Feel like escaping the noise and crowds for a while? Visit these top relaxing Mumbai picnic spots in and around the city, where you can go to get away from it all and even take the kids.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Who would’ve thought that it’s possible to enjoy wildlife and nature at a national park right in the middle of the Mumbai! The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an oasis amongst the city concrete. Its lush greenery extends for 104 square kilometers (65 square miles) and includes more than 100 ancient hand-carved Buddhist caves, a tiger sanctuary, tiger and lion safaris, a recreational zone for the kids, and cottages and camping facilities. It's possible to go trekking, and also ride a toy train, through in the park. With air so fresh and clean, and a wide variety of animal and plant life, you'll quickly forget there's a city of 20 million people outside.
Location: Borivali, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the city center.
Entry: 20 rupees.
2. Hanging Garden & Kamala Nehru Park
Looking for a picnic spot that's centrally located and doesn't require a lot of traveling to get to? Head to picturesque Hanging Garden & Kamala Nehru Park. Hanging Garden is blessed with plenty of shady trees, and a lookout that provides a dramatic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. Children will also love the giant shoe, which they can climb up to the top of. On the other side of the road, the sprawling Kamala Nehru Park is home to an unusual menagerie of topiary animals. The Park has plenty of lawns, and it's easy enough to find a quiet area to spread out on.
Location: Malabar Hill, south Mumbai (close to the city center).
Entry: Free.
3. Chota Kashmir (Aarey Colony)
This relatively unknown gem has provided the background scene for many Bollywood movie song sequences. It's tucked away inside the expansive parklands of the Aarey Milk Colony, and is a great family destination. You'll find a small lake with row boats and paddle boats, attractive gardens and colorful flowers, lotus pond, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy some Indian chai (tea). There's another popular garden a short distance away, aptly named the "Picnic Spot", which is also an enjoyable place to relax.
Location: Goregaon East, 32 kilometers (20 miles) north west of the city center.
Cost: 20 rupees per per person, for 30 minutes boat hire.
4. Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island, a one hour ferry trip from the Gateway of India, is home to seven ancient caves hand carved out of rock in a similar manner to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, but on a smaller scale. The main cave has a number of stunning large sculptured panels depicting the Hindu god of creation and destruction, Lord Shiva. If you're feeling energetic take a walk up to Cannon Hill, named after the old cannon there, on top of the island. Do be sure to choose your picnic spot wisely though or else be prepared to go into battle for your lunch against the gangs of unruly monkeys! Note that the caves are closed on Mondays.
Location: 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.
Cave Entry: Indians 10 rupees. Foreigners 250 rupees.
5. Alibaug
Jump on a boat from the Gateway of India in Mumbai and in a little over an hour you'll find yourself at Alibaug, beach playground for the rich and famous. The main beach, with its black sand, is very popular but venture a little further south and you'll discover the less frequented Akshi, Nagaon, and Kihim beaches. There are some fascinating old forts and ornate temples to explore in the area, as well as a health spa at the new Radisson Resort for those who feel in need of some pampering. If you don't want to go that far, tiny and tucked away Awas Beach is the closest option (around 15 minutes) from the jetty at Mandawa/Alibaug.
Location: 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of Mumbai.
6. Matheran
Undulating hills, dense forest, waterfalls, scenic toy train, no traffic -- and all this less than two hours from Mumbai. What more could you want? Matheran, a popular escape from Mumbai, is the closest hill station to the city. The toy train will slowly take you up to the top, where for a pleasant change in India, no vehicles are allowed. Dirt roads, and horse and cart transport, add to the old-style charm of this place. It's really worth spending a few days in Matheran just enjoying the serenity, nature walks, and panoramic views. However, if possible try and avoid visiting on weekends when the Mumbai masses flock there.
Location: Around 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Mumbai.
Entry: 25 rupees for adults, and 10 rupees for children.
Top 10 Mumbai Attractions
1. Gateway of India
Mumbai's most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It was completed in 1924 and remains as a striking symbol of the British Raj era. After this era ended in 1947, the last of the British troops departed through the Gateway of India. The looming Gateway is designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It's also a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling everything from balloons to Indian tea.
Location: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.
2. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
This massive open air laundry provides an unforgettable glimpse into the inside of the city. Dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here and painstakingly hand washed by the dhobis (washermen) in the seemingly endless rows of concrete troughs. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, requires incredible strength and determination. The thousands of dhobis spend hours every day standing up to their knees in water filled with chemicals, manually scrubbing and beating the dirt out of each item of laundry. This earns them 100 rupees ($2.40) per day each.
Location: Next to Mahalaxmi railway station (the 6th station on the Western Line from Churchgate), central Mumbai. Walk out of the station and turn left on the bridge.
3. Haji Ali
The imposing Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. It was built in 1431 by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was inspired to change the course of his life after going to Mecca. It also contains his body. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is only accessible during low tide from a narrow, 500 yard long walkway. On Thursdays and Fridays tens of thousands of pilgrims flock there to receive blessings from the dead saint. If find you need to pass some time until the tide lowers enough, there's a shopping center on the opposite side of the road. Unfortunately, women are no longer permitted to enter the shrine's inner sanctum. However, they can still visit its large open area.
Location: Central Mumbai, just off the coast of Worli, not far from Mahalaxmi railway station.
4. Bollywood
www.flickr.com user Meanest Indian.
Mumbai is the center of India's booming "Bollywood" film industry. The architecturally resplendent Eros Cinema, adjacent to the Churchgate railway station, is a great place to take in a Bollywood movie. Alternatively, it's possible to go on a tour to the heart of the action in Film City. Or if you'd rather be in a Bollywood movie than simply see the set of one, that's possible too!
Location: Film City is in Goregaon, in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
5. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct
Kala Ghoda, meaning "Black Horse" in reference to a statue that was once located there, is Mumbai's cultural center. This crescent-shaped stretch is home to Mumbai's best art galleries and museums. It's also filled with cultural spaces, including some wonderful pavement galleries. Stroll around at leisure, but be sure to visit the acclaimed Jehangir Art Gallery. Every year in February, the Kala Ghoda Association hosts a nine day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which is interesting.
Location: Between the Fort and Colaba, in south Mumbai.
6. Heritage Buildings
Mumbai has some captivating heritage buildings where you can marvel over staggering examples of intricate colonial architecture. Some of the best are the Gothic looking Prince of Wales Museum in the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Victoria Terminus railway station, the Bombay High Court (wander inside and be entertained by a trial) and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area. The feature of Horniman Circle is its huge gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also have a wander past the historic 18th century homes in Khotachiwadi village.
Location: In and around south Mumbai.
7. Caves and National Park
In contrast to its millions of inhabitants and sprawling development, Mumbai surprisingly also has a national park located within its limits. It's worth a visit just to see the many ancient Buddhist caves, which have been hand carved into volcanic rock there. More caves, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva, can also be found on Elephanta Island.
Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, is 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center. Elephanta Island is 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.
8. Mumbai Dabbawalas
Dabbawala, meaning a person who carries a container, is the term given to the thousands of men responsible for transporting and delivering around 200,000 lunch boxes of freshly cooked food to the city's office workers every day. This unique concept was started to meet the needs of British rulers. However, it's now continued on to service Indian businessmen who can't get home for lunch. Witness this incredible system in operation at Churchgate station from around 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., as the dabbawalas unload the lunch boxes from the trains and prepare to head to their customers' offices.
Location: Railway stations around Mumbai, particularly at Churchgate terminus in south Mumbai.
9. Markets and Bazaars
Sharell Cook
From the multitude of colorful pavement vendors that line Colaba Causeway, to the fascinating Chor Bazaar Thieves Market, Mumbai is full of interesting places to go street shopping. Stock up on attractive souvenirs at Colaba Causeway, delight in cheap shoes and clothes at Linking Road, scour the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar for antiques, and sample the fresh food while marveling at the architecture of Crawford Market.
Location: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road in Bandra, Crawford Market near Churchgate, and Chor Bazaar on Mutton street
10. Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty Beaches
At the end of a tiring day of sightseeing, relax with the locals on the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive, and watch the sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll also be able to feast on tasty snacks offered by the multitude of food stalls and mobile food vendors. Favorites include roasted corn on the cob, bhel puri, pani puri and pav bhaji.
Location: Exclusive Juhu is around 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the city centre, while Marine Drive Chowpatty is in central Mumbai, a short drive from the Gateway of India.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Who would’ve thought that it’s possible to enjoy wildlife and nature at a national park right in the middle of the Mumbai! The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an oasis amongst the city concrete. Its lush greenery extends for 104 square kilometers (65 square miles) and includes more than 100 ancient hand-carved Buddhist caves, a tiger sanctuary, tiger and lion safaris, a recreational zone for the kids, and cottages and camping facilities. It's possible to go trekking, and also ride a toy train, through in the park. With air so fresh and clean, and a wide variety of animal and plant life, you'll quickly forget there's a city of 20 million people outside.
Location: Borivali, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the city center.
Entry: 20 rupees.
2. Hanging Garden & Kamala Nehru Park
Looking for a picnic spot that's centrally located and doesn't require a lot of traveling to get to? Head to picturesque Hanging Garden & Kamala Nehru Park. Hanging Garden is blessed with plenty of shady trees, and a lookout that provides a dramatic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. Children will also love the giant shoe, which they can climb up to the top of. On the other side of the road, the sprawling Kamala Nehru Park is home to an unusual menagerie of topiary animals. The Park has plenty of lawns, and it's easy enough to find a quiet area to spread out on.
Location: Malabar Hill, south Mumbai (close to the city center).
Entry: Free.
3. Chota Kashmir (Aarey Colony)
This relatively unknown gem has provided the background scene for many Bollywood movie song sequences. It's tucked away inside the expansive parklands of the Aarey Milk Colony, and is a great family destination. You'll find a small lake with row boats and paddle boats, attractive gardens and colorful flowers, lotus pond, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy some Indian chai (tea). There's another popular garden a short distance away, aptly named the "Picnic Spot", which is also an enjoyable place to relax.
Location: Goregaon East, 32 kilometers (20 miles) north west of the city center.
Cost: 20 rupees per per person, for 30 minutes boat hire.
4. Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island, a one hour ferry trip from the Gateway of India, is home to seven ancient caves hand carved out of rock in a similar manner to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, but on a smaller scale. The main cave has a number of stunning large sculptured panels depicting the Hindu god of creation and destruction, Lord Shiva. If you're feeling energetic take a walk up to Cannon Hill, named after the old cannon there, on top of the island. Do be sure to choose your picnic spot wisely though or else be prepared to go into battle for your lunch against the gangs of unruly monkeys! Note that the caves are closed on Mondays.
Location: 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.
Cave Entry: Indians 10 rupees. Foreigners 250 rupees.
5. Alibaug
Jump on a boat from the Gateway of India in Mumbai and in a little over an hour you'll find yourself at Alibaug, beach playground for the rich and famous. The main beach, with its black sand, is very popular but venture a little further south and you'll discover the less frequented Akshi, Nagaon, and Kihim beaches. There are some fascinating old forts and ornate temples to explore in the area, as well as a health spa at the new Radisson Resort for those who feel in need of some pampering. If you don't want to go that far, tiny and tucked away Awas Beach is the closest option (around 15 minutes) from the jetty at Mandawa/Alibaug.
Location: 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of Mumbai.
6. Matheran
Undulating hills, dense forest, waterfalls, scenic toy train, no traffic -- and all this less than two hours from Mumbai. What more could you want? Matheran, a popular escape from Mumbai, is the closest hill station to the city. The toy train will slowly take you up to the top, where for a pleasant change in India, no vehicles are allowed. Dirt roads, and horse and cart transport, add to the old-style charm of this place. It's really worth spending a few days in Matheran just enjoying the serenity, nature walks, and panoramic views. However, if possible try and avoid visiting on weekends when the Mumbai masses flock there.
Location: Around 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Mumbai.
Entry: 25 rupees for adults, and 10 rupees for children.
Top 10 Mumbai Attractions
1. Gateway of India
Mumbai's most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It was completed in 1924 and remains as a striking symbol of the British Raj era. After this era ended in 1947, the last of the British troops departed through the Gateway of India. The looming Gateway is designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It's also a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling everything from balloons to Indian tea.
Location: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.
2. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
This massive open air laundry provides an unforgettable glimpse into the inside of the city. Dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here and painstakingly hand washed by the dhobis (washermen) in the seemingly endless rows of concrete troughs. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, requires incredible strength and determination. The thousands of dhobis spend hours every day standing up to their knees in water filled with chemicals, manually scrubbing and beating the dirt out of each item of laundry. This earns them 100 rupees ($2.40) per day each.
Location: Next to Mahalaxmi railway station (the 6th station on the Western Line from Churchgate), central Mumbai. Walk out of the station and turn left on the bridge.
3. Haji Ali
The imposing Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. It was built in 1431 by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was inspired to change the course of his life after going to Mecca. It also contains his body. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is only accessible during low tide from a narrow, 500 yard long walkway. On Thursdays and Fridays tens of thousands of pilgrims flock there to receive blessings from the dead saint. If find you need to pass some time until the tide lowers enough, there's a shopping center on the opposite side of the road. Unfortunately, women are no longer permitted to enter the shrine's inner sanctum. However, they can still visit its large open area.
Location: Central Mumbai, just off the coast of Worli, not far from Mahalaxmi railway station.
4. Bollywood
www.flickr.com user Meanest Indian.
Mumbai is the center of India's booming "Bollywood" film industry. The architecturally resplendent Eros Cinema, adjacent to the Churchgate railway station, is a great place to take in a Bollywood movie. Alternatively, it's possible to go on a tour to the heart of the action in Film City. Or if you'd rather be in a Bollywood movie than simply see the set of one, that's possible too!
Location: Film City is in Goregaon, in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
5. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct
Kala Ghoda, meaning "Black Horse" in reference to a statue that was once located there, is Mumbai's cultural center. This crescent-shaped stretch is home to Mumbai's best art galleries and museums. It's also filled with cultural spaces, including some wonderful pavement galleries. Stroll around at leisure, but be sure to visit the acclaimed Jehangir Art Gallery. Every year in February, the Kala Ghoda Association hosts a nine day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which is interesting.
Location: Between the Fort and Colaba, in south Mumbai.
6. Heritage Buildings
Mumbai has some captivating heritage buildings where you can marvel over staggering examples of intricate colonial architecture. Some of the best are the Gothic looking Prince of Wales Museum in the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Victoria Terminus railway station, the Bombay High Court (wander inside and be entertained by a trial) and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area. The feature of Horniman Circle is its huge gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also have a wander past the historic 18th century homes in Khotachiwadi village.
Location: In and around south Mumbai.
7. Caves and National Park
In contrast to its millions of inhabitants and sprawling development, Mumbai surprisingly also has a national park located within its limits. It's worth a visit just to see the many ancient Buddhist caves, which have been hand carved into volcanic rock there. More caves, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva, can also be found on Elephanta Island.
Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, is 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center. Elephanta Island is 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.
8. Mumbai Dabbawalas
Dabbawala, meaning a person who carries a container, is the term given to the thousands of men responsible for transporting and delivering around 200,000 lunch boxes of freshly cooked food to the city's office workers every day. This unique concept was started to meet the needs of British rulers. However, it's now continued on to service Indian businessmen who can't get home for lunch. Witness this incredible system in operation at Churchgate station from around 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., as the dabbawalas unload the lunch boxes from the trains and prepare to head to their customers' offices.
Location: Railway stations around Mumbai, particularly at Churchgate terminus in south Mumbai.
9. Markets and Bazaars
Sharell Cook
From the multitude of colorful pavement vendors that line Colaba Causeway, to the fascinating Chor Bazaar Thieves Market, Mumbai is full of interesting places to go street shopping. Stock up on attractive souvenirs at Colaba Causeway, delight in cheap shoes and clothes at Linking Road, scour the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar for antiques, and sample the fresh food while marveling at the architecture of Crawford Market.
Location: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road in Bandra, Crawford Market near Churchgate, and Chor Bazaar on Mutton street
10. Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty Beaches
At the end of a tiring day of sightseeing, relax with the locals on the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive, and watch the sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll also be able to feast on tasty snacks offered by the multitude of food stalls and mobile food vendors. Favorites include roasted corn on the cob, bhel puri, pani puri and pav bhaji.
Location: Exclusive Juhu is around 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the city centre, while Marine Drive Chowpatty is in central Mumbai, a short drive from the Gateway of India.
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