Best Picnic Spots In and Around Mumbai

Who would’ve thought that it’s possible to enjoy wildlife and nature at a national park right in the middle of the Mumbai! The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an oasis amongst the city concrete. Its lush greenery extends for 104 square kilometers (65 square miles) and includes more than 100 ancient hand-carved Buddhist caves, a tiger sanctuary, tiger and lion safaris, a recreational zone for the kids, and cottages and camping facilities. It's possible to go trekking, and also ride a toy train, through in the park. With air so fresh and clean, and a wide variety of animal and plant life, you'll quickly forget there's a city of 20 million people outside.

• Location: Borivali, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the city center.
• Entry: 20 rupees.

Looking for a picnic spot that's centrally located and doesn't require a lot of traveling to get to? Head to picturesque Hanging Garden & Kamala Nehru Park. Hanging Garden is blessed with plenty of shady trees, and a lookout that provides a dramatic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. Children will also love the giant shoe, which they can climb up to the top of. On the other side of the road, the sprawling Kamala Nehru Park is home to an unusual menagerie of topiary animals. The Park has plenty of lawns, and it's easy enough to find a quiet area to spread out on.

• Location: Malabar Hill, south Mumbai (close to the city center).
• Entry: Free.

This relatively unknown gem has provided the background scene for many Bollywood movie song sequences. It's tucked away inside the expansive parklands of the Aarey Milk Colony, and is a great family destination. You'll find a small lake with row boats and paddle boats, attractive gardens and colorful flowers, lotus pond, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy some Indian chai (tea). There's another popular garden a short distance away, aptly named the "Picnic Spot", which is also an enjoyable place to relax.

• Location: Goregaon East, 32 kilometers (20 miles) north west of the city center.
• Cost: 20 rupees per per person, for 30 minutes boat hire.

Elephanta Island, a one hour ferry trip from the Gateway of India, is home to seven ancient caves hand carved out of rock in a similar manner to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, but on a smaller scale. The main cave has a number of stunning large sculptured panels depicting the Hindu god of creation and destruction, Lord Shiva. If you're feeling energetic take a walk up to Cannon Hill, named after the old cannon there, on top of the island. Do be sure to choose your picnic spot wisely though or else be prepared to go into battle for your lunch against the gangs of unruly monkeys! Note that the caves are closed on Mondays.

• Location: 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.
• Cave Entry: Indians 10 rupees. Foreigners 250 rupees.

Jump on a boat from the Gateway of India in Mumbai and in a little over an hour you'll find yourself at Alibaug, beach playground for the rich and famous. The main beach, with its black sand, is very popular but venture a little further south and you'll discover the less frequented Akshi, Nagaon, and Kihim beaches. There are some fascinating old forts and ornate temples to explore in the area, as well as a health spa at the new Radisson Resort for those who feel in need of some pampering. If you don't want to go that far, tiny and tucked away Awas Beach is the closest option (around 15 minutes) from the jetty at Mandawa/Alibaug.

• Location: 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of Mumbai.

Undulating hills, dense forest, waterfalls, scenic toy train, no traffic -- and all this less than two hours from Mumbai. What more could you want? Matheran, a popular escape from Mumbai, is the closest hill station to the city. The toy train will slowly take you up to the top, where for a pleasant change in India, no vehicles are allowed. Dirt roads, and horse and cart transport, add to the old-style charm of this place. It's really worth spending a few days in Matheran just enjoying the serenity, nature walks, and panoramic views. However, if possible try and avoid visiting on weekends when the Mumbai masses flock there.

• Location: Around 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Mumbai.
• Entry: 25 rupees for adults, and 10 rupees for children.