20 Must Visit Picnic Spot for One Day near Mumbai

This Article is Originally Published on TravellerBee.

The stress of city life can get to anyone in Mumbai. Fortunately, Mumbai has got so many means to escape this stress. There are cinema theatres, shopping malls, a colorful nightlife and many other recreational activities to do in Mumbai. But there is nothing like going on picnics, or a day outing to your favorite spot. It gets you in the great outdoors, where there is natural beauty and total relaxation. So here goes the list of 20 must have picnic spots for one day near Mumbai.

1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

This national park is a blessing to Mumbaikars, who are desperate to find a peaceful retreat for themselves. There are wild animals, lakes, trekking trails, deep forests, gurgling river streams, and tiger safaris for tourists. Kanheri caves, the rock cut Buddhist caves, are also in this park.

How to Reach Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Distance from Mumbai: 19 km

Best time to visit: July to March

Things to do: Wildlife, boating, trekking, caving

2. Elephanta Island

A ferry ride from Gateway of India takes you to Elephanta Island, where there are a series of 5thcentury rock cut cave temples. There are stone sculptures of Lord Shiva in its various divine forms. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are flea markets to shop for curios or souvenirs, and mischievous monkeys scampering along.

How to Reach Elephanta Island?

Distance from Mumbai: 26 km

Best time to visit: November to February

Things to do: Caving

3. Vasai Fort

Also called Fort Bassein, Vasai Fort is now in ruins. But it gives tourists, a rare glimpse into the prosperous and powerful Portuguese who once ruled Vasai. Inside the fort are bastions and stone walls. It is incredibly picturesque and a favorite shooting place for Bollywood movies.

How to Reach Vasai Fort?

Distance from Mumbai: 67 km

Best time to visit: July to January

Things to do: Exploring the fort, relaxation

4. Hanging Gardens & Kamla Nehru Park

These two are one of the best places to go on a picnic for one day in Mumbai. They are close to each other on Malabar Hill, and are perfect for spending a fun time with some relaxation. There are jogging tracks, manicured hedges in the shape of animals, and great views of Chowpatty beach along with some cool breeze.

How to Reach Hanging Gardens?

Distance from Mumbai: 29 km

Best time to visit: All Season

Things to do: Relaxation

5. Tikuji ni wadi

One of the most exciting one day picnic spots near Mumbai, Tikuji ni wadi is a amusement park that has everything that will make families and kids have a thrilling time. There are water rides, wave pool, fun rides, toy train, eateries and more.

How to Reach Tikuji ni Wadi?

Distance from Mumbai: 26 km

Best time to visit: All Season

Things to do: water & fun rides, family train, relaxation

Related Article: 15 Best Places To Visit In Mumbai and Pune This Monsoon

6. Yeoor Hills

For those who love walking carefree in natural environs, Yeoor Hills promises to be a great one day picnic spot near Mumbai. There are lush green forests on all sides, and waterfalls cascading down hills. There are trekking trails and tribal villages on the way.

How to Reach Yeoor Hills?

Distance from Mumbai: 26 km

Best time to visit: All Season

Things to do: Trekking, bird watching, forest walks

7. Essel World

Thrilling… Exciting… Fun for family and all…. That’s Essel World, one of Asia’s finest amusement parks, which is a top rated one day picnic spot near Mumbai. It has water rides, kiddie rides, skating rink, bowling alley, eateries, and more.

How to Reach Essel World?

Distance from Mumbai: 40 km

Best time to visit: All Season

Things to do: water rides, ice skating, fun rides, bowling alley

8. Adlabs Imagica

One of the best theme parks near Mumbai, Adlabs Imagica is the best one day picnic spot near Mumbai. It has scary rides, a water park, snow park with real snow to play with, and a gaming zone with VR car racing and other interactive games. There’s shopping, entertainment, dining, and also a luxury hotel.

How to Reach Adlabs Imagica?

Distance from Mumbai: 71 km

Best time to visit: All Season

Things to do: water rides, snow park, VR gaming

9. Manori Island

If you want to feel the vibes of Goa in Mumbai, go to Manori Island. There are clean beaches for leisurely strolls, or for beach games, and lovely sunset views. If you’re a party animal, there are beach parties to have a rocking time. There is Global Vipassana Pagoda close by, and Essel World for some aquatic fun.

How to Reach Manosri Island?

Distance from Mumbai: 48 km

Best time to visit: October to December

Things to do: Beach walks, temple visit, relaxation

10. Maval Takve Lake

Outdoors seem to be so much fun at Maval Takve Lake. The campsite is also a thrilling one day picnic spot near Mumbai. There’s a whole range of exciting adventure and water sports activities to do in lush green environs. You can stay in swiss tents, and enjoy barbeque dinners by the bonfire.

How to Reach Maval Takve Lake?

Distance from Mumbai: 102 km

Best time to visit: All Season

Things to do: Kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, Burma bridge

11. Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Extremely popular among Mumbaikars, Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise and a trekker’s delight. The best one day picnic spots near Mumbai, the forests here are a haven for birds and wild animals. Karnala Fort is close by, and commands a stunning view of the neighboring regions.

How to Reach Karnala Bird Sanctuary?

Distance from Mumbai: 48 km

Best time to visit: October to April

Things to do: Bird watching, fort treks

12. Matheran

Out of all picnic spots near Mumbai, Matheran is probably the best!! You can reach Matheran by trekking, walking, on a toy train, or by your own private vehicle. It’s full of scenic vantage points and green forests. Plus, it’s pollution-free and vehicle-free. There are gardens, shopping street, game parlours, restaurants and many other things to do.

How to Reach Matheran?

Distance from Mumbai: 80 km

Best time to visit: October to May

Things to do: Fort treks, sightseeing, shopping

13. Lonavala

This hill station near Mumbai is a green paradise full of historic forts, deep valleys, serene lakes, and lofty mountains of the Sahyadri range. In monsoons lakes and dams overflow and honeymooners, families, friends throng to Lonavala to bathe in waterfalls, have fun and a slice of adventure. Khandala is just close and so are water parks.

How to Reach Lonavala?

Distance from Mumbai: 83 km

Best time to visit: October to May

Things to do: Fort treks, waterfalls, shopping, boating, water parks

14. Durshet

For someone who craves adventure and peace, there’s no place like Durshet. Nestled in the midst of Sahyadri Mountains, Durshet has lush green mountain valleys, gurgling Amba River, jungle trails and lots of adventure activities to do. It is the ideal one day picnic spots near Mumbai, where you can go with friends and families for a day’s outing.

How to Reach Durshet?

Distance from Mumbai: 76 km

Best time to visit: September to February

Things to do: Rock climbing, nature walks, rappelling

15. Kamshet

This idyllic town near Mumbai is best for paragliding. For avid Mumbaikars, Kamshet is best for one day picnics and relaxation. There are numerous caves and forts within close range, and camping grounds for setting up tents and soaking up the rustic charm of Kamshet.

How to Reach Kamshet?

Distance from Mumbai: 101 km

Best time to visit: October to May

Things to do: Paragliding, camping, fort treks

16. Igatpuri

Go to Igatpuri and you will realize just why it is one of the best one day picnic spots near Mumbai. During the rains, there are waterfalls streaming down hills, the mountain slopes filled with lush forests, and fabulous scenery all round. There are forts and lakes where you can go camping and trekking during winters.

How to Reach Igatpuri?

Distance from Mumbai: 120 km

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Fort treks, camping, boating, nature walks

17. Karjat

Include Karjat as your favorite one day picnic spot near Mumbai and be in the lap of supreme natural beauty. River Ulhas gurgles through Karjat, and the forts built high on mountain peaks invite trekkers to climb them. There are farm houses, resorts and hotels to stay, and a myriad set of outdoor activities to do.

How to Reach Karjat?

Distance from Mumbai: 63 km

Best time to visit: July to February

Things to do: Fort treks, nature walks, adventure sports, caving, waterfalls

18. Pawna Lake

Perhaps the major attraction of Lonavala, Pawna Lake is incredibly scenic, as the peaks of Sahyadri range, and hilltop forts surround the lake. Families, large groups, honeymooners, loners, all enjoy the bliss of camping near the lake, and do a range of activities.

How to Reach Pawna Lake?

Distance from Mumbai: 112 km

Best time to visit: October to February

Things to do: Boating, fort treks, nature walks, camping

19. Malshej Ghat

This mountain pass is one of the best places to go for a one day picnic near Mumbai. Surrounded by lofty mountain peaks, and dense forests, Malshej Ghat abounds in splendid natural beauty, from waterfalls, mystic valleys, to mist-covered mountain tops. There are trekking trails, bathing in waterfalls, besides a number of other things to do.

How to Reach Malshej Ghat?

Distance from Mumbai: 127 km

Best time to visit: October to February

Things to do: Bird watching, fort treks, nature walks

20. Revdanda Beach

Close to Alibag, Revdanda Beach is spectacularly clean, with less crowds, and more of peace. There are some water sports here, and a ruined Portuguese fort close by, to get a slice of history. A road trip with friends, or a one day picnic with family is the ideal way to see the natural beauty of this place.

How to Reach Revdanda Beach?

Distance from Mumbai: 109 km

Best time to visit: October to February

Things to do: Beach walks, beach games, fort visit