Do you have small kids who insist on going out every weekend? And on the other hand you are tired of taking the kids to malls and movie halls. You want to be in a place where the maddening noise and crowd do not drive you crazy. Here are six picnic options for you to spend time with your kids as well as get away from the fast paced city life.
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Entry fees: Rs 20
Where: It is situated in Borivali, about forty kilometers north from the Mumbai city center.
About: Right in the heart of Mumbai you can experience nature as well as wildlife at this National Park. It is impossible for first time visitors to believe that such a place can exist amidst city concrete. This green land sprawls for about hundred square km. You will find about hundred historical hand carved and crafted Buddhist caves, wild cat safaris, a tiger sanctuary as well as a picnic spot for adults as well as kids with small cottages and camping options. You can either trek through the park or explore the same on a toy train. Ten minutes in this national park and you will forget that there is a rough city life just outside the park enclosure.
2. Elephanta Island
Entry fees: Rs 10 for Indian nationals and Rs 250 for foreigners.
Info: Closed every Monday.
Where: ten km outside Mumbai towards east.
About: if you are inspired by Ajanta and Ellora caves then you will definitely enjoy the similar but smaller caves on Elephants Island. To reach the island you need to take an hour long ferry ride from the Gateway of India. There are 7 ancient caves. the most eminent cave has several large stupefying sculpted panels on the walls portraying Lord Shiva. The largest sculpture is an astonishing six meters tall. For an educational experience for the kids you can hire a guide from the gateway. If you do not want your food to be raided by monkeys then make sure you select a safe picnic spot.
3. Chota Kashmir
Entry fees: Rs 20 per head for a thirty minute boat ride.
Where: It is situated in East Goregaon, about thirty two kilometers from the Mumbai city center.
About: this is an amazing family picnic spot hidden in the interiors of grand park of the Aarey Colony. Several Hindi movie scenes have been shot here. A decent sized lake with row as well as paddle boat, beautiful fauna, a small pond with blooming lotus flowers makes this place a must visit for families. Just find a nice spot and enjoy a relaxed day out with your family while you sip some hot Indian tea from a nearby tea stall.
4. Alibaug
Where: situated at a distance of about hundred and ten kilometers from Mumbai towards south.
About: Alibaug is a famous beach recreational spot an hours boat ride from the Gateway of India. Alibaug is the main black sand beach, however, if you go further south you will come across less crowded and equally serene beaches known as Akshi, Nagaon & Kihim. There are several enamoring historical forts & ornate temples to see here. If you are in a mood to spend some moolah pampering yourself, then you must try the new spa at the Radisson Resort here.
If you have couple of days to spare then you must visit Matheran hill station with your family. Read more.
