The Hanging Gardens in Kalba, Sharjah are one of the most impressive attractions along the UAE mountains. The expansive landscaped site is constructed along an impressive hillside overlooking the Sharjah-Kalba Road with its abundant greenery, colourful flowers, stepped gardens, waterfalls and family entertainment.
It spans an area of nearly 1.6 million sq ft, is at an elevation of nearly 281 metres above sea level and has over 100,000 trees. The most visible characteristic is the multi-level, artificial waterfall, which feeds into a small lake, surrounded by the Hajar Mountains for a relaxing ambience.
Quick Facts About Hanging Gardens in Kalba
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Kalba, Sharjah, UAE |
| Area | Approximately 1.6 million square feet |
| Elevation | Around 281 metres above sea level |
| Main attraction | Multi-level artificial waterfall and lake |
| Greenery | More than 100,000 trees |
| Family facilities | Children’s play areas, train rides and recreational zones |
| Outdoor activities | Mountain trails, running track and skating area |
| Running track | Approximately 760 metres |
| Excursion train | Carries up to 55 passengers and passes through four stations |
| Parking | 262 parking spaces, including accessible parking |
| Facilities | Restaurants, cafeteria, prayer rooms, restrooms and EV charging |
The above information is based mainly on official information provided by the tourism information of Sharjah.
What Makes Hanging Gardens in Kalba Special?
The Hanging Gardens are unique in that they feature a large, landscaped park in a natural environment that is the Hajar Mountains. The spot where the magic happens isn’t a regular flat city park, but rather the natural elevation of the site has been utilized to create terraces, raised vantage points, mountain paths and cascading water features.
It’s a place that is home to multiple experiences. A leisurely stroll through green landscapes, mountain trails, riding a train around the park and sitting by the waterfall to enjoy the view.
Our Insight: Why This Attraction Is Different
The best feature of the Hanging Gardens is a blend of nature and landscape design. Visitors don’t have to pick a mountain resort or a family park. The gardens combine the two experiences.
This makes the attraction particularly family friendly whereby different members of the family might enjoy different activities. There are opportunities for children to relax and enjoy the recreational facilities, for adults to enjoy a rest by the gardens and for more active visitors to explore the mountain trails or running track.
The Waterfall Is the Main Highlight
The centrepiece of the Hanging Gardens, Kalba is an artificial waterfall. Water flows through several layers down to a small lake at the bottom of the mountain, which provides a tranquil and peaceful ambiance.
The waterfall also glitters in the night, so that the gardens look different at night. The waterfall, terraces, vegetation and the mountain background offer some of the most beautiful sights in the park, which is ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Things to Do at Hanging Gardens Kalba
Explore the Terraced Gardens
Neatly laid out terraces are planted with vegetation, flowers and trees. Its various levels will enable the visitors to view the attraction from different perspectives.
The gardens are also elevated, offering a view of the surrounding mountain scenery, and making them a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
Try the Mountain Climbing Routes
For those who prefer a more active experience, there are mountain climbing routes of three different levels of difficulty. The routes go through areas where agricultural terraces can be seen, there are waterfalls, trees and colourful flowers.
This type of variation allows to attract both the average tourist as well as those who like outdoor sports. Avoid taking routes which are beyond the level of the visitors’ ability and follow all safety guidelines.
Take a Ride on the Excursion Train
Explore the gardens on the convenient and enjoyable excursion train. Carries a maximum of 55 passengers and circulates around the attraction, stopping at four stations.
For families, the train is especially convenient as it lets those people look at various parts of the gardens without having to walk all the way across the garden.
Enjoy the Children’s Recreational Areas
The Hanging Gardens have age-appropriate blithely designed children’s recreational spaces with three sections.
This will help make the destination family-friendly for different aged children. Parents will have a landscaped environment to enjoy and children will have play and entertainment areas.
Walk or Run Around the Park
The main buildings in the garden are surrounded by a 760-metre running track. The track may be used for walking, jogging or just a place to enjoy the outdoors.
The track not only makes the Hanging Gardens a more than traditional sightseeing spot, it also creates a more dynamic and exciting experience for visitors.
Enjoy the Skating Area
The gardens also contain an area for skates for the less advanced and more experienced skater. It offers another form of recreation for those that don’t want to walk around and look at the sites.
Restaurants and Panoramic Dining
There are a number of food and dining facilities in the Hanging Gardens. It features a half-circular shape, seating approximately 215 people, with views of the gardens and waterfall, at the main restaurant.
In the upper part of the attraction a second restaurant is located, which can accommodate about 100 guests, and has traditional wooden architecture. It is raised to give views over parts of the gardens. There is also a cafeteria (light meals & refreshments).
Our Insight: The Best Experience May Be Later in the Day
The late afternoon and evening may be the best time to visit the Hanging Gardens for many visitors. This makes it possible to enjoy the gardens without the afternoon heat, enjoy the scenery of the mountains and experience the lighted waterfall after dark.
But, the most convenient visiting time will rely on season. Outdoor walking may be more comfortable to do towards the end of the day in the summer.
Hanging Gardens in Kalba Location
The Hanging Gardens are situated along the Sharjah-Kalba road in the mountainous eastern part of Sharjah in the city of Kalba.
It is one of the many tourism products that Kalba is developing, including tourism in mountain areas, wildlife, coastal and environmental tourism. The city of Kalba is about 120 kilometres east to Sharjah and about 12 kilometres south of Fujairah city.
Hanging Gardens Kalba Timings
Opening times may vary from one season to the next, or due to events or operational requirements and should be verified with the latest official information before travelling.
Before visiting, please use the official listing as the most up-to-date information with regard to opening dates.
Hanging Gardens Kalba Entry Fee
Entry policies/ ticket information may be subject to change. Due to the above visitors must refer to the latest official information before visiting to ensure an entrance fee is required and whether any particular attractions or activities have an entrance fee.
It’s especially helpful for families to consult up to date information before travelling, when planning a budget.
Parking and Visitor Facilities
The Hanging Gardens provides numerous amenities for visitors such as 262 parking spaces, accessible parking stations and EV charging stations.
Restrooms, prayer rooms and a cafeteria are other facilities. The facilities make it easier for families to visit and those who wish to spend several hours exploring the attraction.
Best Time to Visit Hanging Gardens in Kalba
October to April is the best time to visit outdoor attractions in UAE as the weather is cooler. In this time there will be more time available to walk through the gardens and mountain areas.
Late afternoon is also a good time to visit as it will allow you to view the attraction during daylight hours and then continue to stay in late evening to view the illuminated waterfall.
In the summer, care must be taken to plan outdoor activities and ensure that enough drinking water is available.
How Long Do You Need at Hanging Gardens Kalba?
The visit will last approximately 2 hours, and is ideal for those who wish to primarily see the waterfall, walk through the gardens and take photographs.
People looking to take the excursion train, walk around the recreational areas, eat lunch and hikes on the mountain trails can spend 3 to 4 hours on the mountain.
Suggested Visit Plan
| Visit Duration | What You Can Do |
| 1–2 hours | See the waterfall, walk through the gardens and take photographs |
| 2–3 hours | Explore the gardens, enjoy the train ride and visit recreational areas |
| 3–4 hours | Add mountain trails, dining and a more relaxed exploration of the attraction |
Things to Know Before Visiting
Please wear appropriate shoes as there are walkways, platforms and mountain trails. Bring drinking water, particularly during the summer.
When travelling with children, give families sufficient time to take advantage of play facilities provided. Those who are interested in climbing routes in the mountains should select an appropriate level of challenge and stick to the designated routes.
The draw is huge, so if you’re planning on spending a longer time there, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and bring a fully charged phone!
Nearby Attractions in Kalba
The benefit of visiting the Hanging Gardens is that there are several other things to see that can fill up a day’s itinerary at Kalba.
Depending on their interests and the time at their disposal, visitors can choose to visit and enjoy the gardens in combination with the following options: Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, Kalba Birds of Prey Centre, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and Kalba Corniche Park.
Our Insight: Plan a Full Kalba Day Trip
The Hanging Gardens are best experienced as a component of the Kalba experience; not a singular destination. This region boasts a unique mix of nature, family-friendly activities, beaches, mangroves and wildlife, and mountains.
The day could be designed with the afternoon spent at the Hanging Gardens and another local attraction or a stop on the coast later in the day.
Is Hanging Gardens in Kalba Worth Visiting?
The Hanging Gardens are definitely worth visiting for nature lovers, those who love the mountains, want to take some great photographs and for family oriented people who want to go out for something fun in the fresh air.
Its advantage in the destination is that it is diverse. The gardens are landscaped, along with a waterfall, mountain trails, recreational areas, dining facilities and panoramic views all in one place.
It is especially enjoyable for families since not all the family members need to do the same activity. Some visitors can wander the trails, others can soak in the gardens or ride the train or wander the recreational trails.
Final Verdict
One of the most unique attractions of the UAE is the Hanging Gardens in Kalba, Sharjah. The place is home to a blend of greenery, flowers, terraces, waterfalls and mountain views that span over 1.6 million square feet and 100,000 trees.
The artificial waterfall is the main attraction, while the mountain trails, excursion train, running track, skating area, children’s facilities and restaurants will provide the opportunity for a longer stay for families.
The Hanging Gardens, Kalba are a must-visit attraction on the east coast of Sharjah. The attraction can also be reached within a tour to Kalba’s wildlife, mangrove and coastal places for a full day tour.
FAQs
In which part of Kalba are the hanging gardens?
In the UAE, the Hanging Gardens can be found on the Sharjah-Kalba Road in Sharjah, Kalba.
What is the volume of the Hanging Gardens, in the city of Kalba?
The gardens span some 1.6 million sq ft and reach up to about 281 metres above sea level.
What is the most important element in Hanging Gardens Kalba?
There are many features to the attraction but the most prominent is the multi-level artificial waterfall and small lake.
Are the Hanging Gardens family friendly?
Yes. It involves children’s recreation areas, an excursion train, restaurants and other family friendly areas.
Does Hanging Gardens Kalba have a running track?
Yes. There is a running track which is about 760 metres in length in the attraction.
About how many hours will I need to spend at the Hanging Gardens Kalba?
A 2-4 hour visit is appropriate, depending on the kind of experience you wish to have, such as hiking the trails or taking the train, or enjoying the facilities and dining on-site.
Where else in the neighborhood of Hanging Gardens Kalba can I go?
There are many other attractions nearby such as Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, Kalba Birds of Prey Centre, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and Kalba Corniche Park.
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