🚖 6 Weekend Sites in 50 km From Downtown Mumbai

Hey explorer,

Being home to one of the world-famous film industries, Bollywood, and serving as the Indian capital for finance, commercial, and entertainment, Mumbai is one of the largest and fast-forwarding Indian cities, providing a living for millions of people. 

The city is so fast that 23+ million people commute daily to work through their personal vehicle or public transport, and you will be among those million people whose bright morning soon becomes tiring before reaching the front door of your office due to traffic, work pressure, and more. 

That's when you feel like taking a break from hustling life and enjoying peace, adventure, or anything that can divert your brain from the daily loop. 

If you are one of those, we've got you covered. Check out these 6 weekend sites around the centre of Mumbai within 50 km. 

1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

• Distance: Approximately 22.9 km from Downtown Mumbai.

• Route from Mumbai: Take the Western Express Highway (WEH) and drive north towards Borivali. Soon you should find it around Borivali.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March when the weather is pleasant.

• Entry Fee: 20 INR for adults (12+ years) and 19 for kids (5-12 years), while foreigners must pay 200 INR. 

Although I can't say how Mumbai treats you personally, one thing I am sure about is that you get back home wiped out, and that's typical in a city like Mumbai. One way to refuel your energy boosters is to connect with nature, which you hardly can feel in cities. 

Not far away, grab a chance to connect with greenery at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, formerly people referred to as Borivali National Park. It is home to rich flora and fauna, including deer, leopards, and other species of birds. 

Come here alone, walk along the specified walking trails, enjoy a perfect picnic with family or friends, and read a book. The best part is that you can witness the famous Kanheri Caves, which house ancient Buddhist rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions.

2. Elephanta Island (Gharapuri)

• Distance: Approximately 36.9 km from Downtown Mumbai.

• Route from Mumbai: Reach the Gateway of India in South Mumbai and take a boat ride to Elephanta Island. The ferry ride provides beautiful views of the Mumbai skyline.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March to avoid the monsoon and experience pleasant weather.

• Entry Fee: 40 INR for adults (15+ years) and free for kids below 15, while foreigners must pay 600 INR. 

Mumbai is so big and updated that streets never sleep with something happening in the way while people rush to and fro, which I think can sometimes be overwhelming. To escape from such a chop chop place, Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri, is a clam retreat.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows ancient rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, Elephant Caves sits at a very short distance of 30 min. The best part is the sudden shift from urban chaos to a more tranquil environment as the bost leaves the mainland. 

Whether you want to wander through the historical caves alone, enjoy a peaceful walk around the island, or roll in the natural beauty, Elephanta Islands is an antidote to escape from the rushing Mumbai life. 

3. Karnala Bird Sanctuary

• Distance: About 47 km from Downtown Mumbai.

• Route from Mumbai: Head towards Panvel on the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH66). Karnala Bird Sanctuary is near Panvel, and signboards guide you to the park.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February for the migratory bird season.

• Entry Fee: 30 INR for adults (12+) and 15 INR for children (5-12), while foreigners must pay 60 INR. 

Have you ever seen a bird sing or at least the melodious sound of a bird? Getting a chance to witness such moments in urban areas is a rare sight. Amid the bustling urban life of Mumbai, Karnala Bird Sanctuary pops out to let you listen to the unique sound of birds. 

What makes this site even more attractive is its two-in-one feature - not only will you listen to birds sing, but you can also enjoy the green nature since the sanctuary is at high altitudes. You know there is one more thing hidden amid the greenery? It's the Karnala Fort, showing its rich history. 

Whether you are a dedicated birder or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Karnala Bird Sanctuary promises a refreshing experience with scenic viewpoints and dense forests.

4. Global Vipassana Pagoda

• Distance: Around 47.7 km from Downtown Mumbai.

• Route from Mumbai: Take the Western Express Highway and head north towards Gorai. The pagoda is near Gorai, while local transport or taxis can take you to the site.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.

• Entry Fee: Free

No matter what we do and where we live, all we want is some peace at the end of the day, and we always dream of living in a place where there is the least pollution and a sound-free climate. Although it remains the same, Global Vipassana Pagoda can let you feel peace for a day. 

Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall featuring the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars, creating a calm space to practice Vipassana meditation. As you approach Gorai, the pagoda's silhouette invites you to reflect and connect deep within yourself. 

The dome architecture and other buildings leave you wondering who that great contractor is apart from the peace you get from here. Also, you can enjoy the best views of nature covered with green and blue blankets. 

5. Marine Drive

• Distance: Around 21.4 km from Downtown Mumbai

• Route from Mumbai: You can access this point easily. It runs along the coastline in South Mumbai, starting from Nariman Point and extending towards Chowpatty Beach.

• Best Time to Visit: Late evenings and nights are the best times to visit Marine Drive, and do not go in the afternoon to avoid the day heat. 

• Entry Fee: Free (an open area)

I understand when you say, "I don't have time, and I feel lazy and tired." So, you only need an hour for a round journey and 2 hours to spend at Marine Drive. Although several water bodies exist around the capital, there is something special about this site. 

The calming atmosphere facing the rushing city, C-shaped boulevard, and the city lights - all these look like a sparkling chain, earning it the title "Queen's Necklace." That Y-shaped concrete material elevates everything here. 

Walk, sit alone and enjoy some alone time, grab a bottle of your favourite drink, put your phone in silent mode, and sit facing the water - imagine all this. Feels good, right? How good would it then be if you did it in person?

6. Bandstand

• Distance: Approximately 10.3 km from Downtown Mumbai.

• Route from Mumbai: Bandstand is in Bandra. From South Mumbai, you can take the Western Express Highway and then the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, followed by the Bandra Reclamation Road to reach Bandstand. 

• Best Time to Visit: Late evenings and nights are the best times to visit Marine Drive, and do not go in the afternoon to avoid the day heat. 

• Entry Fee: Free (an open area)

Urban areas drain your energy just as excited as you were when moving into the city, and it needs an energy booster by letting yourself flow into a few activities that involve muscular movements. While making it happen is impossible in a busy lifestyle, take a short ride to Bandstand.

Bandstand in the vibrant suburb of Bandra is a popular destination known for its scenic sea views and the historic Bandstand Fort (Also, Mannat - Shah Rukh Khan's house). The promenade gives a calm escape from the urban hustle with a perfect blend of natural beauty and cityscape.

The best part, you ask? As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, the lights of the walkway illuminate, creating a magical atmosphere to flex your body and relax through a simple walk. Maybe you can even spot SRK in his car (haha!)

Conclusion

Mumbai's weekend places are a breath of fresh air. From the ancient vibes of Elephanta Island to the calming environment of Sanjay Gandhi National Park or the spirituality of Global Vipassana Pagoda, each spot offers a distinct escape, while choosing which to visit depends on you as a visitor.

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