Powai Lake is one of the most beautiful and serene places in Mumbai, the financial and entertainment capital of India. Located in the northeastern suburb of Powai, the lake is a manmade reservoir that was built in 1891 by the British to supply drinking water to Bombay. Today, the lake is a wild wetland that is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the marsh crocodile, the fish species, and the birds. The lake also offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and skyscrapers, and is a popular spot for recreation, relaxation, and photography.
If you are looking for a place to escape the chaos and noise of the city, Powai Lake is the perfect destination for you. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, a foodie, or a thrill-seeker, you will find something to enjoy and explore near Powai Lake. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Powai Lake, such as how to reach, when to visit, what to do, and more. Read on to discover the hidden gem in the heart of Mumbai.
How to Reach Powai Lake
Powai Lake is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as air, rail, road, and metro. Here are some of the ways to reach Powai Lake from different locations in Mumbai:
By air:
The nearest airport to Powai Lake is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which is about 7 km away. You can take a cab, a bus, or a metro from the airport to reach Powai Lake. The cab fare is around Rs. 200, the bus fare is around Rs. 50, and the metro fare is around Rs. 40. The travel time is around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to Powai Lake is the Kanjurmarg Railway Station, which is about 3 km away. You can take a cab, a bus, or a rickshaw from the station to reach Powai Lake. The cab fare is around Rs. 100, the bus fare is around Rs. 20, and the rickshaw fare is around Rs. 50. The travel time is around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route.
By road:
Powai Lake is well-connected by road to various parts of Mumbai, such as Andheri, Bandra, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. You can take a cab, a bus, or a rickshaw from any of these places to reach Powai Lake. The cab fare is around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500, the bus fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100, and the rickshaw fare is around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The travel time is around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route.
By metro:
Powai Lake is also accessible by metro from various parts of Mumbai, such as Ghatkopar, Versova, and Dahisar. You can take the metro line 1 or line 2 to reach the Saki Naka Metro Station, which is about 2 km away from Powai Lake. You can then take a cab, a bus, or a rickshaw from the station to reach Powai Lake. The metro fare is around Rs. 20 to Rs. 40, the cab fare is around Rs. 50, the bus fare is around Rs. 10, and the rickshaw fare is around Rs. 30. The travel time is around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route.
Best Time to Visit Powai Lake
Powai Lake is a year-round destination that can be visited anytime of the year. However, the best time to visit Powai Lake is during the winter months from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, and the lake is full of migratory birds and other wildlife. The average temperature during this time is around 20°C to 25°C, and the humidity is low. The lake also looks more beautiful and scenic during this time, as the water level is high and the surrounding vegetation is green and lush.
Some of the advantages of visiting Powai Lake during the winter months are:
You can enjoy the sight and sound of various birds, such as the flamingo, the spot-billed duck, the Indian grey hornbill, and the purple heron, that flock to the lake during this time. You can also spot some of the rare and endangered species, such as the marsh crocodile, the Indian softshell turtle, and the Indian rock python, that inhabit the lake.
You can indulge in some of the outdoor activities and adventures, such as boating, fishing, cycling, and trekking, that are available near the lake. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions and events, such as the Nirvana Park, the Hitchki, the Hiranandani Gardens, the Snow Kingdom, the Kidzania, the Red Carpet Wax Museum, and the Powai Lake Festival.
You can experience the festive and cultural vibe of Mumbai, as the city celebrates some of the major festivals and occasions, such as Diwali, Christmas, New Year, and Republic Day, during this time. You can also witness some of the local traditions and customs, such as the idol immersion, the kite flying, and the bonfire, that are associated with the lake.
Some of the disadvantages of visiting Powai Lake during the winter months are:
You may have to face some of the crowd and rush, as the lake is a popular and crowded place during this time. You may also have to deal with some of the noise and pollution, as the lake is located in a busy and urban area.
You may have to pay more for the accommodation and transportation, as the lake is a high-demand and high-priced place during this time. You may also have to book in advance and plan ahead, as the lake is a high-availability and high-occupancy place during this time.
Tips for Travellers
Powai Lake is a wonderful and worthwhile place to visit, but it also requires some preparation and precaution. Here are some useful and practical tips for travellers who want to visit Powai Lake:
1. Carry a camera, binoculars, and sunscreen to capture and enjoy the scenic views and the wildlife of the lake. You can also carry a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle to protect yourself from the sun and the heat.
2. Avoid littering and feeding the animals, as they can harm the lake’s ecosystem and the wildlife’s health. You can also carry a reusable bag, a bottle, and a cutlery to reduce your waste and plastic consumption.
3. Respect the local culture and customs, and dress appropriately and modestly. You can also learn some of the basic words and phrases in the local language, such as hello, thank you, and sorry, to communicate and interact with the locals.
4. Explore the nearby attractions and activities, such as the parks, restaurants, shopping centers, and museums, that are available near the lake. You can also participate in some of the events and festivals, such as the Powai Lake Festival, that are organized near the lake.
5. Be aware of the safety and security issues, such as the traffic, the crime, and the wildlife, that may arise near the lake. You can also carry some of the emergency and essential items, such as a phone, a map, a first-aid kit, and some cash, to deal with any situation.
Places to Visit Near Powai Lake
If you are looking for some more fun and excitement near Powai Lake, you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of places to visit near Powai Lake that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the popular and interesting places to visit near Powai Lake, along with their distance and approximate time from the lake:
Nirvana Park:
A serene and beautiful park that offers a relaxing and refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park has lush green lawns, colorful flowers, fountains, ponds, and a meditation center. You can also enjoy a picnic, a walk, or a yoga session at the park. Nirvana Park is located at a distance of 1.5 km and takes about 5 minutes to reach from Powai Lake.
Hitchki:
A trendy and lively restaurant that serves delicious and innovative dishes and drinks, with a retro and nostalgic theme. The restaurant has a cozy and vibrant ambiance, with quirky decor, music, and games. You can also enjoy live performances, karaoke nights, and DJ parties at the restaurant. Hitchki is located at a distance of 1.6 km and takes about 6 minutes to reach from Powai Lake.
Hiranandani Gardens:
A modern and upscale residential and commercial complex that showcases the architectural and urban design of Mumbai. The complex has a variety of buildings, shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. You can also admire the skyline, the lake view, and the street art at the complex. Hiranandani Gardens is located at a distance of 1.7 km and takes about 7 minutes to reach from Powai Lake.
Snow Kingdom:
A fun and exciting indoor snow park that offers a variety of snow activities and games for all ages. You can experience snowfall, snow slides, snow rafting, snow dancing, snow igloo, and snow castle at the park. You can also enjoy a hot chocolate or a snack at the cafe. Snow Kingdom is located at a distance of 3.2 km and takes about 10 minutes to reach from Powai Lake.
Kidzania:
A unique and interactive theme park that allows children to experience and learn about different professions and careers. The park has a replica of a real city, with over 100 role-playing activities, such as doctor, firefighter, pilot, chef, journalist, and more. The park also has a currency system, a passport, and a bank for the children. Kidzania is located at a distance of 3.2 km and takes about 10 minutes to reach from Powai Lake.
Red Carpet Wax Museum:
A fascinating and entertaining museum that displays realistic wax statues of famous celebrities and personalities. You can see and pose with the wax figures of actors, singers, sports stars, politicians, and historical figures. You can also learn about their achievements and trivia at the museum. Red Carpet Wax Museum is located at a distance of 3.2 km and takes about 10 minutes to reach from Powai Lake.
Powai Lake is a hidden gem in the heart of Mumbai that offers a natural and cultural experience for the visitors. The lake has a rich and diverse history, wildlife, and attractions that make it a unique and fascinating destination. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and refreshing getaway, a fun and exciting adventure, or a learning and informative journey, Powai Lake has something for everyone. You can also explore the nearby places that offer more variety and entertainment for your trip. Powai Lake is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to discover the beauty and diversity of Mumbai.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and enjoy the amazing Powai Lake experience.
