- Gilbert Hill, in Mumbai (Maharashtra), is a 61 m high monolithic column of black basalt, having a near vertical rock face and is considered among the oldest surviving basalt formations in the world.
- It was formed around 66 million years ago (Mesozoic era), when molten lava erupted through Earth’s crust and this coincides with the end of the dinosaur age.
- Gilbert Hill originated from massive volcanic activity that produced the Deccan Traps, making it a rare example of columnar basalt formation that is preserved in its original form and is regarded as one of India’s oldest intact heritage sites.
- Geological records indicate that only three such columnar basalt structures exist globally. Other two: Devil’s Tower (USA) and Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland).
- It was declared a National Park in 1952, and later classified as a Grade II heritage structure in 2007 by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
- It features a few temples and a small garden at the summit, reached via a steep staircase carved directly into the rock.
You Can Also Read |
|
| UPSC Foundation Course | UPSC Daily Current Affairs |
| UPSC Monthly Magazine | CSAT Foundation Course |
| Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims | UPSC Test Series |
| Best IAS Coaching in Delhi | Our Booklist |
