12 Best Picnic Spots Near Mumbai 

Given the busy lives Mumbaikars lead, compressing a holiday within a weekend becomes almost impossible for them, let alone a day. However, the region is blessed with a strategic location from where one-day picnics and trips are indeed manageable. Not only manageable, the city is encompassed by a kaleidoscope of topography, from mountains to coastal areas. Here’s listed a few spots in and near Mumbai that act as a quick retreat from the fast-paced city life; where one can catch a breath and revive their spirits.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Squeezed between Mumbai and Thane is the beautiful Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This place makes up for one of beautiful picnic spots near Mumbai. It is quite unbelievable that within 90 minutes from the brimming city, a land abundant of flora and fauna can be present. Surrounded by tropical forest cover of the northern hills, this region is a welcome change for Mumbaikars. With butterflies teeming in the gardens and deer crossing the roads, the park is a great place to spend a day, especially if you have your child along with you.

Timing: The park opens up at 7.30 am and closes at 5.30 pm. There are special early morning walks organised every year, for which, passes need to be bought.

An hour-long ferry ride from the Gateway of India across the Arabian Sea will transport you to this exquisite island in the Mumbai Harbour. The Elephanta caves are rock-cut cavities the style of which is connected to the cult of Shiva. You can also take it as an opportunity for a one day trip near Mumbai. On arrival, you will also come across a local flea market during the uphill trek. If you want to laze around, take a walk around the island or simply lounge on the warm sand by the beach. This is one of the best picnic spots near Mumbai.

Timings: You need to take a ferry to reach this island. The first ferry to Elephanta caves leaves at 9am and the last one leaves at 2pm.

Credit- Flickr

Another famous picnic spot near Mumbai is Matheran. One can opt Matheran as a quick one day picnic spots near Mumbai and trek in the lap of nature. You can enjoy scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, camping, trekking and quaintness, all in one day off. It is one of the perfect one day trip from Mumbai, an escape from the urban jungle.

Timings: There are no specific timings to go to Matheran, however, it is best that you visit here during the day to get a good view of the mountains and the waterfalls.

If you’re fond of the taste of the sea, Alibaug is just a couple of hours drive from Mumbai. A one day trip near Mumbai will take you to Alibaug, with sun-kissed beaches, palatial sea forts on the coast and delectable seafood, this is a great one day picnic spot from Mumbai.

Timings: There are no specific timings to visit Alibaug, and you can visit this place throughout the year. It has a beautiful charm during monsoons.

If you travel ahead of Kashid, another hour of driving you land you to yet another virgin beach quite close to Mumbai. These are the perfect picnic spots near Mumbai where the narrow stretch of white sand fringed by the tropical trees is quite popular amongst the young crowd for its unhindered and idle aura.

Timings: This town is 30km away from Alibaug, and can be visited throughout the year. Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, it is perfect for a getaway.

One of the most popular picnic spots near Mumbai is Lonavala and Khandala. The emerald green hills and valleys of the twin hill stations, only three hours away, have been serving as the most popular getaway from Mumbai since years.

It is a great place to just let go, let the body and mind relax and rejuvenate. Head to these hill stations for a perfect one day trip near Mumbai.

Timings: Both Lonavala and Khandala are open throughout the year. It is mostly frequented during the summers when the temperature is cooler around summer time.

About 60 km south of Mumbai is the abode of the vivid and grassy elevation of Karnala, posing as another picnic spots near Mumbai. The historic Karnala Fort and the Bird Sanctuary are great inclusions to the misty hills and ideal for a one day picnic spot near Mumbai. Apart from that, you can also opt for a short trek up the hills to enjoy the panoramic natural vistas that are soothing to the mind and the eye.

Timings: You can visit Karnala through the year, and the trek to the Karnala Fort is also doable day and night. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is open from 7am to 5.30pm.

This is a delightful This is a delightful picnic spot in Mumbai is a favourite of the kids but at the same time has entertained both young and old. It is one of the best amusement parks in India with in-numerous rides for the daredevils who want an adrenaline rush or just a fun day out. Its annex, Water Kingdom and Esselworld are staples as school picnics too.

Timings: This water park is open all days in a week from 10.30am till 6.30pm. The ticket for both Essel World and Water Park costs INR 1299 for an adult, INR 899 for a child and INR 599 for a senior citizen.

Of undulating terrains and motionless lakes, Kamshet is a peaceful destination about 100 km away and perfect for a one day picnic spot near Mumbai. You can undertake a history tour around to see the Buddhist Caves, Lohagarh Fort and Visapur. The other option would be to indulge in adventurous sports like paragliding. This is also one of the most famous picnic spots near Mumbai.

Timings: Kamshet is popular for being a para-jumping location. Pick late summers around October till early winters, December to go for para jumping!

Ideal for a one day picnic spot from Mumbai and situated on a vast expanse of the Deccan plains, at the foothills of Matheran, Karjat is a treat for nature lovers. If you travel via the Bhor Ghat, you will be delighted to see the magical mountain passage and the beautiful railway track that runs parallel. These ghats are popular picnic spots near Mumbai. Apart from that, there are the Buddhist Kondana Caves and the beautiful Ulhas Valley whose beauty is to ogle at.

Timings: You can visit the Kondana Caves from Rajmachi as well as Lonavala. The caves are open all through the day.

Located close to each other, these two spots offer great views of the Chowpatty beach and the Marine Drive which are close by. This, by far is one of the most visited picnic spot in Mumbai. The sweet breeze from the Arabian Sea is a refuge from the sultry weather. The hanging garden is a beautiful lawn, manicured into shapes of animals. Nestled against the Malabar Hills, this is a considerable one day picnic spot in Mumbai.

Timings: These two parks are open from 5am to 9pm.

On the banks of river Kundalika, Kolad is a quick one day picnic spot from Mumbai. It is famed as the adventure hub of Maharashtra and an extremely popular picnic spot in Mumbai. The peaceful ambience, the cottages spread over the lakes, white-water rafting, valley crossing and rappelling together promise an enjoyable escape, all at one go at this famous picnic spots near Mumbai.

Timings: Visit Kolad in the morning so that you can go for rafting.