Hey there!
Looking for a quick one day trip around Mumbai? I got your back.
Mumbai is a city that is known for fulfilling all dreams, it’s one of the top travel destinations in India. And yet there are so many places that we miss visiting.
Check out these top 5 recommendations that will surely help you create fun and loving memories. Be it with family or friends or colleagues, you can visit these places and have a great one day outing!
1. NDS film studio
Location: Karjat Road, Chowk Phata, Khalapur, Karjat, Maharashtra 410206
Details:
NDS Film Studio is a Theme Park that Celebrates Indian Films, Artists and Film Fans. Spread across a wide range of 43 Acres, it’s got a variety of entertaining attractions and a spectacular view into the filmy world. It was established by Nitin Desai in 2005. It’s one of its kind and is the home to many replica sets from famous Bollywood movies.
If you are a Bollywood fan, this studio is a must on your travel list.
Accommodation is also available.
Pre-wedding shoots, engagements, wedding ceremonies can also be done here.
What to see:
- Sets of various movies and serials like Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Bajirao Mastani, Panipat
- The long and lavish palace where they shot Salman Khan’s movie – Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
- Replica of Shaniwar Wada
- Sheesh Mahal
Time needed:
4 hours is enough to visit all the sets.
Approx. costing:
Weekday (Adult): Rs 500 per ticket
Weekend (Adult): Rs 700 per ticket
Pictures:
Reel of NDS studio: See it here!
2. Imagicaa Theme Park
Location: 30 31, State Highway 92 near Lonavla, Sangdewadi, Khopoli, Maharashtra 410203
Details:
This is easily one of the most entertainment filled destinations near Mumbai. It has various indoor and outdoor rides, thrilling shows, multiple characters and innovative attractions that will be the highlight your trip.
It’s a great destination for visiting with your friends and family and experience a thrilling adventure together.
Imagicaa Water Park is located right next to the Theme Park and you can add that to your list of activities as well.
I have personally been there and loved the wide variety of exhilarating rides, roller coasters, family shows and the fantastic performances at the Theme Park.
You also get to experience India’s largest Snow Park which is 100% pure and safe snow in a ~15000 sq. ft. play area at -5℃ and a 50ft ceiling. Many activities are also available at Snow Park. It’s a great one stop destination to have loads of fun and make the day a memorable one!
What to see:
Theme Park Rides: Nitro, Deep Space, Scream Machine, Gold Rush Express, Salimargh, I for India, Rajasaurus River Adventure, Chhota Bheem –The Ride
Grand Imagicaa Parade
Water Park Rides: Loopy Woopy, Yell-O, The Screamer, Swirl Whirl, Raftaastic, Zip Zap Zoom
Snow Park: Snow Basketball, Snow Dance Floor, Toboggan rides, Snow Mountain Climbing, Real Snowfall, Snow Slides.
Time needed:
One day. Morning – evening trip is a suitable idea.
If you are planning a staycation: Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli is the best choice as it’s right next to the Theme Park.
Approx. costing:
Many offers are available, check out their website – Here.
Theme Park: Starting from 999/-*person
Water Park: Starting from 699/-*person
Snow Park (Add-on) Ticket – Rs. 399 + GST
Snow Park Regular* (Standalone) Ticket – Rs. 499 + GST *Applicable for walk-in guests
3. Lonavala trip
Location: Lonavala (110 km from Mumbai & 60 km from Pune)
Details:
Lonavala, best known for it’s rich valleys, numerous waterfalls, cool climate, natural beauty and stunning greenery is a hill station near Mumbai.
It’s a famous gateway spot for enjoying time with friends and family.
It’s a quick escape from the hustle bustle of Mumbai traffic and noise and to indulge right into the valley of flowers, peace and trees.
What to see:
Tiger’s Point, Lonavala Lake, Duke’s Nose, Bhaja Caves, Celebrity Wax Museum, Bhushi Dam, Ryewood Park
Time needed:
One day trip.
Monsoon is the best time to visit, it’s from July-September.
Approx. costing:
Car charges (in case you aren’t driving your own)
Minimal charges at the wax Museum.
Most of it is sightseeing and absolutely free!
Pictures:
4. Alibaug beach
Location: Alibaug (100 km from Mumbai)
Details:
Alibaug is around the costal area of Maharashtra and is well-known for it’s picturesque views, beaches, lavish villas and resorts and natural beauty.
It’s a popular gateway idea and is filled with sandy beaches that will make you want to soak your toes in the fresh sea water, run in the soft sand and enjoy a peaceful and beautiful day by the beach.
It truly offers a spectacular view of sunrise and sunset and you can just lie on the sand and relish a cool sip of your favorite drink as you take a day off from your daily hectic life and relax at the gorgeous coastline.
The best way to travel from Mumbai is via a car or by the Ferry (it’s the fastest method). You can also take AC ferries.
The ferry usually takes you from Mumbai to Alibaug in less than an hour. The frequency is pretty good and the starting point is Gateway of India.
First ferry from Gateway of India: 08:15 AM*
Last ferry from Alibaug: 06:30 PM*
*Please check the latest ferry timings as they are subject to change.
What to see:
Enjoy a fun ferry ride from Gateway of India to Alibaug beach
The scenic beaches and costal line.
Try out delicious sea food.
Alibaug beach (try the basic water sports available there)
Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple
Kolaba Fort
Time needed:
One day trip: morning – evening.
Approx. costing:
Ferry rides range from Rs. 150 – Rs. 500
Pictures:
5. Global Vipassana Pagoda
Location: Global Pagoda Road near Esselworld Gorai, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400091
Details:
The Global Vipassana Pagoda has been built a tribute to Sayagyi U Ba Khin, a Vipassana teacher from Myanmar and the community of monks practicing his teaching. Each of it’s structure, pillars and architecture have a significant meaning and is related to values of Buddha. The centre of this beautiful Pagoda is the world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars, this is to resemble the Shwedagon Pagoda of Myanmar. The height of the dome is approximately 29 metres. This enormous inner dome can seat over 8000 people, thus enabling them to practice mediation and feel inner peace.
It is also one of the Seven Wonders of Maharashtra.
It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in Mumbai and you can feel the positive energy as soon as you enter the place.
You can take the Esselworld Ferry Service at the Gorai creek or a local ferry service. (I recommend the Esselworld ferry). From Esselworld it’s walkable distance till the Pagoda. The last ferry leaves to the Global Vipassana Pagoda at 5.25 pm
What to see:
Ashoka Pillar- Fountain & Lotus pond, Main Dome Pagoda, Myanmar Gate, Buddha Statue, Bell Tower.
Experience meditation at the inner dome.
Time needed:
You can easily spend 3-4 hours here.
Visiting time is 9 AM and 7 PM.
Approx. costing:
Entry fee is free and but feel free to donate.
Pictures:
Thank you for reading and I do hope you liked these recommendations.
If you have been here already, share your experience. If you haven’t – then don’t wait for too long and go have a great trip!
I’ll be posting weekend gateways around Mumbai soon, so stay tuned!
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