Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai – Mumbaikars are always looking for reasons to escape the bustle of the city and with such spectacular natural beauty surrounding the metropolis, we do not blame them either! There are dozens of places in and around Mumbai where you can escape to enjoy a picnic with friends or family. From magnificent sunset points to cascading waterfalls, jungle safaris to sandy beaches, each option is more enticing than the other.
When looking for escapes inside the city, you can always visit the city’s suburbs to learn more about local history and mythology. Mahakali Caves, dating back to the 1st century or the Elephanta Caves in Raigad are excellent options. If you like forts and old heritage buildings, then you can spend your day trekking to the Rajmachi Fort in Khandala or the Sarasgad Fort in Durshet. A picnic spread with gushing waterfalls is another great option for the city dwellers, especially with waterfalls like Pandavkada and Bhagirath being a short drive away Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai.
Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
The Elephanta Caves is also called Gharapurichi Leni, located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The whole cave temple complex area is about 60000 sq ft and boasts of the central chamber, two lateral ones, many subsidiary shrines, and courtyards. Also, there are three passages to the temple complex. The entire location is built from solid natural rock with intricately carved sculptures of idols.
There are principally seven caves where one can investigate the real excellence of ancient Indian architecture. There are a few highly-finished rock surfaces in Elephanta Caves; however, some are the stark untreated rocks too. The most prominent expression of sculpted caves can be noticed in the two major groups of caves here.
The first cave represents engravings based on Hinduism, where you will find rock cut stone sculptures, dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the sculpture, you’ll see quintessential essence of the Shiva Lingam created in eight manifest forms that are worth viewing, Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai.
Further, when you head to other smaller caves, you will witness that it’s an example of the Buddhistic rock-cut architecture. So, visit to this site is not about seeing the architecture marvel but also it’s your way to know Indian culture more deeply.
Elephanta Caves were assigned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1987. Thus, it is a notable site visited by many tourists during their trip to Mumbai to explore the historical and spiritual marvels here. Also, every February, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) hosts a fantastic dance festival at Elephanta Island.
Manori Island, Mumbai
Tucked away neatly in the quaint village of Manori in northern Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai, this beach is a perfect weekend getaway from the ruckus of city life. The inviting stretch of sand, the open blue of roaring waters and the beauty of the serene atmosphere makes it a popular picnic spot.
Manori Beach is often known as “Mini-Goa”, not only because of its beautiful white stretches of land but also because of a number of quaint, beautiful churches that dot the beachside. The beach also witnesses an amalgamation of different religions and culture, being home to the Samudreshwar Temple, the Buddhist Pagoda and even the Sufi Dargah. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by a thick grove of cashew trees and ample greenery that covers the place.
The beach becomes even more scenic during the nights, where one can enjoy barbeques or even simply lay on mats and enjoy the open starry skies. The beach also has a number of hammocks for use by visitors, Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai.
There are a number of sea-side restaurants and shacks offering scrumptious food up for grabs. They are especially popular for their seafood options, which are made from fresh produce caught from the sea. Manori Beach itself is a popular fishing destination for locals, and most of the catch is used for cooking at these food stalls.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, previously known as Borivali National Park in Mumbai is one of the popular picnic spots for locals as well as visitors of the city. The park covers about 20% of Mumbai’s geographical area and invites nature lovers to experience greenery, wildlife, rocky cliffs, caves and a number of tourist attractions located inside the park.
With an area of 103 square kilometres, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the largest parks situated within the city limits and is also believed to be one of Asia’s most visited parks. The national park is home to a surprising number of two hundred and fifty-four species of birds, forty species of mammals, seventy-eight species of reptiles and amphibians, about one fifty species of butterflies and over a staggering 1,300 species of plants.
The park houses animals like leopards, deer, flying fox, boars along with beautiful birds like butterflies, kingfisher, sunbirds. Inside the forest, there are two artificial lakes. These lakes invite a number of migratory birds every year and also have crocodiles wandering at its shore, Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai.
Likewise, the park has Kanheri caves inside its premises. Kanheri caves are carved out of rocky cliffs and are over two thousand years old. These caves make for one of the major tourist attractions at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Landscape wise, the national park offers the best views during the monsoons when the trees are lush green and streams of water flow in full swing.
On other days, a cycling tour here is the best way to go around the park and explore the nooks and corners; as walking could bring about restrictions after a certain point.
Lonavala, Mumbai
Lonavala city is one of the most beautiful retreats, that takes you away from the maddening rush of the metropolises. It is located in the western part of India in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This hill station lies 96 kilometers east to the metropolitan city of Mumbai and 64 kilometers west to the modern-day Pune city. Therefore, a profound location on the Mumbai-Pune expressway makes Lonavala cater to both the cities with the smoothest connectivity through roads.
The Lonavala City is popularly called the “city of caves’ ‘ and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”. That is because the hill station boasts of some of the most spectacular settings that include luxuriant green valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. The spectacular rock-cut Bhaja and Karla caves in Lonavala have been amazing tourists with their old beams, motifs and inscriptions, Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai.
The surrounding regions of Lonavala are blessed with an unbeatable collection of waterfalls that include the Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath and Jummapatti waterfalls. The refreshing ambiance of the postcard-perfect landscape of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake and Lonavala Lake are bound to impress you. Lonavala is also famous for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites. These include the Tikona Fort, Duke’s Nose, Lohagad and Rajmachi forts.
Lonavala hosts an array of fun activities for the tourists and these include rappelling, camping at the Pawna Lake, hiking to the Tikona Fort, trekking to the Rajmachi fort and riding the Imagica slides.
Essel World, Mumbai
Located in the beautiful coastal village of Gorai in Mumbai, Essel World happens to be one of the largest amusement parks in India. For over two decades, this recreational hub has been the pioneer in rendering entertainment and leisure to its visitors from all over the globe, Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai.
Owned by EsselWorld Leisure Private Ltd., the amusement center has been exquisitely built over sprawling acres of land and brings to you numerous exciting rides, different theme parks, dancing zones, gaming facilities, and several other entertaining activities.
Alongside, lies the Water Kingdom which serves as an ideal summer destination. It attracts visitors from all over the country across different age groups and offers them a sheer pleasure. There are rides for all age groups and a visit to Essel World will certainly not be disappointing for you. The beautifully designed theme park with its impressive landscaped interiors is sure to leave you in absolute awe.
The entire park adorns itself during festivals like Diwali, Holi, and New Year and gets marked by a lively, carnivalesque aura. The park sees a swarm of visitors on weekends as people often come here with their families for a day’s picnic.
Khandala (80 Km from Mumbai)
Khandala City is a hill station that is located on the Western Ghats Mountain Range of Maharashtra. It is about 3 km from Lonavala, 12 km from Khopoli and about 33.4 km from Karjat region. Located at the top of Bhor Ghat, this place serves as the main link between the major cities of Maharashtra – Mumbai and Pune.
Khandala is a beautiful place and has got a good share of nature’s alluring beauty. As it is surrounded by lush green forest covers, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls, this place serves as a great weekend getaway as well as adventure hotspot for travellers from various parts of the country. Khandala is mainly famous for hiking tours to sight panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges in Western Ghats.
Khandala is home to some of the wonderful tourist attractions in Western India, Best Picnic Spots near Mumbai. You can visit the vantage spots like Rajmachi Point and Sunset Point, dramatic three tiered Kune waterfalls, serene Tamhini ghat mountain pass, and ancient caves of Bhaja and Karla which are adorned with the etchings of Buddhist religion. You can also visit Lohagad which is known for its serene environs, Bhushi Lake for its peaceful ambience, Duke’s Nose for its impeccable beauty and many other brilliant attractions.
Khandala is also a dream destination for adventure lovers. You can trek to the summit of the Tiger’s leap to sight pristine sunrise and sunset views, trek to the top of the Rajmachi fort to sight alluring natural beauty, relish the mesmerizing ambience at the reversing station, and trek up to the Shrivardhan Fort to glance the beautiful Sahyadri Mountain ranges.