Places to visit around Mumbai

If you are an avid traveller and are running out of places to visit near Mumbai, may we suggest Panvel. Considered by some to be a boring and underdeveloped suburb, Panvel has come up in the last decade as a great place to live and a good getaway destination for Mumbaikars. Only about an hour away from Mumbai, it is the perfect place to visit by yourself, with friends or with a special someone.

The suburb of Panvel is very well connected with Mumbai by road, train and bus. The best way to get there is by car as the highway connecting Panvel to Mumbai is very good and there are several interesting shops and restaurants along the way. This way, you will have your vehicle with you in Panvel if you want to drive around. Depending on where you live in Mumbai, you can easily get here and check in within an hour or two. Once here, you can visit a number of beautiful sites that will take closer to nature.

Places to visit in Panvel

Gadeshwar Dam: This is a big dam that is built over the Gadhi River and creates a large lake that is worth visiting. The area around the lake is very pretty and green with paddy fields and forests while the views of tall hills and undulating landscapes are a pleasure to witness. The lake is best visited in the winters as it dries up and shrinks considerably in the summer.

Adai Waterfalls: A beautiful waterfall with a plunge pool at its base, visitors can swim here, have a picnic, walk around the woods or explore the unique rock formations nearby. If you are planning to visit the waterfall, you should try to reach here early, as it gets quite busy by noon on most days with tourists swimming, playing and picnicking in its vicinity.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary: A renowned Bird Sanctuary that is well known for the rare species of birds that live here, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary first became famous when scientists found migratory birds here that come all the way from Siberia to spend their winters in the lush green oasis. Besides birds, one can also spot some interesting flowers, butterflies and other species of animal life.

Vadale Lake: This is an ancient lake that has recently been renovated, restored and cleaned before opening up to the public only a few months ago. The imposing lake is the largest amongst the 5 lakes in Panvel and covers over 25 acres of land with a rich biodiversity in and around it. If you are in the area, this site is definitely worth checking out.

Luisa Point: This is a lookout point known for the great views that it affords visitors. From here, one can see a long way into the distance and also enjoy the famous sunset of Panvel, which creates interesting hues and shades in the sky. The area also has thick forests along with a rich biodiversity where it is possible to spot interesting animals and bird species.

Where to stay

One of the best places to stay in Panvel, especially if you come here for a quick break, is the Visava Amusement Park and Resort. This resort is located close the highway and is easy to reach. It also has a waterpark at the property, which is very popular with young people and people from Mumbai. Here, you can enjoy a swim, play water sports and have a great lunch before heading back to the city on the same day or you can stay overnight at their well-appointed guest rooms.

The resort also has a great restaurant called Garam Masala, which serves delectable multi-cuisine dishes all day long. One can enjoy the lavish breakfast and lunch buffets served here daily, order a la carte from the menu or avail of the attractive in-room dining options from the comfort and safety of your room. You can also visit some great restaurants nearby or try the local Maharashtra street food at various places in Panvel.

Making this resort your base, you can visit all the interesting places in the area with ease and comfort. Besides natural beauty, there are also any interesting temples, parks, malls and shopping districts her that will keep you occupied. If you don’t have your car with you, the resort will organize excursions depending on your time and budget. You can also find taxis and rickshaws here for a comfortable stay that is rejuvenating and enriching but also convenient and easy on the pocket. So the next time you want to travel, first explore your own courtyard before venturing to far off lands. You will be pleasantly surprised.