Are you looking for a relaxing and refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai? Do you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, culture, and adventure in one place? If yes, then you should definitely visit Upvan Lake, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thane. Upvan Lake is a man-made lake that was created in the 1880s by the Thane Municipal Corporation. It is surrounded by the Yeoor Hills and offers a stunning view of the city skyline.
Upvan Lake is not only a scenic spot, but also a cultural hub that hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you want to go boating, walking, photography, birdwatching, or just relax and unwind, Upvan Lake has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Upvan Lake, including the best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, nearby restaurants and hotels, and more.
Read on to find out why Upvan Lake should be your next destination.
Best Time to Visit Upvan Lake
Thane has a tropical climate that is hot and humid for most of the year. The best time to visit Upvan Lake is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. You can enjoy the breeze and the greenery of the lake without sweating or getting sunburned.
This is also the time when Upvan Lake hosts some of the most famous festivals and events in Thane, such as:
Ganesh Chaturthi: This is a 10-day festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. You can witness the grand procession of idols and immerse them in the lake on the last day.
Thane Festival: This is a 15-day festival that showcases the art, culture, and heritage of Thane. You can enjoy various performances, exhibitions, workshops, competitions, and food stalls at Upvan Lake.
Sanskruti Arts Festival: This is a 4-day festival that promotes the folk and classical arts of India. You can watch various artists perform dance, music, theatre, puppetry, and more at Upvan Lake.
If you are planning a trip to Upvan Lake, here are some tips and suggestions for you:
1. Pack light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and umbrella for protection from the sun and rain.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking and boating around the lake.
3. Avoid visiting Upvan Lake during monsoon (June to September), as it can get flooded and muddy.
4. Avoid visiting Upvan Lake during weekends and holidays, as it can get crowded and noisy.
How to Reach Upvan Lake
Upvan Lake is located in Thane West, about 30 km from Mumbai. You can reach Upvan Lake by various modes of transport, such as:
Train: The nearest railway station is Thane Railway Station, which is well-connected to Mumbai and other cities by local and express trains. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to Upvan Lake. It will take you about 15 minutes and cost you around Rs. 50.
Bus: The nearest bus stop is Vasant Vihar Bus Stop, which is about 2 km from Upvan Lake. You can take buses from Mumbai or other parts of Thane to this bus stop. From there, you can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to Upvan Lake. It will take you about 10 minutes and cost you around Rs. 20.
Car: You can drive your own car or hire a taxi to Upvan Lake. You can take the Eastern Express Highway or Ghodbunder Road to reach Thane West. From there, you can follow the signs to Upvan Lake. It will take you about an hour and cost you around Rs. 500.
Upvan Lake has ample parking facilities for cars and bikes. The parking charges are Rs. 10 for bikes and Rs. 20 for cars.
Things to Do in and Around Upvan Lake
Upvan Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. There are many things to do in and around Upvan Lake, such as:
1. Boating
One of the most popular activities at Upvan Lake is boating. You can choose from different types of boats, such as paddle boats, row boats, speed boats, or motor boats. You can enjoy the scenic view of the lake and the hills while boating with your friends or family. The boating charges are Rs. 40 per person for paddle boats, Rs. 60 per person for row boats, Rs. 100 per person for speed boats, and Rs. 150 per person for motor boats. The boating timings are from 9 am to 6 pm.
2. Walking
Another popular activity at Upvan Lake is walking. You can walk along the 2.5 km long promenade that surrounds the lake. You can admire the beauty of the lake, the hills, the gardens, and the statues of various gods and goddesses. You can also spot various birds, such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, and ducks. The walking timings are from 6 am to 9 pm.
3. Photography
If you are a photography enthusiast, you will love Upvan Lake. You can capture some amazing shots of the lake, the hills, the sunset, and the skyline. You can also take some selfies or group photos with the lake as a backdrop. You can also participate in the photography contests that are held during the festivals and events at Upvan Lake.
4. Birdwatching
If you are a bird lover, you will love Upvan Lake. You can observe and identify various birds that visit or reside in the lake, such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, ducks, cormorants, and more. You can also learn about their habits and habitats. You can also join the birdwatching groups that organize regular trips to Upvan Lake.
5. Relaxing
If you just want to relax and unwind, you can do that at Upvan Lake. You can sit on the benches or the lawns and enjoy the breeze and the tranquility of the lake. You can also meditate or practice yoga at Upvan Lake. You can also read a book or listen to music at Upvan Lake.
Upvan Lake is not only a scenic spot, but also a cultural hub that hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you want to go boating, walking, photography, birdwatching, or just relax and unwind, Upvan Lake has something for everyone.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels Near Upvan Lake
Upvan Lake is not only a scenic spot, but also a gastronomic delight. There are many nearby restaurants near Upvan Lake that offer a variety of cuisines, such as:
1. Barbeque Nation: This is a chain of restaurants that specializes in grilled food. You can enjoy unlimited veg and non-veg starters, main courses, desserts, and drinks at a fixed price. You can also grill your own food on your table. The restaurant is located at 2nd Floor, Korum Mall, Eastern Express Highway, Thane West. It is about 3 km from Upvan Lake. The average cost for two people is Rs. 1500.
2. Poush: This is a restaurant that serves authentic Kashmiri food. You can savor dishes such as rogan josh, dum aloo, kashmiri pulao, phirni, and kahwa. The restaurant is located at Flower Valley Complex, Eastern Express Highway Service Road, Thane West. It is about 4 km from Upvan Lake. The average cost for two people is Rs. 1000.
3. Prashant Corner: This is a restaurant that serves delicious snacks and sweets. You can relish items such as vada pav, misal pav, samosa, kachori, jalebi, rabdi, and more. The restaurant is located at Panch Pakhadi Road, Thane West. It is about 2 km from Upvan Lake. The average cost for two people is Rs. 200.
Upvan Lake is also a comfortable and convenient place to stay. There are many nearby hotels near Upvan Lake that offer a range of facilities and services, such as:
4. Hotel Satkar Residency: This is a 4-star hotel that offers spacious rooms, suites, banquet halls, restaurants, bars, spa, gym, pool, and more. The hotel is located at Pokhran Road No. 1, Next to Cadbury, Thane West. It is about 3 km from Upvan Lake. The average price for a night is Rs. 5000.
5. Hotel Vinyasa: This is a 2-star hotel that offers basic rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, and more. The hotel is located at Panch Pakhadi Service Road, Near R.J.Thakur College, Thane West. It is about 2 km from Upvan Lake. The average price for a night is Rs. 2000.
Conclusion
Upvan Lake is a complete package of nature, culture, and adventure. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the lake, the hills, the gardens, and the statues. It is a place where you can experience the thrill of boating, walking, photography, and birdwatching. It is a place where you can discover the history and the mystery of the lake and its treasure. It is a place where you can savor the flavors of various cuisines and stay in comfortable and convenient hotels.
Upvan Lake is a place that will make you fall in love with Thane and its people. It is a place that will make you want to come back again and again.So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Upvan Lake today and enjoy its scenic and cultural splendor.
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