Numerous folk tales surround the topic of how the hill derived its name. One is that pirates used to invade the seas of Mumbai at the time it was emerging into a hub for foreign trade and most of these pirates came from the Malabar Coast of Kerala. Since the hill was used to spot the pirates of Malabar from a distance it was named Malabar Hill. Certainly it is an ideal location, with the mesmerizing blue waves on one side and the flamboyance of Mumbai on the other. The most prominent location on the hill is the Walkeshwar Temple, constructed by the Silhara Kings at the highest point in the city of Mumbai. The place of worship is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is frequented by followers during the days of the full moon. It was destroyed during the time of Portuguese reign, but was reinstated by philanthropists and businessmen. Currently the Hindustani Classical Music Festival is staged at the temple. Mythology says that the Banganga Tank which flows quite near the temple was created by a shot of King Rama’s bow, hence the name ‘ban’ (bow), ‘ganga’ (river), but history suggests that a minister in the court of the Silhara Kings would have built the tank. The exclusive hilltop is where the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra reside alongside some well known Hindi movie actors like Akshay Khanna, Juhi Chawla and Vinod Khanna as well as business tycoons. There are a few charming parks on Malabar Hill; Priyadarshini Park, Hanging Gardens of Mumbai and the Parsi Tower of Silence. Dwell in the lap of luxury at The Leela Kempinski Mumbai, just like those who reside atop the Malabar Hill. There is never a shortage of Mumbai luxury hotels from where you can discover the wonders of Bollywood and explore the surrounding areas. The hospitality and pampering you will receive at these Mumbai hotels are precisely what most travellers long for.