Flora Fountain

Overview

Flora Fountain is an ornamental fountain at the Hutatma Chowk junction in the heart of Mumbai's Fort business district. Built in 1869, the Portland stone fountain depicts Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and marks the former site of a gate in the old Fort walls.

Highlights

• Sculpture: The elaborately carved fountain features Flora surrounded by mythological figures, flower garlands, and water spouts.
• Heritage Junction: The five roads radiating from the fountain are lined with some of Mumbai's finest Gothic Revival and Art Deco architecture.
• Martyrs' Memorial: The Hutatma Chowk memorial adjacent commemorates the activists who died in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement of 1960.

History

Commissioned in 1864 and completed in 1869, the fountain was built from Portland stone imported from England. It was designed by architect R. Norman Shaw and sculpted by James Forsyth. A major restoration in 2019 returned the fountain to its original splendour.

Visitor Tips

• Heritage Walk Start: Flora Fountain is an ideal starting point for a self-guided heritage walk through the Fort district.
• Business Hours: The area is most atmospheric during weekday business hours when the surrounding offices are bustling.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.