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Bassein
Bassein is located 77-km away from Mumbai and is well connected by rail
and road. It served as an important ship-building centre in the early 17th
century. Marathas defeated the Portuguese in 1739 at this site. Bearing a
close resemblance to Goa, a quite place where tourists can take time off
from the crowd. Amidst dense brushwood and palm groves one can find ruins
of the fort built by Portuguese. Another important feature, which attracts
large number of tourists is the Portuguese cuisine served by locals who
also rent rooms.
Nalasopara
A village called Nalasopara, which lies about 10-km away, to the
northwest of Bassein, was the erstwhile Konkan capital from about 1500 BC
to 1300 AD. It attracts tourists, as it is believed to be the place of the
Buddha in a previous incarnation. Many Buddhist relics have also been
found here.
Thane
Thane
is known as the "City of Lakes". There are around 23 lakes in
the city among which The Talao Pali Lake, Upvan Lake are the must to see
places. Endowed with its beautiful lakes and abundant greenery, the city
witnessed a spurt in property development, bringing in hordes of people
into the city.
Elephanta
Caves
An hour's boat ride from Colaba, the tranquil, forested island of
Elephanta is one of the most atmospheric places in Mumbai. Populated only
small fishing community, it makes a wonderful contrast from the noisy
environment of the metropolis. A series of seven magnificent rock-cut
caves, dating from the 4th-9th centuries AD are located here about 76m
above the sea and are accessible by a flight of steps.
Tulsi Lake in Mumbai
Tulsi Lake is located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is set in
the hill ranges around the suburb of Borivali, Mumbai. It is the home to
the reptilian world of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Vihar
And Powai Lakes
Vihar and Powai Lakes are two adjoining lakes in Mumbai suburbs. These
lakes are popular picnic spots where office goers, students and tourist
groups often go for excursion on weekends and holidays. A delightful park
is laid out by the side of lakes and there are number of shady trees for
relaxation. Visitors will find a varying skyline of the suburbs.
Sanjay
Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, better known as Borivali National Park is
set in hill ranges around the suburb of Borivali in Mumbai. Notified in
1974, it offers a pleasant change from the usual sights and attractions of
the big city. It is hence common to see the park teeming with school
picnics, college picnics and other organized excursions.
Krishnagiri Upavan
A pleasing area of approximately 5.5-sq-km has been reserved, as a
recreational zone inside the park, to cater to the educational and
recreational needs of tourists. Amongst the several attractions of the
Krishnagiri Upavan, the Lion Safari is the most famous. The 12-hectare
Lion Safari Park with crisscrossing roads offers tourists a face-to-face
rendezvous with the king of beast from within the safety of special buses.
Another more recent attraction of the park is the new Tiger Safari spread
over a 20-hectare area in the recreational zone. Here, one has the
opportunity not just to see, but get a better understanding of the tiger
species, including the white tiger.
Mount
Mary Church
Mount Mary Church is one of the most prominent churches in Mumbai,
situated on a quiet hillock in suburban Bandra. As the name suggests, it
is dedicated to the Mother of Christ. The Marathi speaking communities
refer the Mother Mary as ' Math Mauli'. There is another statue of Mary
installed outside the Church. People, who have genuine faith, lit wax
candles before the statue and pray for the welfare of the family and their
near and dear ones. Local people strongly believe that Mount Mary fulfils
their genuine wishes if prayers are made earnestly and faithfully.
Kanheri
Caves
Archeologically speaking, the Kanheri Caves located well within the park
area is a major point of interest, presenting an accessible and
interesting glimpse of the history and culture of Buddhist India. 109
Buddhist caves are situated in the central part of the park and are
evidence of the existence of monastic settlements in 2nd to 9th century
AD. They are a collection of Viharas and Chaityas, well connected with
pathways and contain stone beds and cisterns.
Marve
- Manori - Gorai
40-km from Mumbai there are three tiny beaches lying on the north of the
city which are considered as 3 gems that have become popular havens for
Mumbai's beleaguered fun lovers. Marve is a close village near Mumbai,
which is also called as Borivali. Despite industrialisation one can find
that the beauty of Marve is untouched. A little further away from Marve
are the two beautiful beaches called Gorai and Manori, which are more
crowded with travelers and are famous for all night beach parties.
Ganeshpuri
Ganeshpuri is a small township about seventy-five kilometres from Mumbai
in Akloli District, near Thane, which houses the ashram of Swami Nityanand
Maharaj. It is located on the banks of the Tansa. Swami Nityananda founded
Shri Gurudev Ashram or Gurudev Siddha Peet in 1949 where he had three
rooms built for his disciple, Swami Muktananda. Swami Muktananda named the
Ashram as Shree Gurudegv Ashram in memory of his guru who attained
Mahasamadhi in August 1961. Before the emergence of this ashram Ganeshpuri
was famous for hot-water springs. A number of hot-water springs could be
noticed in the bed of the Tansa and surrounding area.