The Hanging Garden Sharjah is a very unpredictable and very pleasant surprise in the rugged terrain of Kalba. At one moment, you are in hot and arid mountains. But as soon as you enter the garden, the greenery and flowers are everywhere. This is totally opposite to the arid mountains just outside. The sound of water flowing down the stream takes away all the stress. It almost feels that you have actually slept and now you are inside a dream.
It’s strange in the best way. This lush pocket sits right in the barren hills, as if someone decided it needed a little magic. Some people wander in with a camera and forget to leave. Others show up for a quick look and end up finding a bench just to watch the light shift through the leaves. Kalba and Khorfakkan are full of wonderful places, but the Hanging Garden might just be their most beautiful destination.
Before knowing the practical stuff, it is worth knowing that it is so easy to lose track of time here. The Hanging Gardens feel like standing in a place that doesn’t feel like it belongs here. It is a place everyone must experience at least once.
Reasons Why You Might Fall in Love with the Hanging Garden Kalba
1. A Treat for the Eyes
Everywhere you look, something pulls you in. Slopes covered in green, some plants you’ll recognise, others you’ve probably never seen before. The place is covered with over 100,000 trees. They are spread across 1.6 million square feet of carefully designed terraces. Each step you take on the cooling mountain path brings you closer to the peace of nature.
And you simply cannot miss the dramatic, man-made waterfall that falls into a serene pool. Its sight and sound are both calming and peaceful.
2. Away from the Noise
It’s calm in a way the city isn’t.
The air feels cooler under the trees. Then there’s the sound of water moving somewhere nearby. It smells faintly sweet due to the flowers all over the place. Even if you didn’t come here to relax, you probably will.
3. A Photographer’s Playground
Sunlight through leaves, colours bouncing off the water, flowers throwing splashes of red or yellow into your frame. It’s almost too easy to click a good photo. You could spend an hour on one path just chasing the light.
4. Space for the Whole Family
Kids find their own fun. Some follow butterflies. Others run on the paths just to see where it leads. There’s enough open space. You don’t feel like you have to watch every step they take.
5. Close to Other Beautiful Attractions
You can pair your visit with nearby attractions. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and Bird of Prey Centre, Al Hefaiyah Lake, Shees Park, Khorfakkan Beach, or even the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre are all just a small drive away.
What You’ll Come Across
The Iconic Waterfall
The first thing to grab your attention inside the Hanging Gardens is the waterfall. Its sound is loud but calming. The sound echoes throughout the place. Mist from the falling water cools down the mountain breeze. In the daylight, it often creates beautiful rainbows.
The carefully placed lighting completely changes its character at night. The waterfall looks like a glowing curtain. Almost like molten silver against the dark rock. The beauty of the waterfall brings it to the limelight of the gardens. A spot where everyone gathers, drawn by its beauty.
Trails and Tracks
The Hanging Gardens aren’t just about standing still and admiring the view. They’re made for movement, discovery, and fun.
For those who love staying fit and healthy, there is a 760-metre track. You can jog with the cool mountain air brushing your face. Or you can take a slow, mindful walk while looking at the scenery. It’s gaining health with a view, without the pressure of city noise.
Hiking Routes
There are hiking routes for those looking for a bit more challenge. The gardens feature three hiking routes. Each has a different character.
- A Gentle Slope
It moves through lush terraces, perfect for a relaxed climb.
- A Steep Stone Path
It has sturdy stone steps that reward you with sweeping views from above.
- The Ridge Route
The third trail stretches across the higher ridges. It connects lookout points, giving you full views of Kalba town, the lagoon, and the sea beyond. It’s not very steep. However, it is longer. There are rest stops and lookout points along the way, where you can rest.
A Skate Park
There’s a 24,000-square-foot skate park where you’ll see beginners wobbling on their boards, a parent cheering from the sidelines, and seasoned skaters gliding effortlessly. It’s not just a park but a playground of confidence and courage. Every fall turns into laughter, and every push forward feels like flying.
The Mini Train
There are play zones designed for different age groups of kids. Slides, swings, and climbing frames keep the younger ones busy. Older kids run free without parents worrying about safety. The favorite part is the mini-train. It glides gently along its route, carrying kids wide-eyed with excitement and parents grateful for the break.
From here, the gardens reveal themselves in a whole different way. Lawns, the sparkle of water, and mountain shadows further add to the excitement of children. The tickets are AED 15 per person. It is ideal if you don’t want to walk the whole area or if you are with kids.
Entry Fee and Timings
Entry Ticket for the gardens is AED 5 per person. That’s less than the price of a cup of coffee. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly attractions in the UAE. There is free entry for children under 3.
The parking at the Hanging Gardens Sharjah, is no longer free and now costs AED 10 per hour. You’ll see clear signage and can pay via the Sharjah Digital app, Mawaqif, or on-site machines. Fridays are usually free. But watch out for blue zones.
Those are paid around the clock, even on weekends and holidays. The gardens stay open 24/7. This means you can enter at any time of the day. In the golden glow of morning, under the bright afternoon sun, or with the gardens beautifully lit up at night.
Reaching the Gardens
- The simplest way to get to the gardens is by driving yourself. It takes a little over an hour from Sharjah. The distance is 115 kilometers in all. With today’s fuel prices, you’ll spend roughly AED 50 to 60 on the round trip. This is about what you’d pay for a quick dinner out.
- If you’re setting off from Dubai, the drive stretches closer to an hour and a half, and the fuel slips toward AED 60 to 70. Fujairah residents are luckier. The gardens are practically next door, less than an hour away. The fuel costing AED 20 or 30 hardly dents the pocket.
- If you don’t own a car, renting is a smart option for groups and families. Daily rental costs AED 70–120. It is even cheaper than taxis or buses. Parking is easy once you arrive, with just a small fee.
- Public transport works, but it’s not as straightforward. A bus will drop you in Kalba, and then you’ll need to hop into a taxi for the mountain climb. By the time you add it all up, you’re spending close to AED 80 to 100 per person. It makes sense only if you’re traveling alone. For families or groups, driving is much more recommended.
Dining with a View
There are two restaurants at your service for filling your belly while offering great views.
Habib Beirut
Habib Beirut, in a circular building in the lower park, offers cozy indoor seating and a sunlit terrace. Prices here are moderate, think AED 30–60 for a full meal per person. The views stretch across the lawns and the waterfall.
La Brasseria
You’ll come across La Besseria after climbing further up. Here you can enjoy the lavish food. All this while enjoying sweeping views of the gardens, lagoon, and sea beyond. Prices are slightly higher-end with mains typically between AED 50–100. However, the views make it worth every dirham.
Knowing Before Going Hanging Garden Sharjah
Barbecues are not allowed. This is to keep the park clean and safe. Pets are not permitted, and the gardens are strictly pet-free. Facilities that are included in your ticket are prayer rooms, restrooms, shaded seating, benches, and all play areas.
Final Thoughts on Visiting
The Hanging Garden Kalba, Sharjah, don’t feel planned out like most parks. They feel more real. The air is different here. Cool, light, with that mountain smell you don’t get in the city. The waterfall running down the rock makes the whole place feel alive without being noisy.
A visit doesn’t need a lot of thinking and planning. Sometimes all you need is the fresh air and a change of view.
