BEAUTIFUL THANE -THE LAKE CITY OF MAHARASHTRA

Photo Travelogue :

When we think of Bombay/Mumbai.. names of the usual famous spots pop up in our minds ( eg.colaba, nariman point, churchgate etc ), along with its top suburbs ( bandra, juhu, lokhandwala etc ) - home of Bollywood. However, there is a hidden gem not far. It is Bombay's twin city Thane; also known as the Lake City of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by lush green nature and is quite refreshing with clean air compared to the otherwise crowded Bombay. And, I have been blessed to experience it very closely. When one is travelling around the city, one will definately come across its various lakes, with pepple lazing about by the various banks, Its a common sight in Thane. Here"s few of the ones I've been to :-) .
1. Upvan Lake


This one is definately one of my favourites. It is the most beautiful one of the lot what with the majestic Yeoor hills as backdrop, This lake is very popular amongst young couples. It is also the Venue for Sanskruti Arts Festival held every six months. A statue of Lord Shiva is situated in the middle of the lake. A Ganesh Temple is situated near the lake as well. There is also a cafetaria inside the premises. It is a man-made lake, made as a reservoir to collect water falling down from the surrounding hills. First time I was there, I was stunned by its sheer beauty.

2. Masunda or Talao Pali Lake



This beautiful lake is my top favourite as I've been here the most. Countless times infact! It is in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by important historic places like Gadkari Rangayatan, St. John baptist church, Kopineshwar temple, and Jambli market. The marriage and property registry office is also located in its vicinity. People throng the lake for boating, horse-carriage or tanga rides, to eat the various street foods or simply have a good time. There are karaoke evenings with all the amateur wannabes trying out their vocal chords. There is a Mahadev Dhyan Mandir at the centre of the lake in a small island and also a statue of Shivaji Maharaj near the lake entrance.


lots of entertainment at talao pali, creative artists, tanga rides..et all


the food or khau gali is a must to excite one's taste buds...

3. Kachrali Lake

It is situated opposite the TMC headquarters. It has a walking cum jogging track around it. It is an artificial lake ( with water sports and other activities for kids ) made to restore water. The towering structues around it makes for quite a unique view. At night the lights lit up making it way more beautiful. There is also a temple near the lake. Surrounded by tall trees, it is a nice place to chill out. On my visit I saw many cats chilling out as well.

4. Hariyali Lake

This beautiful lake is comparatively smaller. It is situated near the Thane Rly Station ( east ). In evenings, the lights around it make it quite an enchanting sight. The lake also is visible when one crosses the foot-bridge over the station.


5. Railadevi Lake
Railadevi Lake (or Railadevi Talav) is one of 35 lakes in Thane, The lake is located on Road number 4, Wagle Estate, Raheja Gardens, Thane. The lake is about 3.3 km from Thane railway station There is no entry fee and one can visit this place on any day. Compared to the above lakes, its not commercialised, hence, is quite raw and basic. I've been there few times. Its okay..but no recreation around.

6. Siddeshwar Lake
It is situated right next to the Siddeshwar Mandir, Uthalsar Ward office, hence the name. Comrade Godatai Parulekar Uddyan and TMC garden lies next to it which is well maintained. Meetings and events also happen on the ground near it. I didn't find the lake that great though. It needs beautiication and a clean up of the surroundings. The park is much prettier and people throng it.

Other Lakes in and around Thane are -


7. Jail Lake, earlier called Castle Tank, is situated opposite the Post Office beside Jail Water Tank in Uthalsar Ward committee, next to the jail. It looks very pretty during sunrise and sunset.
8. Bramhala Lake is one of the oldest lakes of Thane. It was revamped. It has a jogger's track and garden area. It is opposite Babubhai Petrol Pump in Uthalsar Ward Committee.
9. Ambe Ghosale Lake At Meenatai Thakare Chowk, Castle Mill Naka is in Uthalsar Ward committee
10. Burbank Lake Inside Hiranandani Estate, between Park Avenue and Wood Street. To the west of it is Lake Enclave.
11. Datiwali Lake East side of Diva station situated in the marshland of Ulhas river in Mumbra Ward Committee Area
12. Dawala Lake At Ovala in Majiwada-Manpada Prabhag Samiti
13. Desai Lake On westside of Ulhas river, in Desai village in Mumbra Ward Committee
14. Devasar Lake At the end of Bhayanderpada at foothills of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Majiwada-Manpada Ward Committee
15. Diaghar Lake At the outskirts of Diaghar village in Mumbra Ward Committee
16. Diva Lake Situated just outside Diva station in Mumbra Ward Committee
17. Gokul Nagar Lake It is a small lake situated in the heart of the city in the midst of Gokulnagar slums in Uthalsar Ward Committee
18. Makhmali Lake It has a marriage hall and a small garden area near Uthalsar Ward committee
19. Jogila Lake Near Uthalsar Ward office
20. Kalwa Lake Kalwa Ward office. Located close to railway station
21. Kasar-Wadavali Lake Majivada, Manpada Ward office
22. Kausa Lake Mumbra Ward office, Kausa
23. Kavesar LakeJ Situated at Waghbill road
24. Khardi Lake The lake is situated in premises of khardipada, Shil
25. Kharegaon Lake Kalwa Ward office
26. Khidkali Lake Mumbra Ward office Khidkali Lake is situated on the eastern side of the Thane creek near the Shil phata
27. Kolbad Lake Uthalsar Ward office
28. Kolshet Lake Manpada Ward office
29. Naar Lake Naar Lake is situated on outskirts of Thane along the Ghodbunder road
30. Phadakepada Lake Mumbra Ward office
31. Rewale Lake Majivada-manpada Ward office
32. Shill Lake Mumbra Ward office
33. Shivaji Nagar, Balkumb Lake The lake is situated along old agra road next to water supply line in Balkum area


Address : Thane
Thane City is a city just outside Mumbai, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It’s known as the ‘City of Lakes’, and its more than 30 lakes include tree-lined Upvan Lake, a popular recreational spot. Beside Talao Pali Lake, Kopineshwar Mandir is an old, domed Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. To the west, leopards, monkeys and parakeets inhabit the teak forest and bamboo groves of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. ( wiki)
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TOP THIRTEEN BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS NEAR GUWAHATI ( SOUTH BANK OF RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA )

Photo Travelogue :


Warerfalls are always something we nature lovers seek while out exploring. Its one of the major quests while we are on an adventure. And the world has waterfalls everywhere. Some globally famous ones are Victoria, Niagra etc. Nearer home, we've got some amazing ones too. Some of these end up being large rivers downstream, while some are seasonal and appears mostly during monsoons. Nonetheless, both are a major source of thrill when we discover one, not to mention, the fresh water most of these offer which are such an intergral part of our lives. What are we without water? Nothing!
In my recent visit to Guwahati, I explored some of these beauties, and mind you, they are just the tip of iceberg. There are countless more waiting to be explored. I'm only listing the ones near the city. Some of these are seasonal, so, one can witness them in their full glory during the monsoons. Most of these are around the Assam/Meghalaya border...that comprises of some of the most dense green evergreen forests ( Garbhanga, Rani, Amchang, Amsing etc ). The water falls are a result of the hilly terrain that surround this region also known as the Barail Range, a part of Purvanchal and outer Himakayas.

1. Theopani Waterfall ( intense jungle trekking involved )
This is by far one of the most amazing and beautiful ones. Located in the Rani-Garbhanga forest, one can make a trip via Gorchuk on the Accoland route. There's a left turn signboard that reads 'Satargaon' village, and one needs to take this 7km village road. But, hey, once reaching village there's a good 4 kms trek through the jungle. This jungle trekking is not for the faint hearted as there's wildlife out there especially elephants and leopards. Don't ignore the leeches! But after crossing all the obstacles the end result would be so worth it. The waterfall is almost vertical, hence, the name. Also, there's a live tree standing right in the middle of it.

2. Rani Kopili Waterfall ( no trekking commercial free entry )
While visiting the previous waterfal, one can make a quick trip to this one as well. Its more popular and a favorite picnic spot. Although, this one doesn't require going inside the jungle, the greenery that surrounds will make one awestruck.

3. Rani Khamar or Kafardonga Waterfall ( intense rock/jungle trekking involved )
Rani, has seen above, has plenty of waterfalls. This one is also on the same route, but little farther, and one needs to trek through the jungle to reach here. As with jungle trekking, there are dangers involved, but if you overcome those obstacles, heaven awaits.


4. Soloka Dare Waterfall or Koliya Nijhri ( no trekking commercial with entry fee )
While going to the famous Chandubi lake, a visit to this waterfall is a must. Its a few kms ahead but on the same route. Its beautiful, but, can be crowded. But do visit it if you simply want some fun with family and friends.

5. Layered Amrengkona Waterfall ( intense water/jungle trekking involved )
Located near Boko, this is a beautiful waterfall, but, pretty dangerous. One needs to almost wade in waist high water to reach the main part later. Try if you love adventure.

6. Gharoguli Waterfall ( moderate jungle trekking involved )
This waterfall lies ahead of the Ahomgaon stretch. It is easily accessible. Although, it is generally considered safe, be aware of elephants...'cos they love the waterfall too and often comes down to bathe in it.It is s good picnic spot as well for locals.

7. Nepal Dhara Waterfall ( no intense trekking )
This is a seasonal water fall that mostly appears during the monsoons. When it falls, its a beauty. Off season, its a pile of huge rocks It is accessible by the Khanapara/ Beltola route. One can reach right to its base on a vehicle too, if one is too lazy to walk.

8. Basistha Waterfall ( trekking involved )
One needs to trek on the path behind the Basistha temple. It can be bit intense and one has to go through the deep garbhanga jungles to reach it. This is not the stream one sees at the temple premises itself, but, further up. Go if you dare to go right up...there'll be no regrets. Its a somewhat long trek, so, go prepared.

9. Bonda Waterfall ( intense rock climb/trekking involved )
This is one beauty that is very very risky. Go only if you are courageous. The climb is almost vertical. Its located at Amchang forest accessible via Bonda.
10. Three layered Amsing Waterfall ( jungle trekking involved )
As mentioned, this water fall is in layers..and it becomes better with every layer crossed. And yes, harder..


11. Tegheria Waterfall ( commercial with entry fee mild trekking involved )Near Sonapur/ Khetri, this one is frequented by people all the time. Its beautiful but too commercialised.It is definately beautiful...and a good picnic spot too. It is inside Amsing forest.

12. Loharighat/Khimu Panbari Waterfall ( rock/jungle trekking involved entry free )

13. Panimur or Niagara of Dima Haso ( no trekking commercial )
This one is not near Guwahati, but, had to mention it because its really pretty and resembles the Niagra. A must visit, if you are in Dima Haso.
Sibra Dhara Waterfall, Magzine Waterfall etc, ...these are few other waterfalls one can visit.
[ P.S ]: As per the varied grade or risk-level categories of these various waterfalls, please take adequate precaution while attempting any. Many of them are highly dangerous, so, go only with experts and with proper gears.


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