Thane is one of those places in India that everyone has read about in their General Knowledge books, but very few actually know. Thane was the first place in Asia where public trains were introduced.
Apart from this historical bragging right, Thane is also known as the city of lakes because it has over 30 lakes scattered across its boundaries. The location of Thane is close to Mumbai, which makes it an easily accessible tourist destination for many people.
How to reach Thane?
By Air: Even though Thane does not have an airport of its own, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is just 16 km away from Thane. This airport is one of the busiest airports in India and is well-connected to various parts of the world and the country. You can easily get public transport such as buses, cabs, or auto rickshaws from outside the airport to reach Thane easily and swiftly.
By Road: If you want to reach Thane directly, travelling by road is your best bet. You can find government and private buses that are available from all major cities in Maharashtra to reach Thane. You can also find cabs and auto rickshaws to reach Thane from Mumbai and other nearby parts of Maharashtra. Thane is also well-connected to other parts of India by a network of easily navigable highways, which can help you reach Thane directly if you are travelling by private car.
By Train: Being the first place in India where trains became available to the public, you can imagine that trains are arguably the best way to reach Thane. The Thane railway station is known as one of the busiest railway stations in the Mumbai railway network, and it is also well-connected to other states of India. You can directly reach Thane by train from most parts of the country. The railway station is located close to the city centre of the city, which you can easily cover using auto rickshaws, cabs, or buses.
Top 10 places to visit in Thane
The city of lakes has plenty of tourist attractions that will keep you entertained on your trip, so let’s dive into the best tourist places to visit in Thane.
Kelva Beach
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Kelva Beach is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Thane. It is popular among tourists and locals alike for weekend tours. The beautiful beach along the Arabian Sea is lined by beautiful Suru trees, creating a calming atmosphere in and around the beach. You can spend your time relaxing at the beach or experience the thrill of various adventure sports. Kelva Beach is located at a distance of 87 km from Thane. You can take a cab or other public transport such as a bus or train to reach the beach.
Yeoor Hills
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If you are into trekking, this is certainly one of the best treks you can go on in Thane. The view from the top of the Yeoor hills much resembles that of the San Francisco skyline. The best part is that trekking on this route is easy, and you can easily get to the top even if you are a beginner. So, visiting the Yeeor hills is a must if you want to experience a new adventure activity on your Thane trip.
Even if you are not into trekking, you should still visit the hills because of their beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The Yeoor hills are located just 7 km from Thane, so you can easily get there with public transport such as cabs, buses, or auto rickshaws.
Titwala Ganesh Mandir
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Titwala is a famous tourist spot in Thane; the most popular attraction in Titwala is the Ganesh Mandir. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this temple is visited by pilgrims from various parts of the country. The temple is popular as it is widely believed that your wishes can come true when you pray for something at the temple with a clear conscience.
The temple is also dedicated to the mythological father of Lord Ganesh, Shivshankar. The Titwala Ganesh Mandir is located just 27 km from Thane, and you can easily visit the temple using public transport such as cabs or buses.
Vasai Fort
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The Vasai fort, which is also known as the Bassein fort, is one of the most visited forts in the region. This fort is very popular for its history and is protected by the archaeological survey of India. Even though this fort was built hundreds of years ago, it still stands tall, with little to no wear and tear.
The fort is a great way to look back into the past and get a glance into what once was a historically important fort. The view from the Vasai fort is also very beautiful as it overlooks the confluence of rivers. The Vasai fort is located just 21 km from Thane, and you can easily visit the fort using public vehicles such as cabs or buses.
Vasai Creek
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Vasai creek is also located close to the fort and is also equally popular. Also known as the Bhayander creek, this is one of the inlets of the Arabian sea into Thane. The area is connected to the mainland by two railway bridges from where you can get a gorgeous glimpse of your surrounding natural beauty. The creek is located just 11 km from Thane, and you can visit the location easily by train, which would be the best way to experience the creek.
Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary
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From beaches to jungles, Thane has it all. The Tansa wildlife sanctuary attracts visitors from across the country due to the wide variety of flora and fauna at the sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is spread across an area of around 320 sq. km. The vast area has a lot for you to explore in terms of natural beauty along with various types of animals.
The sanctuary is located at a distance of 45 km from Thane, where you can easily reach by bus, cabs, or auto rickshaw. This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is a great wildlife conservation effort, and if you are a nature and wildlife lover, the sanctuary is a must-visit place for you in Thane.
Tungareshwar Waterfalls
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Beaches? check! jungle? check! waterfalls? Check! The Tungareshwar waterfalls are one of the most beautiful waterfalls you can visit in Thane. These waterfalls are a popular picnic spot and weekend tourist spot for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy your time at the waterfalls by engaging in adventure activities.
Or you can just relax with the sound of flowing water in your ears. The waterfalls are most frequented during monsoon when these waterfalls are at their best. To get to these falls, you can take public transport such as buses or cabs to get to and from the waterfalls. The distance of the falls is 23 km from Thane.
Vajreshwari Temple
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The Vajreshwari temple is one of the most popular temples located in Maharashtra. This temple also has a hot spring close by, which was expected to have been created by a volcanic eruption. The town around the temple is also ancient and was previously ruled over by the Maratha empire. This temple has a very nice ambience and is a great place for you to get close to your spiritual side. The temple is located 30 km away from Thane, and you can easily get there using cabs or buses.
Gorakhgad Fort
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If you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime, the Gorakhgad Fort trek can be incredibly amazing. The trek involves rock climbing on the face of the cliff, which requires advanced training and skills to complete. However, once you reach the top, the view is to die for, and you will feel accomplished. The fort is located 58 km away from Thane, and you have to use public transport such as buses, cabs, or trains to reach the fort.
Bhiwandi
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Known as the Manchester of India, Bhiwandi is popular for its leading textile industry. This city is also an important commercial and industrial hub of Maharashtra. As an important economic zone, it houses people from different parts of India, which makes the city a multicultural city where you can experience the vibrant culture of India at its best. Bhiwandi is located just 10 km from Thane, and it can be a great location for you to see one of the commercial hubs of Maharashtra.
FAQs
Is Thane worth visiting?
Yes, Thane has incredible tourist destinations that are unmissable. The options are endless, from adventure sports to cool places for you to relax. To truly understand Thane's experience, you only have to visit the city and let it mesmerise you.
Is Thane a town or a city?
Thane is a metropolitan city on Salsette island close to Mumbai. It is also a part of the Greater Mumbai metropolitan area.
Which months are suitable to visit Thane?
The winter months from October through February are the best months to visit Thane and experience the city in all its beauty.