Navi Mumbai is a planned township of Mumbai off the west coast of Maharashtra, India. It is located across the two districts of Thane and Raigad and is regarded as an entry point to the city of Mumbai. The city has a beautiful infrastructure and is well connected to other parts of the state as well as the country. This place has a number of sites to visit and offers a wide range of things to do. Many luxury hotels are available here for comfortable stays. Listed below are some places one must visit if in Navi Mumbai.
1. Central Park
Central park is one of Asia’s biggest theme parks situated in Navi Mumbai. It is under the care of the city and the Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). The park is not yet completely ready and is still already a hit among the people. Walk trails, jogging tracks, fountains, water sports, amusement rides, playgrounds, sports clubs, botanical gardens, amphitheaters and recreation areas take up the 80 hectares covered by this park. The park is open in the mornings and evenings for the walkers and joggers. It is a nice place to spend a day or an evening with your loved ones. It can be visited at any time throughout the year.
2. Nerul Balaji Temple
Nerul Balaji temple is located on a hill near the Nerul railway station of Navi Mumbai. It is almost the same as the Balaji temple situated in Tirupati, the main deity being that of Shree Balaji. Vidya Ganapati temple, Shri Padmavati Devi temple, Hanuman temple, Vishwaksena temple, Ramanuja temple and Lakshmi Narasimha temple are other temples found in the area. Dieties of Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya and Shri Krishna with Rukmini are also seen within the temple. ‘Bali Peethan’ and ‘Dhwaja Stambha’ are visible as soon as one enters. The temple worships many other Gods, Goddesses and saints. A 60 feet high Rajagopuram is also there in the temple. The gardens within the temple add to the peaceful environment.
3. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
It is located 26 kms away from the city of Navi Mumbai. Karnala bird sanctuary is situated at the bottom of the Karnala Fort. This sanctuary came into existence since the year of 1968. Over 150 species of birds live here excluding the 37 species of migratory birds. Birds like the paradise flycatcher, the shane (magpie robin) and Malabar whistling thrush can be spotted at the beginning of the monsoons. The rare species of Ashy Miniver and Malabar Trogon can also be seen. Apart from these, the tourists find it very interesting to observe golden backed woodpecker, the racket-tailed drongo, and heart-spotted woodpecker. In addition to all of these, migratory birds are seen throughout the winter season. Monsoon is also an ideal time to visit the sanctuary.
4. Wonder Park
Wonder park is an ideal picnic spot that swarms with tourists as well as the locals. It is a high tech park that has something or the other to offer for everyone in the family. It stretches over a land of 30 acres approximately. The main attraction here is the replica of the Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoyable rides and a toy train make the park even more fun. Apart from these, the park incorporates jogging and cycling tracks, a giant chess Board and horse cart rides. An amphitheater located within can accommodate around 1000 spectators. This park is a perfect place to spend an entire day with your family.
5. Pandavkada Falls
Pandavkada falls are located in the suburbs of Navi Mumbai. Legends have it that once the five Pandava brothers had visited these falls and even taken a bath here during exile. Being 350 meters high, the water hits the surface rocks with a force that would be equal to the force of a piercing bullet. This waterfall is a place of perfect escape from the chaos of the city life. People usually come here for picnics. The best time to visit these falls would be during the monsoons. However, this waterfall is a dangerous spot for swimming. The Buddhist Caves also lie in the vicinity and even that attracts a large number of tourists.
The best time to visit Navi Mumbai is between the months of November and February. Easy transportation is available to and fro.
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