Living in a city like Mumbai can turn to be quite a task owing to its excessively crowded streets, stations, tourists’ spots, precisely almost everywhere place you wish to go. The only solution to this problem lies in looking for hidden places in Mumbai or at max around the city which consummates your need of seclusion without having to leave the city.
To aid you in accomplishing this requirement of yours, we have compiled here a short list of hidden places in Mumbai which you can visit to have a sublime experience.
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Top Notch Hidden Places in Mumbai to Enjoy a Great Weekend
1. Banaganga (Bannganga)
Banaganga is among the places frequented by the artists and filmmakers mostly. This particular water tank dates back to 1120 AD and has quite a mythological history behind its origin.
It is believed that this was the point where Lord Ram felt thirsty and his brother Laxman shot an arrow (a Bann) into the ground to give way for this tributary of the holy Ganges River, hence the name Banaganga.
2. Sassoon Docks
The oldest dock open for the common public in a city like Mumbai has to be quite a sight, especially when the place is not hoarded with the public like the many, worth-visiting places in the city. This dock was built in 1875 and accomplishes to provide a sight of the extensive fish catching and fish markets of the area.
3. Dhobi Ghat
The synchronisation of dhobis, as they wash the linen of hotels and hospitals at this little place intrigues the avid traveller in ways more than one. This open-air Laundromat witnesses dhobis rubbing, soaking and drying clothes each day, on their respective cubicle formed of flogging stone and rough concrete.
4. Pandavkada Falls
Talking of the hidden places to visit in Mumbai, you cannot give the Pandavkada Waterfalls amiss. This little place sits in Khargar in Navi Mumbai and promises to be majestic sight especially in the monsoon season when the waterfall is in all its glory. The nearby Buddhist caves and Khargar Hills also prove to be good attractions.
5. Dahanu Beach
Sprawling golden sands, lush green orchards, beautiful gardens and the temples in this region make for quite a tourist destination.
Sitting quietly in the city, this place is among the hidden places which are yet to be discovered for their beauty. The place is a little distance from the NH-8 and is a complete treat to the soul.
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6. Sewri Mangrove Park
This magical place seems to exist in spite of the oil spills and the mudflats, but for how long it’s hard to say. But before it vanishes, it must be visited to witness the 15acres of mangroves that line up between Sewri and Trombay.
This place houses a variety of birds and fishes. The rare and beautiful flamingo bird can also be spotted here occasionally.
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7. Colaba Causeway
If only you could witness the true culture of a place like Mumbai by visiting a single place. Fret no more, the Colaba Causeway is just what you are looking for. This place is a cultural square come open shopping market for the tourists and locals alike.
The overly enthusiastic sellers and their extensive display right there on the footpath in the open is the most common sight of this place.
8. Gilbert Hill
Imagine a huge rock of solid lava sitting right in the middle of a busy city like Mumbai. That is what the Gilbert Hill in Andheri is. Reaching an amazing height of 200ft., this structure of rock houses two temples on top of it. Quite a fascination for the geologists and tourists, this place is worth a visit.
9. Chhota Kashmir
Nothing soothes better than a lake, and the same holds quite true for this little place that goes by the name Chhota Kashmir. Placed in one of the busy areas of the city, this place possesses a lake which is very centrally placed and is a complete treat for the eyes owing to its thick green cover and boating facilities.
10. Bassein (Vasai) Fort
This lesser-known fort is among the handful of the sites preserved by the Archaeological Survey Of India for its importance in the national context. This fort was built by and served the Portuguese in quite a few ways, but now its remnants are rumoured to house certain paranormal creatures and activities at night.
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11. Maharashtra Nature Park Society
Even in a city as crazily polluted and as noisy as Mumbai, there exists a little heaven. This place is a butterfly park that goes by the name Maharashtra Nature Park. Even though this park is in Dharavi, one of the more populated sections of the city, yet it has the capacity to drive you to the bliss nature offers.
12. Sewri Fort
Built around the 1860s the Sewri Fort was built by the British to guard their territory of the city in that age. The lack of maintenance has made the place turn tarnished but still it is a good option for people looking for some escape from the crazy everyday life of a city like Mumbai. Spotting some passing flamingos during the migratory season adds a cherry the cake.
13. Sion Fort
Again this is a place that once proudly served the British to preserve their right over the land but now lies in a dilapidated state. Ensuring some tranquil time to the visitors, this place offers some of the most astounding panoramic views of the city.
The exterior walls are all ruined and interiors contain one lone cannon that reminds you of this place’s history, but still, the place has retained a certain charm of itself over the years.
14. Kanhoji Angre Island
A soon to be turned into tourist spot is waiting for your arrival before it goes public. This little island sprawled across the Mumbai harbour was earlier known as Khanderi Island and houses the remains of a fort built by the Portuguese.
The beauty of this place is in the remains of the cannons, the surrounding sea and the perfect placement of a fully functional lighthouse.
15. Mahakali Caves
Quite a spectacle the Mahakali Caves are the remains of one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries of Mumbai. The carvings and the knowledge of Buddha and Buddhist mythologies that this place house makes it quite an interesting place to visit. These caves also go by the name Kondivite Caves.
16. Global Vipassana Pagoda- Gorai
Quite the lesser known neighbour of Esselworld, the Pagoda is among the largest domed structures in the world. This meditation chamber is sure to drive you out of your wits with its simplistic display of the teachings of Buddha.
Hidden Places Near Mumbai
17. Kamshet
A little gem of a place, Kamshet is a way little ahead of Lonavala and Khandala from Mumbai. This place has quite a few tricks to its credit, the scenic beauty of the place ranking among the highest attributes. Also called the Paragliders’ Paradise, Kamshet is surrounded by quaint villages lending the place a rustic charm.
18. Kolad
The majestic Kundalika River makes for quite a sight at this little place that sits at a distance of 117kms from Mumbai. This offbeat destination offers a number of the water adventure sports that make this place worth the visit. Easily reachable by bus, rail or road this place is also among the hidden places near Mumbai.
19. Jawhar
The rustic nature of this place makes it quite a treat for the travellers. This place plays quite a remnant of the tribal kingdom that is housed in the earlier periods. Witness the beauty of the hills and Warli Art when you visit the place.
20. Sandhan Valley
More popularly known for its trekking facilities, the Sandhan Valley is a canyon near Bhandardara. One of the best places for a weekend getaway, this place offers quite a thrill to its trekkers. The valley of shadows in the region is among the top highlights of the place.
21. Diveagar
One of the sparsely populated areas south of Mumbai at a distance of about 170kms is Diveagar. The place promises to be a delight for the passing traveller owing to its seclusion. The beach here is in much better condition than the ones from Mumbai and prove to be quite a sight.
22. Harihareshwar
Settled quite near to Diveagar, Harihareshwar is another one of the places that you can visit when looking for some blissful seclusion off the Mumbai city.
The time slows down here beautifully making you feel more relaxed and stress-free. The beach here is also good enough place for spotting dolphins, which further makes for a good reason to visit this place.
23. Harnai-Anjarle
Seclusion so close to the city as high on adrenalin as Mumbai seems quite an impossibility. the beaches of Harnai-Anjarle are among the lesser known places around the city.
These beaches are quiet, serene and the beautiful in their own regard. The Sea-Fort and the Ganesh Temple that the place has, for quite a treat for travellers.
24. Saputara
Lying in the dang forest area of the Sahayadris, the hill station by the name Saputara is at an altitude of 1000m. One of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai, this place offers its tourist spectacular views and pleasant to chilly weathers through the year.
25. Lonar
Known to house a crater that was the creation of a meteorite 50,000 years ago, Lonar is a 600km away from Mumbai. The mysticism of this place is exaggerated but the fact this is the third largest crater formed by a meteorite in the world. Now serving as a lake this crater lies in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
26. Malshej Ghat
This astounding hill station sits about 120kms away from Mumbai and proves to be a great choice for a weekend getaway if looking for some seclusion and peace.
Barely commercialised, the place promises to be a delight to visit owing to the gurgling waterfalls and the forested terrains of the place. These varied landscapes of the place offer it a number of adventure activities too.
27. Manori
If you are among the many who crave solitude away from the crazy hustle bustle of a city like Mumbai, Manori proves to your haven. Located at a convenient distance of 50kms from Mumbai, the place is not at all crowded. The beach here promises pristine views of the sea accompanied with clean shores, a rarity in Mumbai.
28. Kaas Plateau
Kaas plateau is a place that also goes by the name Kaas Pathar and is one of the hidden places near Mumbai that ensures you are comfortably away from the craziness of the Mumbai city.
Best to be visited during the months of September and October, this place is hoarded with plants of vibrant colours and differentiated fragrances, making this place quite sight to behold.
29. Bordi
The simplicity and the beauty of a place like Bordi, win your heart right away. This little gem is about 10kms from Mumbai and is sure to get you a peaceful weekend away. The beach and the chikoo orchards at the place are the epitomai of its natural beauty and the comfortable homestays are the best options for a stay.
The places mentioned above are sure to let you have an experience of the city unparalleled in its typical perceptions. The old, the lost and the beautiful, all form a part of the list above, but it is best to visit these places yourself and get the experience first-hand.
If you have the knowledge of any other such hidden places in and around Mumbai city, or if you have visited the places mentioned above, do share your experiences and suggestions with us in the comments section below.
