Thane
Thane is located in the Konkan district of Maharashtra. It is known as the city of lakes because of the large number of lakes [thirty in number] that dot its periphery. The entire city of Mumbai is dependent upon Thane for water and that is probably the reason why the city has also been called the elder city of Mumbai.
Spread over 147 square kilometers, the city has a population over one and a quarter million strong. It is well connected by road, rail and air modes of travel. As a residential suburb of Mumbai, Thane has a large number of residential areas, historical buildings, churches and a fort besides modern industrial complexes.
Historical Background
Thane’s claim to historical fame lies in the fact that the first railway line in India was laid from Boribandar to Thane. But, there are a number of tourist attractions in and around Thane city that have witnessed several episodes of Maratha history. They have been elaborated upon in the tourist attractions.
Significant Tourist Attractions
Masunda Talao
Among all the lakes of the region this is the most beautiful. It has been especially focused upon as a tourist attraction with the provision of water sports like scooters being available to the visitors. Boating is also a pleasure to be had at the placid lake expanse. The area has another surprise for food lovers as it is a foodie’s paradise offering a range of local and popular cuisine, tastefully made and hygienically served.
Essel World
Another family getaway, the amusement park offers a wide range of entertaining activities for the older and young alike. Located near Gorai, the park offers thirty four exciting fun filled rides. An added attraction is that it is located close to the Water Kingdom which lays claim to having the largest wave pool in entire Asia. The tourism spot would be highly appreciated by the children making it difficult for the family to return until well into the evening hours. Care should be taken to have light warm clothes as the evenings can be chilly during the winter months here.
Yeoor Hills
It has come to be acclaimed a one of the most health giving pollution free zones where one may enjoy a day of fresh air and peace far removed from the hustle and bustle of the metro. The impact is further accentuated with a visit to the Swami Math. These hills are also called the Mama Bhanja hills.
Vasai or Bassien
Situated about 50 kilometers to the North of Mumbai, this is a somnolent old remnant of the Portuguese era. The ruins of the bygone times floated away fanned by the cool breezes of the palm groves. The brushwood dotted beach is quiet and inviting on many a balmy afternoon.
Jawahar Palace
A Fort associated with Chatrapati Shivaji Raje, the Jawahar Palace, has been popularly known as the ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane District’. This tourist attraction has the beautiful Dadara Kopra falls and is close to the Jai Vilas or the palace of the tribal kings. The Hanuman and Sunset points are locations of great scenic splendor while Shirpamal marks the place where Shivaji Raje had camped while on his way to Surat.
Titwala
Situated about a hundred kilometers from Thane is the Titwala Ganesh Mandir. It has great devotional value for the Hindu pilgrims that go there religious as a pilgrimage. Considered one of the most sacred and sanctified sites of the Mahaganesha this temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. There are other ancient temples also in the vicinity.
Shri Vithoba Temple
This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is the most sacred to the Vaishnavites who throng to the temple in devotion on special days and all through the year as well.
Ambarnath Temple
This Temple is one of the oldest temples here. It dates back to the eleventh century and is very beautiful. Its aesthetic appeal is heightened when one realizes that it had been constructed on the lines of the Hemadpanti style of architectural blending of the construction styles of the south and central Indian schools of architecture.
Suddhagad Fort
Also located at a distance of about one hundred kilometers the fort offers the trip as a rare scenic treat. It lies on the way to a pilgrimage either way to Pali or Mahad to pay obeisance at the Ashtavinayak temple devoted to Lord Ganesh.
Matheran
A pleasant hundred kilometer drive out of Thane is Matheran, the quaint little hill station situated in Alibaug district. The gradient rises to 800 metres above sea level and has the charm and quintessential attraction of an old world where one may lose oneself to the lure of the verdant hills. The special attraction of this place is the zigzagging walkways that circle the hillside providing breathtaking views of the somnolent fields far down the sheer drop of the hillside.
The entire hillside is enveloped in the green shady tree cover that is most soothing and pleasant. The day’s trip is most sought after by those dwelling in Thane and Mumbai as this is the nearest hill station available to them with all the essential elements of a peace getaway from the daily humdrum bustle of everyday life in a metro.
How to Reach There
Thane is very well connected by a domestic and an international airport with both being within 35 kilometers of the city. Besides the air connections the city is well linked with the railways and a very healthy and highly recommended roads network to all parts of the country.
Where to Stay
There are a large number of comfortable and pocket friendly places to stay provided by the government and private hotels and tourist lodges well within the city.
Best Time to Visit
One can visit Thane any day that got registered in the calendar.
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