Top 10 Scenic Destination for a 01 day Trip near Mumbai

Each one of us feels like to go on a vacation away from the buzz, lay your back in the serene nature but also have your boss, asking you to submit the presentation, no leave till you reach to your targets.

Back home, you have your wife asking for a mini-vacation and kids scampering around you for a picnic...and all you got is a Weekend-off to complete all of these wishes.

NO PROBLEM, here are some one-day trips from Mumbai that can help you.

1. Matheran

Matheran is the closest hill station of the Sahyadri ranges offering a breath-taking view of the lush green mountains. The magnificent hill station covered with lush green dense forest allures you with the pleasing atmosphere. One of the most wonderful and prominent experiences is the toy train which runs slowly from the cliff of the mountains providing panoramic vistas knocking all the stress and worries out of life. It's also an ideal place for trekkers and hikers.

Louisa Point, Monkey Point, Echo Point, Shivaji’s Maharaj Ladder, Little Chowk Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, Matheran Market are some of the famous points that one can explore.

The best time to visit Matheran is during the monsoons and till the midwinters.

Via Railway: Neral Station

Via Road: Mumbai-Pune Highway NH-4

2. Global Vipassana Pagoda

The serenely mesmerizing Pagoda is located on a peninsula between Gorai creek and the Arabian Sea. The huge dome like monument is the world’s largest pillar-less structure carved out of basalt rock. It’s a meditation hall constructed in traditional Buddhist architecture. It's tough to imagine that one of the quietest and most peaceful spaces can exist right in the middle of the busy suburbs of Gorai in Mumbai. The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall shaped like a dome with a capacity of 8,000 devotees and Vipassana practitioners. Pagoda sets a perfect example for the meditation techniques which was once lost is now revived.

It also has small garden and open spaces for the children to wander and play around.

Timings: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Via Train: Borivali or Malad (excurse jetty to Gorai creek)

3. Gorai Beach

Ideal location for one day picnic surrounded with villages of Manori is one of the cleanest and most frequently visited beach amongst the western suburbs.

Best part of Gorai is the road drive, Long stretches of Coconut and Palm tree, old Konkani style bungalows on the way make the journey pleasant. Fun rides like the bike rides, camel rides are available at the beach. Amble options of hawkers selling Baraf Golas,, Chana Masala, Pani puri, Bhel puri and around rainy day eating Roasted corn, butter sweet corn on the beach is a different fun altogether.

Gorai also neighbours the most famous amusement park of Mumbai i.e. Essel World and Water Kingdom earning the review of being the best amusement park in the country.

Thus, Gorai can be your next one-day trip with your family or loved ones having a combination of fun and leisure.

Via Road: 40 kms from Mumbai, drive along Uttan road is a pleasant one.

Via Train: From Borivali station reach down to Gorai creek and from Malad station reach to Malad Marve equally at a distance of 15 mins, ferry ride will take you to Gorai beach costing you Rs.70/- per person TO and FRO

4. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Located right in the middle of two busiest suburbs- Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an ideal getaway for picnic Famed to be one the most liked national parks, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and a significant number of butterflies here. The park is also said to be the largest park in the world located within city limits.

Kanheri caves, which are more than two thousand years old are also a major tourist attraction inside the park premises. The caves have been carved out of the rocky cliffs. It contains Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions, dating 1st CE to 10th CE.

Via Train: Located at a distance of 4 minutes from Borivali Station.

Via Road: Western Express highway.

5. Aksa Beach

Mumbai is blessed with great coastal line and beautiful beaches. Aksa beach is one of them. Situated on the close proximity to Marve Beach is called as one of the cleanest beaches of Mumbai. Some of the areas are restricted as it is used for filming. You can spot shootings around the area if you are lucky enough. The water is much clearer than the other beaches of Mumbai. and the sand feels lovely under the bare feet. Its amidst breeze and soothing voice of waves is rejuvenating.

Via Train: 6 kms from Malad Station & 12 kms from Borivali Station.

Via Road: Western Express highway.

6. Elephanta Caves: UNESCO World Heritage site.

Elephanta caves located on the Elephant island (Gharapuri) 10 kms away from the Mumbai Harbour, are collection of seven cave temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva, earlier was a Hindu place of worship. The caves consist of rock cut stone sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. According to Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO, the site was built between 5th and 6th century were used as a meditating centre by the Hinayana Buddhist and Brahmans. The entrance of the caves has huge rock-cut stone statue of an elephant carved, Hence, getting it the name of Elephanta caves. The most famous sculpture amongst the caves is the statue of Trimurti, statue of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, the Sadasiva form of Lord Shiva. On the way towards the caves you will find many stalls selling junk jewellery, carved marble statues, stones, paintings, and bags.

Hence if you are lover of ancient culture and prehistoric architecture then indeed Elephanta caves is worth visiting.

How to Reach- Jetty ride from Gate way of India to Gharapuri Island costing you around Rs. 150/- per Adult for two-way trip and Rs. 40 for children.

7. Manori Beach

An ideal place for a family getaway. The Clean beach provides scenic view of the orange sunsets. Ideal place for a mini picnic with the fam-jam. It is called as the most favourite beach among the western suburbs. You can also visit to the Samundershwar (Lord of Seas) temple situated at the entrance of the Marve-Manori jetty point.

Best time to visit is Oct to March as it is less humid

Via Railway: Malad is the nearest station and excurse a jetty to reach to the beach.

Via Road: Mira-Bhayender Highway

8. Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Close to 200 different species of Birds and over 37 types of avian migrants, Karnala Bird Sanctuary gives you a pleasant surprise away from Mumbai’s concrete jungle. During the monsoon the places turns itself into lush green belt of picturesque green cover. Today this place is also popular spot for both hikers as well for nature lovers. Karnala Fort located at the sanctuary also has an adds historic attraction besides being a wonderful weekend getaway for hikers, picnickers and of course, bird lovers. While climbing the fort you come across many species of birds in nature. River Patalganga is towards the east of the fort.

Via Railway – Panvel station

Via Road -Mumbai – Goa Highway NH 17

Entry fees – Rs.35/- per person

9. 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. House of scenic natural vistas, mountains, forts and ancient rock-cut cave temples make Karjat one of the most favourite spot for Mumbaikars. Monsoons are the best time of the year for the those seeking adventure. One can explore the Chanderi fort, Rambagh Point, Matheran trek and the Peb fort trek through Karjat. White water rafting is again one of the famous activities done on the higher sections of river Ulhas.

Located at a distance of N.D Studio. It's a Theme Park that Celebrates Indian Films, Artists and Film Fans. Spread in 43 Acres, it's got a range of film studio setup wherein people can actually visit the replica Film Sets of famous films like Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo, Sanju, Manikarnika, Panipat, Jodha Akbar, Farzand, Baajirao Mastani, Shaviwar Vada, Sheesh Mahal, etc

Via Road – Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway

Via Railway – Karjat station

10. Jawhar

Located at a very close proximity, Jawhar is an amazing location for nature lovers. A paradise for nature lovers, this place is famed for its beautiful surroundings and mesmerizing sunsets. Covered with dense cover of lush green forests, the prime attraction of the place is high and gushing waterfall Dabhosa. With the height of 300 ft the view of this waterfall is breath-taking. It can also be a hot spot for adventure lovers during monsoon as the waterfalls also arranges activities during the monsoon like the water fall rappelling and river crossing. Next is the Raj Vilas palace located at the hill top is one of the prominent historic attraction. One can also shop the tradition items made authentically by the locals as Jawhar is known for its tribal art namely the Warli art that is done by the locals of the area.

Via Road - Palghar - Manor Rd and Jawhar Vikramgad Rd

Via Railway – 60 kms from Palghar station