Hanging Garden and Kamala Nehru Park
Looking for a picnic spot that's centrally located and doesn't require a lot of traveling to get to? Head to Hanging Garden and Kamala Nehru Park. Hanging Garden is blessed with plenty of shady trees, and a lookout that provides a dramatic view of Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty. 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 usually easy enough to find somewhere to spread out on.
Elephanta Island
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! There's a tourist train up to the caves.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Who would’ve thought that it’s possible to enjoy wildlife and nature at a national park right in the middle of the Mumbai! Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an oasis among the city's concrete jungle. Its lush greenery extends for 104 square kilometers (65 square miles) and includes the ancient rock-cut Kanheri Buddhist caves, a tiger sanctuary, tiger and lion safaris, a recreational zone for the kids, campsite with tented accommodations, and nature trails. It's possible to go trekking, boating, and also ride a toy train through in the park. You'll quickly forget there's a city of 20 million people outside.
Alibaug
Jump on a boat from the Gateway of India in Mumbai and in a bit over an hour you'll find yourself at Alibaug, beach playground of the rich and famous. Awas and Sasavne beaches are the closest options (around 15-20 minutes) to the jetty at Mandwa. The main beach, with its black sand, near the town center is very popular. It's possible to walk across to Kolaba Fort during low tide. Venture a little further south and you'll find the lesser-frequented Akshi, Nagaon, and Kihim beaches. Horse and cart rides on the beach are a big attraction.
Karnala
The leafy environs of Karnala Bird Sanctuary are part of the Western Ghat mountain range and provide a welcome reprieve among nature, not far from Mumbai. The small sanctuary is located just past Panvel on National Highway 17 (the Mumbai-Goa Highway). It's home to a diverse variety of birds. However, the main attraction is Karnala Fort, with its distinctive pinnacle. Perched high on the hill, the fort will reward you with a great view of Mumbai harbor after a one hour trek to reach it. In the vicinity, Karnala Panoramic Resort has a swimming pool and water park, and offers affordable one day picnics. K Star Woods Resort is another popular option. Jashan Farms is a bit more expensive.
Karjat
The lush undulating Karjat countryside draws trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. There are many easy and lengthy trekking routes, as well as ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves, and rafting on the Ulhas River during the monsoon season. Pinewood Resort is close to Karjat railway station and has water park, swimming pool, rain dance with DJ, and plenty of activities for one day picnics (see rates). River Touch Resort is a wildlife lodge close to the Pej River with swimming pool, music system, and inexpensive packages for one day picnics. Van Vihar, in Kondana village, is a simple lodge situated near the start of the trekking trail to the Buddhist caves. Tasty home-cooked food is served and guides can be hired.
Neral
Neral is renowned for being the starting point of the toy train to Matheran. However, it's also a fabulous place for a one day picnic, mainly because of Saguna Baug and the exceptional rural experience it provides. Guests can take a tour of the farm and learn how it operates, see the fish breeding ponds, ride water buffaloes, and try milking a cow. Other activities include gardening, swimming in the river, fishing, paddle boating, and bullock cart rides.
Lonavala and Khandala
The twin hills of Lonavala and Khandala are a favorite one day picnic destination, located about halfway along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Attractions in the area include lakes, forts, hills for hiking, and the ancient Karla Buddhist Caves. Luxurious Fariyas Resort offers a special picnic and wild water package. Clound9 Hill Resort is a cheaper option with swimming pool and games. To enjoy adventure activities amid the wilderness, head to Let's Camp Out overlooking Tungarli Lake. Della Adventure Park has more than 50 adrenaline pumping activities! The new Adlabs Imagica theme park and Aquamagica water park in nearby Khopoli is also super fun.