Attractions Nearby Mumbai, Day Trips and Excursions

(Mumbai / Bombay, Maharashtra, India)

Much of Mumbai is surrounded by the sea, meaning that a number of the main attractions nearby Mumbai can only be reached by boat. The caves on Elephanta Island are one such attraction, and Regular boats depart from the Apollo Bunder, alongside Mumbai's Gateway of India, reaching the Elephanta Island in approximately 20 minutes.

Also close to Mumbai and especially popular with families are the main animal attractions within Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where regular safari buses allow you to view its prides of lions and tigers. The top attractions nearby Mumbai are described below.

Elephanta Island and Caves

Tel: +91 022 2202 6364
Many tourists staying in Mumbai choose to visit the neighbouring Elephanta Island, which lies around 10 km / 6 miles to the east and is famous for its awesome rock-cut temples. One of the region's premier tourist attractions, the Elephanta Caves is believed to originate around 1,500 years ago. Other attractions include a small onsite museum, with information about the history of the caves, and a large statue of an elephant close to the coastline, after which the island was named.
Open hours: Caves, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, concessions

Matheran

Matheran is a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people, located around 100 km / 62 miles from Mumbai. Offering the perfect respite, visitors to Matheran will find a number of attractions, ranging from the town's large group of resident monkeys, to the various walking and hiking trails. Also of interest are the nearby Lake Charlotte, the adjacent town of Neral, and the stunning views, which stretch almost as far as Mumbai itself.

Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is an appealing tourist hotspot, some 150 km / 93 miles from the city of Mumbai, a three-hour drive by car. Many locals in Mumbai escape from the city at the weekend to visit the attractions of Malshej Ghat, which include a number of recreational activities, such as both hiking and trekking, suiting lovers of the great outdoors. The Malshej Ghat is at its most appealing during August and September, when the hillsides are particularly lush and visiting flamingos can be enjoyed.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Tel: +91 022 2886 0362
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a much recommended family attraction and is just 40 km / 25 miles north of central Mumbai. Covering a huge area of more than 25,000 acres / 10,117 hectares, the park is full of indigenous flora and fauna, along with captive animals, such as antelopes, deer, panthers and many colourful birds. The park's main attractions include its popular tiger and lion safari, its group of wild leopards, a series of expansive lakes, and the group of Kanheri Caves, which were once frequented by Buddhist Monks more than 1,700 years ago.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Karla Caves

Located just over 100 km / 62 miles from Mumbai and within the Thane area, the Karla Caves date back some 2,000 years, when they were first carved out. A visit to these attractions is almost like stepping back in time, with the Karla Caves being reached by more than 300 steps, where the views of the surrounding lush landscape are impressive.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge