Thane Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

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Also Refered As:

Thana

"City of Lakes"

Thane Tourism

Located to the North West of Maharashtra, Thane is a metropolitan city that's the closest neighbour of Mumbai. With its natural beauty on one hand and rapid industrial development on the other, Thane has evolved as one of the most perfectly balanced metropolitan cities in India. Known as the 'city of lakes' with the 7 lakes in the city, Thane is one of those few places which exhibits its rich multicultural heritage almost in every possible way. Also known as "Elder sister of Mumbai", thane has been the source of water supply to most parts of Mumbai. Although it is a suburb of Mumbai, Thane has now a population of 1.2 million spread over an area of 147kms.

Starting from serving snacks and delicacies of different cities and hosting a variety of festivals starting from Holi to Janmashthami, Thane helps in the cultural exchange of the people. Apart from holding traditions so close to nature, Thane has also maintained high cosmopolitanism in terms of industries and economic growth and was ranked as one of the most resourceful cities.

Ever since the 16th century AD, this city has fought a number of annexations and have undergone a series of transformations during different reigns. The number of forts, especially the Ghorbander fort is a perfect embodiment of the rich history of Thane which make the city even more special.

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History of Thane

The presence of Thane city shows up in worldwide history as early as the 9th century. The city was then known as Shreesthanak. It was all the more prevalently known as the Capital of the Shilahar line. The historical backdrop of Thane city can be extensively sorted into five times.

Vedic period to 1300 A.D: Comprising of the Hindu or old period, Aparant, Shilahar and Bimba Dynasty.
1300-1660 A.D: Mughal and Portuguese Rule.
1660-1800 A.D: Maratha and Portuguese Rule.
1800-1947 A.D: colonial British Rule.
1947-till date: Post Independent Thane.

'Aparant' was the antiquated name of the geological region facilitating Thane city. Amidst the Indian undertaking of the Greek Emperor Alexander, various rationalists and historians visited India. Among them, a Greek student of history 'Tolemi' has referenced the city of Thane in his works. A renowned mariner named Marco Polo had visited Thane in 1290 A.D. A spot called 'Ghodbunder' was well known for pony exchanging in this manner getting its name from the word Ghoda for example horse and bunder significance port. Between the period from 13 A.D. to 17 A.D., the Muslims, Portuguese, Marathas, and the British lines ruled Thane. Between 810 A.D. to 1260 A.D, Thane was ruled by the Shilahar Dynasty.

The Emperors of Shilahar administration were followers of Lord Shiva, and the Kopineshwar Temple has been worked amid their Rule. The famous Kopineshwar Temple was redesigned in the year 1760. In 1778 the palatial living arrangement of the Peshwas was changed over into the Court like building. The main District Court was built up in the year 1803 A.D. Amid this period, because of the common mentality and resistance of Shilahars towards various religions, many religious networks settled in Thane, consequently sowing seeds of a cosmopolitan city. In the prior piece of the 12th Century A.D. to make another township, King Bimbadev, with 66 sections of his locale came over and settled in Thane. Around 1480 A.D, Thane was made the Subha province by Sultan Mahmood.

The Portuguese ruled Thane for more than 200 years from 1530 to 1739 A.D. During this time; Thane was called "Kalabe De Tana". In 1744 the British vanquished Thane city along with its post. The first railroad train was begun on sixteenth April 1853 from Boribunder to Thane, giving Thane the respect of facilitating an occasion of recorded importance. In 1880 the Thane Municipality spent approximately Rs. 12,960/ - on development of the Pokharan Lake, to utilize the lake water for drinking reason. This renowned venture was introduced by the then Governor of Mumbai, Sir Ferguson James. The principal races of the Municipality were led in the year 1885.

Culture of Thane

The locals of Thane belong to the Agri and Koli group who occupy the towns dispersed around the various districts of Thane. They have held their way of life and legacy throughout the hundreds of years and shielded it from the substantial deluges of modernization. Amid the Portuguese and British Rule over India, Thane was under the Portuguese, English and the Roman Catholics. Indeed, even today a portion of the groups of the Khatri Ward in Thane communicate in Portuguese. By and by, Thane shows a blend of dominating Maharashtrian Culture and the multi-hued cosmopolitan culture. Alongside its Marathi populace, Thane houses an enormous number of North Indians, Gujaratis, Sindhis, South Indians, Marathis and different networks from everywhere throughout the nation.

Though the culture of Mumbai strongly influences Thane, it has a very significant cultural identity of its own. Starting from festivals like Holi, Janmashtami, Gudhi Parwa and Durga Puja, all of them are celebrated with equal grandeur. Thane also has a local dance form called lavani which is a conglomeration of different classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Odissi and Kathak. Tourists also get to hear several languages deconstructing the linguistic construction of a Maharashtrian city. Thane also has several ethnic handicrafts and often serves as the shopping paradise for the tourists. Tourists can also enjoy a wide spread of snacks from Konkani delicacies like pav bhaji, vada pav and bhajis.

Shopping in Thane

After Mumbai, Thane serves to be the second largest shopping paradise for tourists and the locals. Starting from low budget street shops or joints to Mall with branded companies, Thane has it all. One of the most common markets is the Thane West station road market- located 5 minutes away from the Thane railway station; this is one of the cheapest markets for buying accessories and footwear and hence is very common among teenagers. The average price ranging from 300 INR to 500 INR, this market has attracted several tourists for buying local goods over many years. Thane also has many weekly market known as the 'haats' which serve local handicrafts, pickles and other Maharashtrian specialities. Overall, be it fashionistas or shopaholics, Thane is sure to attract one's attraction with it's vibrant and aesthetic market scenario.

Economy of Thane

After Mumbai, Thane serves to be the second largest shopping paradise for tourists and the locals. Starting from low budget street shops or joints to Mall with branded companies, Thane has it all. One of the most common market is the Thane West station road market- located 5 minutes away form the Thane railway station, this is one of the cheapest markets for buying accessories and footwear and hence is very common among teenagers. the average price ranging from 300 INR to 500 INR, this market has attracted a number of tourists for buying local goods over a number of years. Thane also has a number of weekly market known as the 'Haats' which serve local handicrafts, pickles and other Maharashtrian specialities. Overall, be it fashionistas or shopaholics, Thane is sure to attract one's attraction with it's vibrant and aesthetic market scenario.

Tips for Visiting Thane

Tourists should visit Thane during Ganesh Chaturthi which is celebrated for four days at a stretch and with maximum grandeur. It is also imperative for the tourists to try the local snacks like bhajjis and other Konkani delicacies. The small and local food joints are so authentic that it is often suggested that tourists indulge in more of these than the multicuisine restaurants. Tourists should, however, avoid visiting Thane during the monsoons to avoid adverse natural conditions. One should also be careful while travelling via auto rickshaws as they tend to trick the tourists and rob them of money.

Suggested Itinerary for Thane

Thane can be covered in almost 3-4 days at the best.

Day 1
Start your sightseeing from the Upvan Lake in Pokhran Road followed by the entertainment park of Tiku Ji ni wadi at Manpara road. After having a sumptuous lunch at the restaurants near Tiku Ji ni wadi, you can head towards the historical Bassein fort at Vasai Road.

Day 2
Begin your second day by visiting the Radha Madanmohan Temple in the morning followed by the Khargar hills, both located in the outskirts of Thane. You can visit the Ghodbunder Fort and then head towards the central city of Thane and have a relaxed evening at Talao Pali.

Day 3 in Matheran can include relaxing spots like Porcupine point, Louisa point and Panorama point for experiencing a breathtaking sunrise as well as the sunset. To wind up your holiday you can also visit the famous Korum Mall at Shahid Mangal Pandey Road for shopping local handicrafts and other exotic items.

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Thane Photos

Thane
Suraj Water Park
Upvan Lake, Thane, Maharashtra
Upvan Lake, Thane, Maharashtra, India

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FAQs on Thane

What is famous about Thane?

Thane is the perfect place for enjoying local street food and festivities all year round.

What is not so good about Thane?

Traffic congestion and heavy rains can often be a problem in Thane

Who should visit Thane?

Thane is the best place for tourists who want to enjoy the spirit of nature and culture together, and because of its uncountable number of food joints serving Indian delicacies, Thane calls for all the foodies.

What is the best time to visit Thane?

The best time to visit Thane is during October- March when the average temperature is around 22 degrees. Overall, Thane maintains a tropical wet and dry climate receiving maximum rainfall in June and July. Thus the winter is the most pleasant time to visit the city especially for sightseeing when it is neither hot nor rainy.
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What are the things to do in Thane?

The top things to do in Thane are Elvis Butterfly Garden, Sargam Water Park, Upvan Lake, Vardhaman Fantasy Amusement Park, Tansa Dam, Talao Pali. You can see all the places to visit in Thane here

What are the places near Thane?

The top places near to Thane are Mumbai which is 19 km from Thane, Matheran which is located 40 km from Thane, Lonavala which is located 68 km from Thane, Alibag which is located 63 km from Thane, Manori which is located 19 km from Thane

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Prachi Pansare

4 years ago
A few kilometers from the city of Mumbai is Thane city. Known as the city of lakes it has over 30 lakes, with some of the more popular ones being Upvan and Talao Pali. The lakes provide a peaceful at (Read More)mosphere to chill with friends by the lake, enjoy a cup of coffee and kick back and relax. Yeoor hills near Upvan lake has green trees, various animals and birds and has an abundance of biodiversity. These hills have a good cycling trail and are also an excellent location for trekking. When in Thane, catch a play at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan. The most important food joints here are Appetite momos and Mamledar Misal. If you ask any Thanekar who has the best Misal, he/she is bound to say Mamledar. The Misal here is an emotion! Thane also has large malls like Vivana and Korum and are great for shopping.
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