Pandavkada Falls is a 107 metres tall waterfall near Mumbai. It is a plunge type waterfall that flows through the mountains of the Western Ghats of Mumbai and cascades down with immense speed over rock formations underneath. It takes about 3 hours to reach the waterfall from Mumbai and barely an hour and a half from Navi Mumbai during low traffic situations. So, this attraction is quite preferred for a short trek or a day-long picnic, especially during the monsoon season when the mountains are covered with dense natural vegetation and provide for a beautiful escape from the routine.
Situated at the end of Navi Mumbai, Uran lies in the Konkan division between Panvel and Karjat. Primarily a tiny fishing and agriculture village, Uran has several beaches to its attribute- the most popular of which are Pirvad, Mankeshwar and ONGC. Surrounded by water bodies on three sides, the village is just attached to the land from the side of Raigarh district. Pirvad is the most frequented beach, with plenty of tourists visiting it every day, Mankeshwar is considered to be a religious beach owing to the grand temple of Lord Shiva situated at the seaside itself. Whereas ONGC is popular for housing the gas plant at the beach.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 27 km
Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and glitter of the city. It is essentially 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast that starts at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty, popularly known as Chowpatty Beach. The coast wraps the Arabian sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or even to just take a leisurely stroll by the sea any time of the day or night. At night, when the whole coastline lights up, it justifies its other moniker i.e. Queen's Necklace.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 33 km
The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the defining monuments of the city of Mumbai and was built in the year 1924. The construction was undertaken by the famous architect George Wittet, to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 61 km
One of the most exciting and eclectic places to visit in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway, famous for being a shopper's paradise. Iconic at best, ask any Mumbaikar and they will tell you that the Causeway is pretty much the heart of Mumbai. Resurgent, even after the terror attack, this shopping street stood up on its feet in no time. Apart from gorgeous clothes and accessories, especially earrings, you can also find great bargains on home decor stuff such as lampshades, curios and antiques.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 34 km
Situated on the backdrop of a beautiful view of the Arabian sea is the shrine of Haji Ali, dedicated to the wealthy merchant turned who gave up his worldly belongings and turned into Muslim Sufi saint after a trip to Mecca. Haji Ali Dargah is located on a small islet that is off the southern coast of Mumbai near Worli. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings. The Dargah can only be accessed during the low tides via a causeway that is surrounded by the sea on all sides.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 35 km
The Siddhivinayak Temple in the Prabhadevi area is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most significant and frequented temples in Mumbai. This temple was built in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The couple did not have any children of their own and decided to build the Siddhivinayak temple so as to fulfil the wishes of other infertile women. Interestingly, the statue of Lord Ganesha here is believed to be self-manifested and grants wishes.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 27 km
Juhu beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most popular among tourists as well. It is renowned for its wide variety of street food that has a typical Mumbai flavour and is sweet and sour. The surrounding area of Juhu is one of the poshest localities in Mumbai and is home to a lot of famous Bollywood and TV celebrities - the most famous being Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow - and it is not rare to spot a celebrity jogging on the beach.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 36 km
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.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 60 km
Endearingly known as "India's Disneyland", Adlabs Imagica is the largest theme park of the country situated in Mumbai. Inaugurated in 2013 and sprawling over a humongous area of 300 acres, the Adlabs Imagica is a one stop destination for all water cum adventure activities. Besides, it also boasts of a plethora of restaurants and club both for luxury dining and binge eating.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 47 km
Located in the outskirts of Mumbai, Yazoo Park is a lovely amusement park spread over and area of 12 acres, catering to all and every age, starting right from the tiny tots to veteran gamers. This bonafide wonderland is a perfect destination for those who want to get out of the crowd of the city and spend a day somewhere quieter and closer to nature, but also do not want to miss out on the plethora of rides and recreations that any premier amusement park would offer.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 69 km
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 : Kondana Caves Peth Fort Trekking in 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. It is 90kms from Mumbai and has gained importance because it connects Pune and Lonavala station to Mumbai.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 41 km
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla 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 if you admire nature and want a gateway to having a soulful weekend or a good trip.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 62 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
A little away from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary filled with species of both flora and fauna that are sure to astound you. The Sanctuary was established in 1968 and initially covered an area of 4.45 sq.km. However, in 2003 the area was increased to 12.11 sq.km. Today the Karnala Sanctuary is popular among bird watchers as well as hikers who want to get away from the busy urban jungles of their cities. Located around the Karnala Fort the sanctuary also has an added historic attraction besides being a wonderful weekend getaway for hikers, picnickers and of course, bird lovers.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 25 km
Known For : Raigad Fort Diveagar Beach Jagadishwar Temple
Raigad, is a historically rich district is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Located at 2,851mts, it is surrounded by Mumbai Harbour, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri and the Arabian Sea. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, renowned Maratha ruler, won this place in 1656 and his Maratha kingdom thus shifted base to Raigad. His prized win, the Raigad Fort is one of the main attractions of this place. The fort is built on an irregular mould of rock at a considerable height from the sea level.
Distance from Navi Mumbai: 82 km
Best Time: November to March
Dombivli is a town located in Kalyan Tehsil. It is about 50 kms away from Mumbai, and 25 kms away from Thane. It is mostly a residential area, as many service class people and migrators reside here. There are places such as Khidkaleshwar Temple, Khidkali Lake, Shree Ganesh Temple in the East and a few other temples as well. Dombivli also offers some nice fast food joints.