A city lined with skyscrapers, bustling public transport, and a sea of people going about their businesses makes Mumbai one of the most populated cities in the world. While Mumbai is endearingly called the ‘city that never sleeps’, this common adage can mean quite a hectic and stressful experience in real life.
Does this sound relatable? Are you too caught up in the grinds of this massive city and want a peaceful escapade? Or maybe you have made your flight booking to Mumbai but wondering what to enjoy beyond monstrous buildings and Chowpatty Beach? Read on, as we tell you some of the best one-day picnic spots in Mumbai for your next weekend trip. From relaxing getaways to a day filled with fun and activities that anyone can enjoy, take quick notes from these best picnic spots in the Mumbai area that are just a wish away.
Best Natural Places for Picnic Around Mumbai
Whether you want a natural picnic destination to drive up to and unwind, or probably you are looking for a day of exploration and adventure in nature, there is a perfect place for that perfect picnic getaway.
- Bassein Beach: What is Mumbai without the mention of the beaches in and around the city? But this one’s special with its calm breeze, pristine waters, and white sands. The beach is located in Vasai, just 60 kilometres from Mumbai. On the beach, grab a cool and refreshing beverage and get into deep relaxation mode or enjoy beachcombing or other leisurely activities. Along the coastline, enjoy Portuguese cuisine and venture off to other nearby beaches.
- Madh Island: Located a mere 30 kilometres north of Mumbai, Madh Island offers an enchanting getaway for your next picnic. The place offers a lush and serene atmosphere in nature for you to spread your picnic basket atop the hills, or hike to historic Madh Fort, and soak in the sunshine on the beach. The tranquil atmosphere of Madh Island might make you want to stay there so check out hotel booking options at one of the resorts at the peaceful Erangal Village.
- Elephanta Caves at Gharapuri: Hop on a 60-minute ferry ride from Gateway of India at the heart of Mumbai city to reach this exotic and historic picnic spot at Gharapuri. Hike up to Cannon Hill to marvel at 8th-century rock-cut caves that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The enchanting surroundings of huge boulders and the caves with intricate murals and stone columns are some of the best spots to enjoy an adventurous picnic outing with friends or family. Needless to mention, they make some great photo backdrops!
- Manori Beach: Hands down one of the best beaches close to Mumbai, Manori Beach is aptly called the ‘Mini Goa’ of Mumbai’. The beach is located in Malad West, just 49 kilometres from Mumbai. Surrounded by lush green hillocks on the backdrop, church spires in the settlement nearby, and coastal tree-lined winding paths leading to panoramic beaches, you will blissfully forget about the hustles of the city. Enjoy a picnic on the beaches under swaying palm trees or head to food shacks for delicious local cuisine. If you want to stay, then there are plenty of options, or you may choose to cover nearby attractions like the Essel Word and Gorai Beach.
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Karnala Fort: A hidden gem nearly 60 kilometres away from Mumbai, Karnala is located in the Panvel area on the Panvel-Alibaug highway. Nestled in the lush hills, this place is ideal for both summer and winter getaways. Hike up to the towering and majestic Karnala Fort lodged atop the hills of the Western Ghats and enjoy breathtaking views while having your picnic refreshments. Visit the Karnala Bird Sanctuary nearby which has over 200 species of birds and other exotic wildlife.
Best Resorts and Farmhouses for Picnic in Mumbai
Farmhouses in and around Mumbai offer the homey feeling that we all crave amidst our busy city lives. Like any hotel booking, booking farmhouses is simple yet staying there can be a far more rewarding experience. There you can enjoy strolling around in acres of well-maintained gardens and fruit orchards, relax on the property with your favourite food and beverages, and engage in pre-planned fun activities.
Here are some popular farmhouses to choose from for your next picnic spot.
- Farm Regency Resort: This seaside farmhouse is located in Borivali and is pretty close to the sea and a few kilometres from the pristine Gorai Creek on the Arabian Sea, making it a popular getaway from Mumbai. Enjoy acres of lush gardens, plenty of on-property activities and guided tours in the surrounding landscapes, cosy accommodations and delicious meals.
- Monteria Resort: For a fun-filled day in nature a mere 75-kilometre drive from Mumbai city, Monteria Resort is your picnic getaway spot with its special one-day picnic offer. Engage in friendly competition at the challenge course tower or sway away in ziplines, and enjoy delicious meals in this package.
- Kinny’s Resort and Farmhouse: Located near Manori Creek, this farmhouse is another seaside resort less than 50 kilometres from Mumbai city. Enjoy splashing around in pools with your friends and family and savour delicious meals from diverse menu items in the spacious dining area of the property. Afterwards, relax in beautiful gardens at your favourite nook while the kids explore fun activities.
- Shangrila Resort and Waterpark: Only 46 kilometres away from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway, Shangrila Resort and Waterpark is located in the serene landscapes of Western Ghats. You may make a hotel booking for a luxurious stay and some great food, or spend an exciting day at the water park and enjoy activities on this 15-acre property.
Things to do in Mumbai
In addition to planned adventurous picnic trips in nature or a structured day filled with fun, food, and activities, Mumbai has iconic places where you can let it all loose. At these places, take one of the iconic trips that are a must-do while you are in Mumbai, try typical Mumbaikar dishes at the roadside joints, and have an experience worth cherishing.
- Gateway of India: You cannot help feeling majestic at this enormous historical monument. One of the most-visited iconic places and clicked in Mumbai, both by locals and tourists, the Gateway of India continues to shine through from its glorious past to a popular place to hang out in modern times. Located in Colaba on the Arabian Sea, arrive here early in the morning and witness the open warm amber skies of the sunrise and swarms of birds announcing the start of a brand new day. Whether you are staying at the magnificent Taj Hotel nearby or joining the morning vibes of Gateway of India from elsewhere, plan ahead for breakfast reservations at the Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. What a gourmet and regal way to start your day!
- Jehangir Art Gallery: As the sun starts to inch up the sky, enter the grand and majestic halls of Jehangir Art Gallery just a walking distance away from the Gateway of India. Meander through its lavish warmly glowing hallways and art galleries and admire the creations by big names like M. F. Hussain, Anjolie Ela Menon and the like.
- Colaba Causeway: A popular market for locals and a paradise for photographers, Colaba Causeway is an immersive experience in Mumbai that is hard to resist. This bustling market sells all you can think of. And the best part is stopping by the enticing food joints lining the streets. Try the savoury vada pav and swish it down with sweet ice-cold flavoured milk served with vermicelli, the famous ‘Falooda’. Want to slow down for lunchtime instead? Stop at the cosy old-school styled Leopold Cafe nearby dishing out Iranian delicacies like ‘keema pav’.
- Jetty Ride from Gateway of India: A number of jetties go between Gateway of India and various locations in and near Mumbai. While the ferries serve a practical purpose for the locals, why should tourists miss out on the fun? Whether you want to make a long trip to Alibaugh beaches or want a quick one to the Elephanta Caves nearby, hop on one of the ferries as the sun lowers on the horizon. Hands down, that is a great way to snap some truly special sunset photos.
Conclusion
Mumbai is not all about work. It is also about pure fun and exciting getaways. Mumbai is nestled among the mountains and beaches that offer natural or structured picnic spots and weekend getaways. While the natural landscapes along the Western Ghats offer plenty of opportunities to explore, hike and camp in nature; various luxurious resorts in the area offer pre-planned fun and relaxing activities to spend your picnic day. So why wait? Check out these locations and pack your bag to experience an amazing picnic spot in Mumbai.