10 Scenic Lakes in Mumbai You Must Visit

Sitting by the seashore, or on the banks of a lake utterly revives and refreshes many people, almost as though they have washed away their worries in the water.  

If you are in Mumbai, and find yourself tired and drained without sleep and rest, we recommend some scenic places where you can find relaxation in the lap of nature. The lakes in Mumbai are surrounded by flora and fauna.

Pack a picnic on a fine afternoon to find a complete resuscitation of the spirit and stunning photographs as keepsakes. Let’s talk about the beautiful lakes in Mumbai you must visit.

List of Lakes in Mumbai

1. Vihar Lake

The largest lake in Mumbai, the Vihar Lake stretches on for 27 miles within the densely forested Sanjay Gandhi National Park. An evening visit to the lake would be ideal, when the water may mirror the sunset. The Vihar Lake is also visited by a number of migratory birds, and there are also crocodiles in a secluded area.  

For the historian, the lake was constructed in 1860 by the British after a protest was held because of a shortage of water in the area. One can reach this lake by bus, train or auto-rickshaw, and permission is required to visit certain parts of the lake.

• Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Attractions: Nature, flora and fauna

Suggested to Read : 27 Iconic Places to Visit in Mumbai

2. Powai Lake

Named after the Framaji Kavasji Powai Estate, and near the campus of IIT Mumbai, the Powai Lake was constructed in 1890. The park is perfect for a picnic, where one can disappear between the greenery and the peace.

This artificial lake is said to add a great amount of beauty to the entirety of Mumbai. The lake is a short distance from the Marriott Renaissance Hotel and the Hiranandani Gardens. Unfortunately, it must be admitted that the greenery around the lake has seen better days. Visit during the Indian monsoon to see the lake at its finest.

• Location: Powai, Mumbai
• Attractions: Picnic spot and Nature

3. Tulsi Lake

Another feature of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Tulsi Lake is smaller only in comparison to the Vihar Lake. The park is quiet, and in the tranquillity, there rings the humming of birds.

Like the Vihar Lake, the Tulsi Lake is inhabited by crocodiles, and is home to some native birds, and is visited by migratory birds as well. This is a perfect location to take photographs and observe the amazing beauty of nature.

• Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Attractions: Ornithology, photography and crocodiles

List of Lakes Around Mumbai

1. Talao Pali/Masunda Lake

Talao Pali or Masunda Lake in Thane is famed for its boating and water-scooter facilities. The lake features a 20-foot statue of Bajrangbali (Lord Hanuman) in the middle where you can go by paddle boats. You will also find a temple and an entertainment hub named Gadkari Rangayatan on the lakefront.

For the religious minded, there is an ancient temple built by Chimajji Appa about 1750 AD, named Kopineshwar Temple. Find rest and relaxation here, along with a lot of eateries offering tea, local delicacies and Chinese food too. This lake is highly popular among the locals as well as visitors to Mumbai.

• Location: Thane
• Attractions: Eateries, entertainment, a temple and scenic beauty

Also Read : The Top 19 Places to Visit in Navi Mumbai

2. Upvan Lake

Upvan, also known as the Pokhran Lake, is part of a village a short distance from the Thane Station. Part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park Forest and the Yeoor Hills, this lake is famous for the peace and silence it offers. One may visit Upvan to meditate and exercise in the open air, as the air is fresh and clean. A Hindu shrine proves to be an attraction for the religious, and the quiet and peace lend it a romantic air.

• Location: Yeoor Hills
• Attractions: Nature, tranquillity and a temple

3. Upper Vaitarna Lake

This lake is a reservoir formed by an earthfill dam at Igatpuri in Nashik district. A visit would involve a 145-kilometre-long road trip, and arrangements to stay at one of the holiday resorts built around the dam, to fully enjoy the scenic beauty it offers. Started in 1950, the dam was built in four years and has since been the main source of water and electricity for the city of Mumbai.

Get ready to feast your eyes on and take pictures of the greenery, the numerous waterfalls along the way and the spectacular beauty of the Western Ghats.

• Location: Igatpuri
• Attractions: Waterfalls, road trips and nature

4. Middle Vaitarna Lake

The Middle Vaitarna was also formed by a dam built on the river Vaitarna, which supplies water to the city of Mumbai. Renamed in 2016 after Mumbai’s political leader Bal Thackeray, this lake is part of a dam project which started in 2012 and is yet to be completed.

Considered a great picnic spot and offering a great drive through pristine forests, which may be submerged once the dam is completed, this scenic area boasts Adivasi tribals like Warlis who inhabit the area and build huts which they paint in beautiful patterns.

• Location: Kochale Village, Thane
• Attractions: Road trips and picnic spots

Also Read : The 15 Most Romantic Places in Navi Mumbai

5. Modak Sagar Lake

Modak Sagar is part of the construction of a dam, along the Vaitarna River in Mumbai. The construction of the dam in the 1900s divided the river cleanly into three parts, the aforementioned Upper, Middle and now, Modak Sagar, the Lower Vaitarna. A picturesque lagoon greets you at the Modak Sagar lake, which draws a number of visitors every year. Be wary of the crocodiles, which inhabit the shallow parts of the lake.

• Location: Thane
• Attractions: Scenic beauty, flora and fauna

6. Bhatsa Lake

The Bhatsa Lake, although not immense in size, contributes greatly to Mumbai’s water supply. Part of the Thane District, at a distance of 100 kilometres from Mumbai city, the Bhatsa Lake is tucked beneath the Bhatsa Dam, and draws water from the Bhatsa and Corna Rivers. Construction was completed in 1981.

Both the Bhatsa and the Vaitarna Dams, are a sight to behold and draw a large number of visitors, especially during the monsoon season. Beyond the foliage of trees, one may see the water flowing in panels through the grand architecture of both dams.

• Location: Shahapur
• Attractions: Road trips and scenic beauty

7. Tansa Lake

The Tansa lake is a picturesque location formed by the Tansa dam, which is beloved of tourists, nature photographers and ornithologists. It is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary of the same name. It is also one of the biggest lakes supplying water to the bustling city of Mumbai. You can opt for a night camp here to experience its unique surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You will find yourself truly isolated in the lap of nature as Tansa is not a typical tourist destination with eateries and restaurants ready to cater to the needs or whims of visitors.

• Location: Thane
• Attractions: Road trip, nature and solitude

The lakes of Mumbai are pools of tranquillity and joy, and are sure to beautify your Instagram page much more than any shadowy photograph of a night-club. Be sure to visit at least some of them and do remember to watch out for crocodiles. Have you been to any of these lakes in Mumbai or lakes around Mumbai? Let us know in the comments.

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