Known For : Sightseeing in Lavasa Lakeside Promenade Bamboosa
Known as India's newest hill station, the Lavasa Corporation is constructing this private city. The city is a beautiful project, stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino. Being a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure, Lavasa is an excellent destination as a one-day picnic spot near Thane. The cool and calm vibe with charming architecture is what attracts visitors daily. Lavasa is best reached by private taxi from Thane.
Distance from Thane: 188 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
One of the most famous and popular amusement parks in the country, Essel World is located in Gorai, close to the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai. EsselWorld and Water Kingdom together make one of Asia's largest amusement parks. They expand over an area of 64 acres and are frequented by locals and non-locals from all age groups, especially kids. With some exciting rides and entertainment, Essel World and Water Kingdom are a favourite summer destination for many families. One can plan a day-long picnic or stay overnight at one of the hotels nearby to explore both the amusement parks.
Distance from Thane: 38 km
Known For : Durshet Forest Lodge Uddhar Hot Springs Water sports in Durshet
Durshet is a little village found on the banks of the river Amba, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Due to its proximity to Thane as a weekend getaway for people to move away from the crowded life of the city. It is situated between two Ganesh temples of Pali and Mahad and is just off the highway near the village of Khopoli. It is a historically significant place as it served as a battlefield when Shivaji Maharaj fought Kartalab Khan for Umbarkhind in the late 1600s.
Distance from Thane: 77 km
Best Time: September to February
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
A popular hill station close to Thane, Lonavala is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers. Lonavala, being a part of the Sahyadri hills, offers an alluring and bewitching experience of nature's most gifted region. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, dam alongside lakes, Lonavala is a must-visit. The drive to Lonavala is picturesque and hence visitors should travel by private cars or taxis.
Distance from Thane: 85 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Located in the district of Thane, a little ways away from Navi Mumbai, Tikuji-Ni-Wadi is an amusement park and a resort. The resort cum amusement park is where patrons can indulge in water activities including a wave pool, water rides and other activities restricted to water parks. Aside from this, there are giant wheels, go-kart arenas, and an arcade area. The park is especially famous for visiting during the festival of Shivratri because it hosts a massive idol of Lord Shiva which is carved out of ice and stands proudly for all to see.
Known For : Kondana Caves Peth Fort Trekking in Karjat
Karjat is a quaint little village is 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. It is around 64 kms from Thane and has gained importance because it connects Pune and Lonavala station to Mumbai. On good weather days, Karjat also play hosts to many picnickers who arrive with friends and family.
Distance from Thane: 63 km
Best Time: June to September
Pawna Lake about 20 kilometres from the Lonavala Railway Station is an excellent natural tourist hotspot. The sheer size of the lake along with its surroundings make for an excellent one day trip picnic spot near Thane. Experiencing a mostly pleasant climate all year round, many people also love to camp by the lakeside. One can take a car ride Pawna Lake or take the train to Kamshet and continue onwards towards the lake by road.
Distance from Thane: 120 km
Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug
A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway holiday destination and has earned itself the name of 'mini-Goa', owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 95 kilometres from Thane, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples, ensuring that despite being a small town, you never run out of activities to do.
Distance from Thane: 97 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Trekking in Rajmachi
Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala. At the base of the fort is the village Udhewadi which is another name for Rajmachi. Rajmachi has seen many change of hands from Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and eventually the British reign. The fort of Rajmachi is famous among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
Distance from Thane: 95 km
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Kolad River Rafting Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls Bhira Dam
Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, kayaking etc. Famous for white water rafting, Kolad is also a popular camping getaway. The majestic valleys and picturesque backdrops make Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutterbugs. The many open areas near the river, make Kolad an excellent one-day picnic spot near Thane.
Distance from Thane: 123 km
Best Time: June to March
The ruins of the Portuguese fort are veiled in wild plantations and today serve as an offbeat place to visit near the Maharashtrian coastline. What stands out are the cannon holes in the fortification walls that border the sea. The beach does not have many activities but picnickers tend to enjoy small games and sing-a-alongs while here. While one can take the train to Kashid from Thane, hiring a private taxi for a scenic drive to the coastline is highly recommended.
Distance from Thane: 126 km
Known For : Dabdaba Falls Jai Vilas Palace Sunset Point, Jawhar
A small hill station located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, Jawhar is a place with abundant natural beauty and several man made marvels. Preserving numerous picturesque views, this hill town is home to several tourist attractions and exotic beauty of flora and dense cover of forest. The rocky mountain in the backdrop with gushing waterfalls and lush green wood is absolutely captivating. Apart from being blessed by Mother Nature, Jawhar also showcases the intriguing culture of tribes and is glinting with the magnificent past.
Distance from Thane: 137 km
Best Time: September to Apr
Squeezed between the two suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is ideal for picnics and weekend getaways. One of the most popular national parks in Maharashtra, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and a significant number of butterflies here. 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.
Distance from Thane: 29 km
Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak
Igatpuri is blessed with picturesque beauty and is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It also has some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range. Igatpuri is also a major railway station in Maharashtra connecting surrounding major cities. The natural beauty of Igatpuri comes to life during the monsoons and this hill station is a popular weekend getaway on the offbeat list. The lush green spaces make it a wonderful one-day picnic spot near Thane and the best way to reach is by taking the train.
Distance from Thane: 99 km
Best Time: July to September
Perched at a height of 2815 ft., atop a mighty hill, Mahuli Fort is not only the highest pinnacle point in all of Thane but is also a very popular trekking destination. Considered to be a haven for rock climbers and adventure enthusiasts, it is also a common favourite among nature lovers as it is surrounded by a dense green forest. The fort houses an open Shiva temple and three caves which draw a large tourist influx. There is also a perennial drinking water cistern on the top. The fort has now been declared a protected monument and the green area surrounding the fort has been declared a sanctuary.
Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Thane District. It is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra and accommodates a wide range of rare species, both flora and fauna. The wildlife sanctuary is spread across 320 square kilometres in Shahpur, Wada, Mokhada and Talukas that come under the district of Thane. Serving as an excellent educational and recreational venue for both adult and children, it is a popular one day picnic spot near Thane.
Distance from Thane: 66 km
Gorakhgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Gorakhgad and Machindragad are twin forts in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Gorakhgad is situated at an elevation higher than its twin fort. One of the oldest and most famous forts is the Ghodbunder Fort constructed around the 16th century AD. The place derives its name from two words - Ghod meaning horses and bunder meaning Fort. Though in its ruins, Ghodbunder Fort has been a massive tourist attraction in Thane, Maharashtra and is therefore maintained by the archaeological survey of India.
Distance from Thane: 69 km
Located in the town of Vasai in the Palghar District of Maharashtra, Vasai Fort is a majestic fort and a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Also known as Fort Bassein or Fort Bacaim, it overlooks the confluence of the River Ulhas in the background and is one of the top tourist destinations in the region. Considered to be a heritage site and a notable historical monument, the architectural marvel stands sturdy with intact chapels and fortifications and very little ruins. It is also a popular spot among filmmakers and renowned music artists who visit here often to shoot their pieces amidst beautiful landscape and stunning scenery.
Distance from Thane: 44 km
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Although the sanctuary is one of the less-discovered places of Maharashtra, it is exotic in its location and picturesque surroundings. The Sanctuary is home to a dense Mangrove forest and more than thousands of birds, but as the name suggests, it is variously recognised for the migratory flamingos that fly every year in Spring to the Sanctuary.
Distance from Thane: 24 km
Located in Thane district of Maharashtra, Tansa Dam is a large gravity dam which is used for generating water for drinking and other multipurpose activities. Popular for being one of the seven sources of drinking water supply in Mumbai, the dam is also a popular tourist spot owing to its picturesque environment and serenity. People come here in huge numbers to spend an evening amidst tranquillity and also for day picnics. The dam was originally built in 1925 but over the years, the height of the dam is continuously being increased to meet the demands.
Distance from Thane: 57 km
So, which place are you going to visit this weekend? Do not forget to share your experience with us.