Navi Mumbai or New Mumbai is just outside of Mumbai and is often considered an extension of the city. It has seen rapid urban development in the recent years and the locality boasts a ton of interesting activities and sights to explore for a little bit of fun and recreation. Here is our list of the best things to do in Navi Mumbai.
1. ISKCON Temple
Devotees at the ISKCON Kharghar
The ISKCON temple in Kharghar is not just a temple but also a cultural and Vedic educational centre. The temple is located in Kharghar and sprawls over 8 acres of land. The centre is surrounded by the Sahyadri Hills, creating a beautiful backdrop to the stately white structure.
The temple’s construction began in 2012 and has since undertaken many projects such as a college for Vedic education and other cultural centres. Various cultural and educational activities are conducted here to benefit the residents of Kharghar and neighbouring localities.
- Location: Sector 23, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
2. Nerul Balaji Temple
The entrance to the temple
The Balaji Temple in Nerul is very famous among the South Indian community in Navi Mumbai. The temple is constructed very close to the railway station making it quite accessible to those travelling by train.
The temple’s main deity is Balaji; it also has temples dedicated to the gods Narasimha, Vidya Ganapati and Vishwaksena. This structure mirrors the famous South Indian temple in Kerala that is also dedicated to Lord Balaji.
- Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai
3. Bawkhaleshwar Temple
The compound of the Bawkhaleshwar Temple (source)
This temple is an inconspicuous gem that often goes unnoticed by the people that pass it by daily. However, it is a truly beautiful structure of keen architectural aesthetic. The temple also features beautiful gardens.
Within the compound, there are three temple structures devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Devi. Most of the temple is constructed out of marble which gives it a fascinating facade. Aartis are conducted every Tuesday as this day of the week is considered auspicious when praying to Lord Ganesha.
- Location: Navi Mumbai MIDC area, Navi Mumbai
1. Central Park
The amphitheatre at Central Park
Central Park was open in 2010 and provided the residents of Navi Mumbai the perfect spot to walk about or relax in lush greenery. The park has several options for visitors: there is a special walking track of 1.5 kilometres for those looking to exercise and botanical gardens with varied flora and fauna which nature lovers can enjoy. The park also has an open-air amphitheatre where several cultural events take place.
- Location: Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
2. Wonders Park
The entrance to Wonders Park (source)
Wonders Park is a major attraction that is revered by the locals as well tourists who visit Navi Mumbai. The main attractions of the park are the beautiful replicas of the seven wonders of the world.
Besides this, the park also has facilities such as a lovely artificial lake, an amphitheatre and a nice playground which children can enjoy to the fullest.
- Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai
3. Pandavkada Falls
The waterfall in Kharghar is perfect for a dip (source)
Pandavkada Falls is located in Kharghar and stands at about 107 meters high, from which gushing water flows along the rock formations below. The falls derive its name from the famous Pandavas, who are said to have bathed at this very location.
Here you will find trekkers, adventure enthusiasts and tourist visitors stopping by for the refreshing surroundings and fantastic view. As it is quite close to Kharghar Railway Station, it is easily accessible by rail and by road as well.
- Location: Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
4. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Trekkers at the Karnala Bird Sanctuary
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a sanctuary that is well known for its trekking routes and for its diverse variety of bird species.The sanctuary lies on the Mumbai-Pune highway and is spread across 500 square kilometres of land.
The sanctuary is home to more than 150 species of resident birds and more than 37 types of migratory birds. There is also a mini zoo at the bottom of the sanctuary that houses a small selection of wildlife. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a great place to get away from the daily hustle and bustle of city life.
- Location: NH 66, Karnala, Maharashtra
5. Belapur Mango Garden
The Mango Garden in Belapur
The Belapur Mango Garden is a park that is exclusively dedicated to the growing of mango trees. In season, the park’s trees are heavy with the weight of juicy mangoes and watching its visitors try to pluck them off is a delight to watch.
Besides mango trees, there are also activities for children here as the area has swings, seesaws and slides.The garden also has a mini pond where you can watch ducks swimming around.
- Location: CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
6. Belapur Fort
The remains of the fort
Belapur Fort has a rich history hidden in its remains. The Fort was first built by the Siddis of Janjira. However, with the expansion of the Bombay Presidency during the British era, the importance of the fort declined and eventually it was forgotten and not maintained. These days it is visited by the residents of Navi Mumbai who trek to it and explore its expansive architectural beauty with awe and delight.
- Location: Belapur, Navi Mumbai
1. Go Road Tripping at Palm Beach Marg
The serene backdrop the Palm Beach road provides
The Palm Beach Marg is a six-lane, 10-kilometre-long road that connects Vashi and Belapur through Nerul. The road runs parallel to the Mumbai Harbour and provides a picturesque view of the city of Navi Mumbai.
It is preferred by drivers for the serene views it provides. Going down this road, you can also admire the fancy high-rise buildings that have been constructed in the recent past.
- Location: CBD Belapur and Vashi, Navi Mumbai
The greenery at the Raintree Marg
On the way to the famous Kharghar hills, this area lives up to its name by providing a panoramic view of the greenery that Navi Mumbai has to offer. The beautiful scenery will draw the attention of nature enthusiasts and it is a well-known picnic spot.
The path receives maximum footfall during the monsoon season during which it comes alive with lush greenery. You can either walk along for an hour or so or take a vehicle which will take you 15 minutes to reach the top.
- Location: Belapur, Navi Mumbai
1. DY Patil Stadium
Aerial view of the stadium hosting a concert at night
The DY Patil Sports Stadium is a football and a cricket stadium in the DY Patil Campus at Nerul. Since opening in 2008, the stadium has hosted a plethora of events such as football and cricket matches and concerts – the most recent live musical performance being the Justin Bieber concert.
The stadium is huge and has the capacity to hold up to 55,000 people. The next time you are in Navi Mumbai, make sure to check for events happening at the stadium.
- Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai
The building at night
The swanky building for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is quite a landmark and a must-see for visitors in the city. The building was developed to keep up with the rapid urbanization Navi Mumbai has seen in the recent years.
It is also home to one of the tallest Indian Flagpoles. The flag stands at 225 feet – it is the third-highest tricolour in India after those in Faridabad and Ranchi.
- Location: CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
3. CIDCO Golf Course
The CIDCO Golf Course at Kharghar (source)
The City and Industrial Development Corporation, also known as CIDCO, has developed 103 acres of land into a golf course in Kharghar. The golf course is to have 18 holes, of which nine have been developed so far.
There is no membership as of now, however, it follows a play and pays model for those interested in hitting the green.The cost during weekdays is Rs. 500 and during the weekend it goes up to Rs. 750.
- Location: Sector 22 Kharghar Valley, Navi Mumbai
4. Utsav Chowk
The Utsav Chowk at Kharghar
Utsav Chowk is a well-known landmark in the Kharghar area of Navi Mumbai. The architectural style of the chowk is based on Greek and Roman architecture.The chowk is approximately 5 kilometres from the main city and is a landmark. It has a beautiful garden and space where visitors can spend time marvelling the architecture.
- Location: Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
5. Tikuji-Ni-Wadi
Visitors at the Tikuji-Ni-Wadi amusement park (source)
Tikuji-Ni-Wadi is an amusement park and resort in Thane. The waterpark has great rides, slides and a wave pool. The theme park also has exciting rides for children and adults of all ages – from giant wheels to go-karting.
During the festival of Shivratri, the park creates a replica of Lord Shiva made completely from ice, which is a marvellous sight. This park is extremely popular with the residents of Navi Mumbai during the summer vacations and public holidays.
- Location: Thane, Mumbai
6. Airoli Knowledge Park
The Airoli Knowledge Park
Airoli Knowledge park is an IT hub situated near Airoli which is approximately 16 km from Navi Mumbai. Due to its proximity to Mumbai, it is a favourable spot for many IT and BPO companies. However, this is not the only highlight of the knowledge park. It was set up to match standards of international IT parks and for this very reason, you can find clear roads and well planned infrastructural facilities here. The influx of companies has also made it an ideal spot for restaurants, which serve mouth-watering food. For those into fitness, there are jogging tracks where you can work up a sweat.
- Where: Airoli, Navi Mumbai.
Here is our list of the top things to do in Navi Mumbai. The next time you are there do try out these activities and let us know your experiences in the comments section below.
