Known as ‘Cacade De Tana’, Thane is a northern district in Maharashtra and is a residential suburb of Mumbai. Its original name is Sristhanaka, named after Lord Ganpati. It is also known as the City of Lakes because it is home to more than 30 lakes, which provide water to Thane and parts of Mumbai. Thane is located at an altitude of 7 metres above mean sea level and is spread over an area of 147 kilometres. It is gaining in popularity as a vacation spot for people who are looking for a quick getaway from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai, thanks to its scenic locales, numerous forts, lakes, etc.
We have put together a list of 5 Places A Tourist Must Visit In Thane:
1. Mahuli Fort
Mahuli Fort is the highest point in Thane at a height of 2,815 feet. This is a trekking destination and a paradise for expert rock-climbers because of the extreme difficulty its nearby pinnacles (Vazir, Vishnu, etc) have in escalation. Shahji Rane, father of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had his fortress here and this fortress is declared a protected monument.
Getting here: Asangaon and Vasind are the closest stations. One can catch either the Asangaon or Kasara local from Mumbai CST to get here.
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2. Kelva Beach
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Kelva Beach is also known as Kelwa or Kelve beach. It is the longest stretch of beautiful coastline along the Arabian Sea in Thane district. It is a popular weekend destination for people living in places like Mumbai, Matheran, Arnala, etc. Kelva Fort, Kelva Dam and Sheetala Devi temple are located close to the beach and is an added attraction for visitors. Along the beach you will find many luxurious hotels and resorts which offer great accommodation for overnight visits.
This beach comes alive during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in September and is considered to be the best time to visit.
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Getting here: It is about 20-30 minutes by auto rickshaw from Palghar and around 13 km away from National Highway 8. You can also take a State Transport bus from Palghar or Kelwa Road Station, which have a high frequency.
3. Suraj Water Park
This multi-award winning water park is said to be the pride of Maharashtra when it comes to recreational activities. Spread over 11 acres, Suraj Water Park is a must visit for tourists, to get away from the hectic hustle-bustle of the city. This water park is a combination of traditionalism, as can be seen by the giant Lord Shiva statue with water flowing from his locks, and modern technology that appeals to all age groups. It also features in the Limca Book Of Records for its 103 feet long caves made of fibre-glass.
Getting Here: Suraj Water Park is located on Ghodbunder Highway at Waghbil Naka in Thane and is just 7 kilometres from Thane station and 15 kilometres from Borivali railway station. It is well connected by road with taxis, autos and buses plying frequently.
Ticket Information: [Park Entry Monday to Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm]
Adult:
Rs. 800 (Above 4’.6” height)
Child:
Rs. 650 (From 3’.6” to 4’.6” height)
Free (Below 3’.6” height)
4. Upvan Lake
Upvan Lake is the most famous of the numerous lakes in Thane. It is located near Gawand Baug, Shivai Nagar, Vasant Vihar and Vartak Nagar and is surrounded completely by roads. This is one of the most happening recreational spots in Thane and is characterized by the scenic views of Yeoor Hills in the background. This lake was constructed by J. K. Singhania to provide water to the Raymond factory, but now provides water to almost the entire city. Upvan Lake is also known as ‘lover’s paradise’ and is famous for hosting the Sanskruti Arts Festival. Don’t forget to visit the Ganesh Mandir which is at Upvan Lake.
5. Titwala Ganesh Temple
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The Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple is a Hindu temple located in Titwala, a small town in Thane district. The temple is dedicated to the lord of wisdom, Ganesha. Legend has it that King Dushyat married Shakuntala in this temple. Due to this, popular belief is that if you come and pray here, you will get married to the one you love and any marital conflicts will also be resolved. Titwala Temple is frequented by large number of devotees especially during Ganesh Chaturthi time.
Got some more places to add to this list? Comment and let us know!
For all you travellers, check out these 5 Beautiful Virgin Beaches In Maharashtra.
