When exploring new destinations in India, the Indian railways offer a wholesome experience for everyone. Plan a train family trip to some of the top destinations around Mumbai. You can use railway apps to search local train time table to have a hassle-free excursion throughout the trip. Many private online rail service platforms also offer passengers “food order in train” facilities.
Top 7 Places to Explore with Family Near Mumbai
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is known for its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and mouth-watering food. But sometimes, you require a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Fortunately, Mumbai and its surrounding areas offer many options for a family getaway. Here are seven of the best tourist locations to explore around Mumbai with your loved ones:
Elephanta Caves
A world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are the perfect place to explore if you desire to stay away from the city for a bit. These ancient rock-cut caves are famous for their beautiful sculptures and carvings–including one of India’s most famous temples: the Shiva Temple.
It is located on an island off Mumbai’s coast. You can reach there by taking a ferry ride from any nearby dock in Mumbai or its suburbs (or even by boat tour). Throughout your trip, you will experience stunning views of Mumbai’s skyline and Arabian Sea!
Lonavala
Lonavala is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats, about 100 kilometres from Mumbai. The town has picturesque valleys and hills that offer great views of the surrounding landscape. It’s also home to many waterfalls and lakes, making it ideal for trekking, camping and other outdoor activities like bird watching or hiking.
Lonavala offers beautiful views of its surroundings and plenty of opportunities for adventure seekers who want to get out into nature with their friends or family members without travelling too far away from their home base (Mumbai).
You can take a local train from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) or Dadar station to reach Lonavala. The journey takes around two hours, and you can also check the local train time table online or at the station to get the timings..
Matheran
Matheran is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats, about 90 km from Mumbai. It’s known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and its many waterfalls. The area is also great for trekking, camping and other outdoor activities like rock climbing.
Matheran has no motorised vehicles allowed, so you can enjoy a peaceful walk through this beautiful place without worrying about traffic or noise pollution! To get to Matheran, you can take a local train from Mumbai’s CST or Dadar station to Neral, the nearest station to Matheran. From Neral, you can take a toy train or a horse ride to the top of the hill.
Alibaug
Alibaug is a popular beach town located near Mumbai. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, coastal views, and great swimming and other water activities. It is also home to many historical sites and monuments, which make it an ideal place for picnics or outdoor activities.
To arrive at Alibaug, you can take a ferry from Mumbai’s Gateway of India to Mandwa, the nearest port to Alibaug. From Mandwa, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to Alibaug.
Kanheri Caves
Kanheri Caves are located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a popular tourist attraction. The 109 rock-cut Buddhist caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and are some of the oldest Buddhist caves in India. These stunning rock formations offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys and ancient sculptures and carvings that can be seen inside each cave.
To get to the Kanheri Caves, you can take a local train from Mumbai’s CST or Dadar station to Borivali station. Then, you can take a bus or an auto-rickshaw from Borivali to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of India’s most popular hill stations in the Western Ghats. The town has beautiful valleys, lakes and waterfalls that are great for trekking and other outdoor activities.
In addition, the scenic views of the surrounding mountains make it an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to enjoy some time away from city life.
To get to Mahabaleshwar, take a bus or hire a private car from Mumbai. The journey takes around five to six hours, depending on the traffic.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful spot for bird-watching, located in Panvel. It’s home to over 150 species of birds, including the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Roller. The sanctuary is also great for picnics and outdoor trekking, and hiking. The views from the hills surrounding this area are stunning: you can see down into Mumbai city!
Best time to visit Mumbai:
If planning a trip to Mumbai, explore the best time to visit. The ideal time to explore the city is during the winter, from November to February, when the weather is mild and comfortable. You can enjoy cool breezes and pleasant temperatures, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s vibrant culture and bustling streets. However, remember that this is also the peak tourist season, so booking your accommodation in advance is recommended to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Also, you should avoid visiting Mumbai during the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding and disrupt transportation. This can make it difficult to explore the city and enjoy all it offers.
If you’re looking for quiet time away from crowds, the summer months from March to May can also be a good time to visit. While it can be hot and humid, you can still enjoy the city’s attractions and beaches while soaking up some sun. Make sure you carry plenty of water and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.
Monitor PNR status with RailMitra
Checking your PNR status with RailMitra is a simple and easy process that can be done anywhere. By using RailMitra, you can save time and do away with the hassles of standing in long queues or waiting hours to receive train-related information. So, let’s go through the steps to check your PNR status with RailMitra.
- Visit the RailMitra website or download the RailMitra app on your mobile device.
- Locate the “Check PNR Status” option on the homepage or the app’s main menu.
- Enter your 10-digit PNR number in the designated field.
- Click on the “Check PNR Status” button.
- Wait a few seconds for your PNR status to load. You’ll receive information about your ticket’s confirmation status, coach and seat details, and other important information.
Order food in train with RailMitra
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by train is the convenience of having meals delivered to your seat. RailMitra is a popular food delivery service for Indian Railways, offering many options.
Here’s how you can place a food order in train with RailMitra:
- Visit the RailMitra website or download the RailMitra app.
- Enter your PNR number to access your train details and seat number.
- Choose your meals from the vegetarian or non-vegetarian options and add them to your cart.
- Pay through a debit or credit card, net banking, or Paytm wallet.
- Track your food order using the RailMitra app or website.
- Get your food delivered to your seat at the designated station.
Conclusion
Mumbai is a city that offers many experiences for families to explore and enjoy. From visiting the ancient rock-cut caves to relaxing on the stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone in and around Mumbai. However, planning your journey is important if you’re travelling by train. With the above tips and tricks, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable family vacation in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.
Train travelling gets simpler and more exciting with a reliable online rail enquiry service. It will help you check the local train time table and PNR status to avoid any last-minute surprises. If you’re travelling on long-distance trains, you can consider the food order in train service.
Obtain the RailMitra app from the Android Store or access the website to get all the essential travel updates for your train journey and enjoy healthy and hygienic meals.
Author: RailMitra