One Day Picnic Spots in Mumbai

One of the most famous and popular amusement parks in the country, Essel World is located in Gorai, close to the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai. EsselWorld and Water Kingdom together make one of Asia's largest amusement parks. They expand over an area of 64 acres and are frequented by locals and non-locals from all age groups, especially kids.

Located in the district of Thane, a little ways away from Navi Mumbai, Tikuji-Ni-Wadi is an amusement park and a resort. The resort cum amusement park is a joyous place where individuals can indulge in water activities including a wave pool, water rides and other activities restricted to water parks. Aside from this the place also has attractions such as giant wheels, go-kart arenas, and an arcade area.

Known For : Kondana Caves Peth Fort Trekking in Karjat

Karjat, a quaint little village is the last station of Thane district in Maharashtra. The river Ulhas finds its origin in Karjat and trekking and historical spots make it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. It is 90kms from Mumbai and has gained importance because it connects Pune and Lonavala station to Mumbai.

Best Time: June to September

11 Karjat Attractions

Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa

Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers. Lonavala, being a part of the Sahyadri hills, offers an alluring and bewitching experience of nature's most gifted region.

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks.

A little away from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary filled with species of both flora and fauna that are sure to astound you. The Sanctuary was established in 1968 and initially covered an area of 4.45 sq.km. However, in 2003 the area was increased to 12.11 sq.km. Today the Karnala Sanctuary is popular among bird watchers as well as hikers who want to get away from the busy urban jungles of their cities.

Located in the town of Vasai in the Palghar District of Maharashtra, Vasai Fort is a majestic fort and a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Also known as Fort Bassein or Fort Bacaim, it overlooks the confluence of the River Ulhas in the background and is one of the top tourist destinations in the region.

Known For : Manori Beach Global Vippasanna Pagoda Beach Parties

Manori beach, along with Gorai beach is a growing favourite among back packers and people who just want to cross over to the peace and quiet of the country side for a while. One day off from work. No time to travel too far. Low on petrol and just enough hours to pack up and leave for a refreshing day out. Manori offers much more than just a day's getaway to the beach.

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Manori Attractions

Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug

A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway holiday destination and has earned itself the name of 'mini-Goa', owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 kilometres from Mumbai, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples, ensuring that despite being a small town, you never run out of activities to do.

Best Time: November to March

29 Alibag Attractions

Known For : Durshet Forest Lodge Uddhar Hot Springs Water sports in Durshet

Durshet is a little village found on the banks of the river Amba, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Due to its proximity to Mumbai and Pune it serves as a weekend getaway for people to move away from the crowded cities. It is situated between two Ganesh temples of Pali and Mahad and is just off the highway near the village of Khopoli.

Best Time: September to February

7 Durshet Attractions

Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, near Borivali in Mumbai, the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai are a group of rock - cut monuments in the form of caves. The caves and the paintings, themselves, illustrate the Buddhist influence on the Indian art and culture. The caves are famous for their 109 special entrances as well as for their ancient sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the 1st century to the 10th century that adorn their basalt formations.

Hanging Garden is a terrace garden situated on top of the Malabar Hill, right next to the Kamla Nehru Park. It overlooks the stunning Arabian Sea and was built in 1880 by Mr. Ulhas Ghapokar. The stunning gardens are dedicated to Barrister Pherozeshah Mehta and are also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. In fact, when viewed from above, one can clearly see the letter PMG spelt out in the gardens.

Mahakali Caves, also known as Kondivite Caves, are centuries old and are located in the western part of the city of Mumbai in Andheri. Mahakali Caves comprise a total of nineteen rock-cut monuments, built between 1st and 6th century. The main cave consists of Buddha figures and stupas and there are several Buddha idols carved on the rocks too.

The Wonders Park in the Nerul area of Navi Mumbai is a unique park in India which you may not witness anywhere in the country. The park is an artfully built space that contains replicas of all Seven Wonders of the World for all visitors to explore. These replicas feel extremely real and are kept in prim and proper shape by the maintenance crew.

Yeoor Hills make for a perfect picnic spot as they provide an opprtune setting for it - birds chirping all around the place, varities of different tries lining up the hills, Upvan Lake flowing through the hills and a good senic view of Thane city from hills. Yeoor Hills checks up all the elements for a good picnic trip. It is located in the Thane District of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and is easily accessible.

Palghar is a coastal town located in Maharashtra, 87 kms in north to Mumbai. It also makes for a good picnic spot because not only is it easily accessible but provides a variety of attractions such as temples, forts and beaches. One can go around visit a few of these places, set up a picnic spot on one of the beaches adn enjoy the cool sea breeze from the Arabian Sea.