Tourist Places near Mumbai

For any human being its very important to unwind a bit from his/her daily busy work life and enjoy life with friends and family. Especially in a city like Mumbai which is practically turning into a concrete jungle, with hundreds and thousands of people coming in to find a way to earn their livelihood, things get cramped. Though there are tons of things to see and do in Mumbai, but the city life alone cannot suffice the peace and relaxation one gets by moving out. But worry not, as there are several places in the vicinity of Mumbai where you can relax and have a great time with your family and friends. Let's have a look at some of the best spots to see near Mumbai:

Picnic Spots Near Mumbai

Everyone needs a break from their study, work or monotonous life schedule and the best way is to take a day off solely for self. And if you want to escape the noise and crowd for a while, visit these top relaxing places that wont be far from your reach specially if you are in Mumbai and a day out for the best re-vital.

A place to enjoy the lush greens and soothing environment away from the hustle bustle of the city, pack your picnic basket and move ahead to the following places.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Location:  40 Kms north of city center, Borivali

Best time to visit: Monsoon time is best to enjoy greenery and freshness, while birds can be spotted from November to February.

How to reach:

Train- Mumbai to Borivali takes 30 km on Western railway Route.

Road- On taking the Mumbai - Ahmadabad Highway, Borivali is located near Mumbai Octrai post.

Airport- 15km away from Mumbai Airport

Timings- 730Am to 630PM, Monday to Sunday

This park has a enormous area of 104sqkm and a varied bio diversity with 1000 species of plants, 40 species of mammals , 251 kind of birds and many amphibians and reptiles too.The park also has Kanheri caves which reflect Buddhist era with colossal figures and colonnades.The park also has two lakes amidst the varied lush green.The tiny waterfall inside the park is best to sit back and relax.

Read more about the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Aarey Milk Colony

Location: Goregaon East Mumbai

Best time to visit- Throughout the year

How to reach- Easily accessible by road

Timings- Throughout the day

Spread over an area of 16sq km, this area is known for its world's most modern milk colony, Aarey colony is favored by all. From Bollywood which organizes shooting calling it the 'Chhota Kashmir' to many who find the roads worthy of a running track.Many tours are also organized for dairy tours which are both educational and fascinating.

Elephants Caves

Location- Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor, 10kms to east

Best time to visit- November to March is considered ideal.

How to reach- Ferry takes off from Gateway of India from 9 AM to 530 pm in evening. Its an hour long journey.

Timings- Monday Closed

A picnic amidst the ancient history seems as interesting as it sounds. Exploring the steep caves or playing adventurous games too would add fun to your picnic.The top of the island, known as Cannon hill can also be accessed. The large sculptures panels with images of Lord Shiva narrating tales of the era.The shocking part is the hand carved caves out of humongous rocks.

Alibaug

Location-110 km South of Mumbai

Best time to visit- November to February

How to Reach- A private boat or ferry from Gateway of India. 45 mins journey to Mandwa Jetty and another 45 min journey from Mandwa Jetty to Alibaug.

Its a favorite picnic spot known for its 17th century dated forts, churches and synagogues.The main attraction being Kolaba Fort which is surrounded by ocean. The laid back area of the beach, Akshi, Nagaon and Kihim is popular for its birds and natural beauty. Beach side activities like Volleyball etc are played and the nets can be seen on sale. Private parties can be organised in bungalows that are available on rent.

Tikuji-ni-Wadi

Location- Valley of Manpada Chitalsar, 40 km from Mumbai, Thane

Best time to visit- Open throughout the year, water park closed in winters.

Timings- Resort 9Am to 7Pm, Amusement park 11AM to 7PM, Water park 10AMto 6PM

How to reach- By road, its situated on the Godhbunder / Thane road  or Eastern Express highway from Sion Circle or Western express Highway from Mahim.

This entertainment park is best for a day out with kids, friends, family or colleagues. With entertainment meant from kids to elders, there are go karts, roller coasters, giant wheels, water parks and even a resort to relax. A new addition with realistic looking dinosaur park has life sized animated dinosaurs add to the fun of 'Jurassic Park'.

Esselworld

Location- Borivali West, Gorai, Mumbai

Timings- 11AM to 7PM(Monday to Friday), 10AM to 7Pm (Weekends and bank holidays)

How to reach-

By road, Western Express Highway to Kashimira and Mira-Bhayander.

By train- Western Railway train to Mala or Borivali, BEST bus no.272 to Marve beach or BEST bus no. 294 to Gorai Creek. This 64 acre park of full entertainment with a water kingdom and known as India's largest amusement arenas.With school kids as staple visitors, and a daily footfall of 3000-4000 guests makes it obvious as one of the most visited place for an entertaining day out.

Few more places for a day's visit near Mumbai are as follows:

• Vasai
• Karnala Bird Sanctuary
• Gorai and Manori
• Malshej Ghat
• Byculla Zoo
• Murud Janjira Beach and Fort
  

So to celebrate a family occasion , an intimate date or even a company or friend get together, pack your picnic basket and walk to any suburb of or near Mumbai and you shall surely find some place or the other to just relax and you would not regret saying 'A Sunday well spent'.

Resorts Near Mumbai

Luxury Resorts Near Mumbai

Weekend Resorts near Mumbai

Spa Resorts near Mumbai

Madhuban Resort & Spa

Beach Resorts near Mumbai

Silver Sands Beach Resort

Jungle Resorts Near Mumbai

Water Resorts Near Mumbai

Family Resorts near Mumbai

Mumbai is, for many, the city of dreams; the ultimate ‘Mayanagari’. Apart from being the heartbeat of the Indian finance, the city is the hub of culture. The Arabian Sea licks its western coast and gives the city a beautiful coastline. Mumbai has some good beaches, ideal for a short walk in the evening or a leisure picnic. But for those who are looking for options outside the city, living is Mumbai can be the ideal abode. From the lush green hill tops to pristine beaches veneered with clean white sand, the towns around Mumbai can come close to being the perfect holiday destinations for you and your family.

The natural settings around Mumbai hold a wealth of opportunities for anyone wishing for a holiday.

Five of the most popular beach destinations around Mumbai have been mentioned below.

Alibaug

Located just south of Mumbai, this small town attracts throngs of visitors for its idyllic beauty. Apart from a beautiful long beach that stretches for nearly 17 kilometers, Alibaug has a number of other places of interest. The Alibaug Fort is steeped in history and ideal for people looking for a wonderful view of the sea. There is plenty of natural beauty all around Alibaug.  Besides, the Khanderi and Underi islands, a few kilometers offshore are ancient fortifications worth a visit.

Ganapatipule

Ganapatipule is almost 380 kilometers away from Mumbai. The long journey detracts many from visiting this town. But it is worth every kilometer. The Velneshwar, a hamlet of a few hundred people can provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The greenery and the peaceful ways of the people here is sure to mesmerize anybody. On top of that, the ancient Jaigad Fort overlooks the entire rustic habitations and the surrounding areas.
 

Bordi

Bordi lies around 180 kilometers north of Mumbai. The beach is the prime attraction of this miniscule town, stretching almost 17 kilometers. The fine white sands are much less littered than most other beaches in India. Besides, the lush green settings of fruit orchards are an added attraction. While there, do not forget to try out the local delicacies.

Daman

Daman was a Portuguese colony till 1961. This lent a lot to the character and culture of the place. The architecture and the ways of the people would take you to another era. Daman has beaches in plenty, and these are good for a lazy day in the sun. Some parts of the mainland have been left in appalling conditions by the vigorous growth of the pharmaceutical industry.

Kashid

This beach destination is 140 kilometers from Mumbai. What really draws people here is the lack of excess crowd. Hence, there is always room to enjoy and unwind yourself. If that does not satisfy you, then you can always try the Phansad Bird Sanctuary some 20 kilometers away.

There are several other destinations of equal serenity. Many of these find themselves in desecrate state due to wastes left behind by passing tourists. Still, these places can be a treat for city dwellers and others looking for a bit of adventure.

Monsoon Destinations Near Mumbai

If you are and ardent traveler and a keen observer of daily life, it's needless to mention the jubilation that encompasses the entire length and breadth of India, with the arrival of the monsoons in June-July every year. Relief from the torrid heat of Indian summers is something that not many can do without – and this is especially responsible for lending the monsoon rains a divine status. And any talk about monsoons must surely include Mumbai – the commercial capital of the country – for it is the only metropolis in the country that has traditionally enjoyed the privilege of being bestowed with the best of all the three seasons.

Mumbai, especially, has always been intricately intertwined with fascinating tales of the monsoon season – witnesses by people from all over the world in its fully fascinating form in places like Marine Drive. Let us, to reemphasize on the ethereal enormity of the ongoing rainy season, perform a routine check on the city and discover the best monsoon destinations within its precincts.

as one of the top tourist destinations in India, the hill station of Lonavala is primarily known for the mesmerizing beauty of its many hills and hillocks. This place, however, acquires an altogether different form when the monsoon rains come knocking at its doors. A vast array of gigantic waterfalls intersperse the verdant greenery of the hillsides, which is enhanced manifold by the copious rainfall.

Lions Point is one of the top tourist spots in this region – offering a breathtaking view of the entire Lonavala valley, and the sight of the Tungari Lake and Lonavala Lake meandering across the green  valley ought not to be missed by anyone who happens to visit Lonavala during this time of the year.

Immensely popularized by one of the hit Bollywood songs of the 90s, Khandala is often referred to as the twin hill station of Lonavala. Located on the outskirts of Mumbai, and on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Khandala is one of the most easily accessible hill stations near Mumbai. It offers plenty of trekking opportunities to interested tourists and is widely known for its lush greenery. Karala and Bhuja – two Buddhist caves – located in this region constitute the topmost rung of Khandala’s tourist attractions. Besides, Duke’s Cliff, Bhushi Lake and Tiger’s Leap are also well known traditional tourist spots here.

Talk about monsoon destinations in Mumbai and you can never miss the credentials of Matheran – a hill station located more than 2500 feet above sea level and at a distance of about 100 kilometers from the heart of Mumbai. The most unique feature of this hill station lies in the fact that it is completely freed from the din created by motorized vehicles, as they are strictly not allowed within the periphery of the place, in keeping with its ‘eco-sensitive’ status. Home to a number of bungalows, eateries and streets of the bygone British era, Matheran is a heaven for tourists who are forever on the lookout for tranquility in their surroundings.

Hill Stations near Mumbai

With breathtaking views and mesmerizing scenic beauty hill stations on the Western Ghats of India will make you fall in love with these places. These hill stations near Mumbai, Maharashtra are well connected to the main city are one of the best options for spending your weekend with family and friends. Surrounded with lush green area, waterfalls, lakes and some old architectural heritage of India these hill stations have a lot to offer making your holiday a memorable trip and the following are some of the best holiday destinations on the Western Ghats.

Panchgani lies in the Satara District of Maharashtra and is located in the middle of five hills of the Sahyadri Mountain ranges. The hills are greenest in the monsoon with low humidity level and September -May is the best time to visit. The major tourist attractions of Panchgani are; Sydney Point, Mapro garden, Parsi point, devil's kitchen and table land and is also famous for it's nearby Ganesh Mandir in Wai, 10 km from Panchgani. It is 285 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune and the nearest railroad is Wathar, 45 km from away and the nearest airport is the Pune airport, 98 km away.

A famous holiday resort, honeymoon spot and an important pilgrimige for Hindus, Mahabaleshwar has become a major tourist attractions in the Satara Disrict in Maharashtra in the Western Ghats ranges. It is surrounded with natural beauty all around and is also famous for the strawberries and honey produced here, also known for points the key tourist points in Mahabaleshwar are- Arthur's seat, Kate's seat, Needle hole point, Wilson point and 3 Monkey point. Mahabaleshwar is 285 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune and the nearest railway junction are Pune (120km), Miraj (170km) and Sangli (165km) and the nearest airport is the Pune International airport, 120 km from Mahabaleshwar.

Lonavla is beautiful hill station in the Pune district in Maharashtra in Sahyadri ranges, the best time to visit this hill station is in monsoon because that is the time when  Lonavla draws itself in the nature's arm with lush green area and waterfalls and ponds.The major tourist attraction in Lonavla are- Rajmachi point, Reywood park & Shivaji Udyaan, Tungrali Lake, Lonavla Lake, Karla Caves and Bushy Dam Waterfalls, celebrity wax museum and Shivlinga. Lonavla is 64km from Pune and 96km from Mumbai, is well connected the Mumbai-Expressway and the nearest airport is the Pune International Airport.

Located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and just 3 km from Lonavla, Khandala is again an alluring hillstation to visit with your loved ones with natural lush green area surrounding it. Amrutanjan point, the rock cut Kalra and Bhaja Caves, Duke's nose also known as Nagfani, Bhushi lake and the ancient jail built in 1896 are some of the famous tourist places to visit in Khandala.

At the banks of Pravara river is Bhandardara village located in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra with mountains, waterfalls and greenery all increasing the charm of this beautiful place is a must go for the tourists and for locals looking for a calm weekend gateway.

Pilgrimage sites and nature's scenic beauty, both are present in Bhanardara in form of it's key tourist attractions which are- Bhandardara lake, Randha falls, Ratnagad Fort which is known to be King Shivaji's favourite fort, Amriteshwar temple, Agasti Rishi Ashram, Arthur lake and Ghatghar.

It is 185km from Mumbai and 191km from Pune, the main link by road is the Mumbai - Pune Expressway and the nearest airport is the Chatrapati Shivaji Internatinal airport and the nearest rail way station at Pune, 45 km away.

Known as the smallest hill station in India is located on the Western Ghats in Raigad District, Maharashtra, Matheran is present in the nature's lap and also known for British style architecture & Parsi bunglows. Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir, Panorama point, Rambag point, one tree hill point, olympia race cource, celia point (waterfall mouth) and Charollete lake are the key places to visit in Matheran. The hill station is 90 km fom Mumbai ans 120 km from Pune, the nearest railway station is Matheran hill railway and the nearest airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, 100 km away.