In a hidden corner of Malbar Hill near Walkeshwar in rtizy south Bombay lies the ancient and full-of-life village of Banganga. It is quite contrasting in it's feel and life from the rest of "the hill" and takes you back in time a few centuries as you walk through the hilly and windy lanes and staircases of the little town that surrounds an old step well. I had a lovely late morning stroll through the area with my camera and a dear friend. It's a photographers delight and a traveler's source of many stories.
To avoid being redundant, I'll quote the lovely description of this unique haven from a really interesting website that I didn't know existed until I searched the web for the history of Banganga.
The Banganga Tank was built over a freshwater spring under the Silhara dynasty in the 14th century. The spring is believed to be an underground offshoot of the Ganges, so the waters are considered just as sacred and effective for healing as those of the great river itself. Legend has it that the spring was created by an arrow shot by Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana), who rested here while on a mission to rescue his beloved Sita from the demon king's abode in Lanka. The tank's name derives from this story - Baan ("arrow") + Ganga (Ganges River).
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