjoy uncovering hidden gems, this is a must-visit! There’s also a Gaodevi Temple on the top of the hill. Stairs have been built to reach the top. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
A Reminder from the Past, A Responsibility for the Future
Gilbert Hill has stood for millions of years, watching empires rise and fall, species come and go, and humanity evolve— From stone age man to reel age man. But now, it is slowly fading away due to urbanization and neglect. If we don’t preserve such rare geological wonders, they might disappear entirely, leaving only stories behind.
Gilbert Hill doesn’t just belong to history; it belongs to us and to future generations who deserve to witness its greatness, just as we have. So, the next time you’re in Mumbai, take a moment to visit, appreciate, and protect this silent storyteller of Earth’s ancient past. Because once it’s gone, we can’t bring it back.
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