As exciting as the city of Mumbai itself is, there are some beautiful tourist
destinations near the city that are worth visiting.
Elephanta Islands - A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Elephanta Caves
are located 11 kms from Mumbai. The caves are famous for their rock cut sculptures.
The island itself is made up of two conical hillocks. Carved out of solid Basalt
rock, they create a representation of the mountain residence of Lord Shiva.
Inside the temple in the caves, light pouring in from three sides gives the
impression that the sculptures are moving. Gigantic pillars seem to be supporting
the cave ceiling. Inside this majestic temple exists a large hall with 9 sculptured
panels representing Lord Shiva in different postures. Boats leave every 30 minutes
between 9.00 a.m-12.00 p.m. from Apollo Bunder to Elephanta and between 13.00
p.m.-17.00 p.m. from Elephanta back to Apollo Bunder.
Essel World - Located near Gorai Beach, Essel World is the largest amusement
park in India. Apart from the usual roller coaster rides, Essel World offers
a Water World section which is a great hit in Mumbai's sultry weather. However,
it is the adjoining Water Kingdom is Asia's largest water theme park with water
slides, theme cruises and the world's largest wave pool. Ferries from Gorai
Beach will get you to Essel World and Water Kingdom easily.
Jogeshwari Caves - A 1500-year-old structure, these caves are a 45-minute
train journey from Church Gate. The Jogeshwari cave temple has a huge central
hall, which contains a Shrine and a Lingam. Several other smaller chambers are
dedicated to Hanuman, Devi Mata, Jogeshwari and a unique orange Ganesha. However
the complex has been overrun by huts and dwellings and the boundary walls of
the cave temple have disintegrated.
Fantasyland - The country cousin to Essel World , Fantasyland is located
in Jogeshwari East. It is a small-scale amusement park, which offers go-karting,
dodge cars and roller coasters.
Bassein - The ruins of this Portuguese fort 77 kms from Mumbai on the
Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway remind one of the thriving city that existed within
these fort walls between 1534-1739. Some ramparts and ruins of churches still
attract archaeological buffs.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park - A 104 sq. km park it is known for its population
of leopards. Located near the northern border of Mumbai, it also includes a
Lion Safari Park which is about 500 miles inside the north entrance to the main
park. A safari ride runs daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Mondays. The
park also contains two lakes which are said to provide a major chunk of Mumbai's
water supply.
Kanheri Caves - Located in the center of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park,
the Kanheri Cave Complex was built between the 2nd-9th Century by Hinayana Buddhist
monks. The caves include two enormous Buddha statues which guard the entry to
cave number 3. These are said to be carved in the 6th century.
Lonavala and Khandala - Located in the Sahyadri ranges, spread over 38
sq. kms at an altitude of 622 meters above sea level. The twin hill stations
of Lonavala and Khandala are 110 kms from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Highway.
The name Lonavala originates from the Sanskrit word Lonavli, which means caves.
There are numerous caves like Bedsa, Karla and Bhaja close to Lonavala, hence
the name. Funnily enough the best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is the
rainy season. This is the time when the hill stations are at their most romantic.
Some places to see around Lonavala and Khandala are -
Rajmachi point - 6.5 kms from Lonavala, it boasts of a gorgeous view
of Rajmachi Shivaji's famous fort which literally means royal terrace.
Valvan Dam - The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station and
has a beautiful garden located at its base.
Tungarli Lake - A beautiful lake that supplies water to Lonavala town.
Lonavala Lake - Another beautiful lake, this one dries up in summer but
thrives during the Monsoons.
Tiger's Leap - A cliff top with a sheer drop of over 650 meters, this
is a cliff with a view.
Bhushi Dam - A beautiful waterfall near the dam makes it a great picnic
spot.
Lohagad Fort - The erstwhile battle station of the famous Maratha-Chatrapati
Shivaji, Lohagad, which in Hindi means Fort of Iron, has a breathtaking view
of the surrounding hillside.
