BLISSFUL AND PICTURESQUE UPVAN LAKE AT THE FOOTHILLS OF YEOOR, SGNP - A MUST VISIT!

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Thane city, which is the twin city adjustant to Bombay/Mumbai boasts of numerous lakes ( 35+), of which Upvan is regarded as most beautiful considering its appearance and location - at foothills of majestic Yeoor. No one can imagine its a man-made lake, yet, it is so. Surrounded, by tall trees, its a must visit place while near to get respite from the scorching sun. I love going there and it is one of my most favourite hangout place while I'm in the city. Yes, its in the city itself! Cool haan?
While, I went in my scooty, there are many public transport like autos, cabs and buses that'll drop you there. Its barely 8 kms from the Thane Rly Stn ( in west ), and the trip till the lake is an experience in itself. One can even enter Yeoor hills from here.
the road to upvan ( and also Yeoor )

the lake below...isn't it pretty? so peacefull...

It was a day well spent at the lake. I strolled along its banks, lounged and took a bite at the restaurant situated on the lake-side itself; took in the pleasant views around and also the soothing breeze! Theres a large blue statue of Shiva in middle of the lake to admire ( for the religous kind ). While I loved every moment of my experience, I only hope the lake retains its lush greenery around and don't fall prey to greedy builders bulldozing them to create a concrete jungle instead :|

Upvan (or Upavan) Lake is located in Thane in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is known for hosting the Sanskruti Arts Festival. ( wiki )
Address : Upvan Lake, Thane ~( West ), Maharashtra
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BEAUTIFUL POWAI LAKE

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I love Bombay ( Mumbai ), there's no doubt about it. Inspite of being heavily populated, it has some amazing places that can literally blow your mind and make your jaws drop. I was visiting the Aarey Road for its haunted quotient, when I discovered another gem in its vicinity. Well, the Powai is just a part of it - the real surprise comes soon ( read on ). The Powai lake is hardly at 1-2 km distance from Aarey Road, hence, very walkable. It is a man made lake, but by no means seem like one. Its huge...and to think its man-made, I can only wonder how much labour went into it. There are two other lakes near by ¬ the Vihar and Tulsi, if one wants to visit those. They are much larger and away from population ( inside SNGP ). Coming back to Powai lake, there's a walking trek along the side, and one can enjoy an evening stroll, ( or a morning one or whenever one wishes ). There are aligators/ crocodiles in the lake so don't go near its edges. There is also a ghat and view point, where one can enjoy some peaceful time. Don't miss the Selfie point!
mama bhanja hills visible far away in the background...also IIT Bombay...

powai suburb high rises on its banks...

Dr.Ambedkar Udyan on its vicinity...the Renaissance peeking from behind...


The gem I was talking about. It falls in between Aaarey Road and Powai Lake. One can't miss it, because, the greenery will enthrall you rightaway. On my first visit, I actually mistook it for Aarey Colony itself because of its sprauling old trees. However, once I entered I realized its a garden which is adjacent to the lake. Its quite big ( 25 acres ) inface, biggest in the surburbs, and walking under the dense cover of trees, admiring the various botanical plants of interest, sitting on the benches under the leafy shades, jogging/ doing yoga or other excercise, spending time with friends or family, taking selfies or photoshoots - I can only imagine why so many people ( from all generations ) especially the locals adore and throng it. Irony, people cut down trees mercilessly to build buildings, and then, crave for soothing greenery like this garden. DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR UDYAN


Main entry - there are two side entry - one from aarey side and one near the L&T signal
Entry is free and the place is open for all from 6am-6pm


going inside...

this place is quite old...just look at those tall looming trees, making the place quite cool...


fishing pond, numerous benches to sit and relax...

main surprise attraction is this waterfall...its artificial but beautiful...
during monsoons the powai lake overflows and creates this magic...
The place closes at 6 pm. Unfortunately, certain corners of the garden ( the aarey road side ) also houses certain anti-social elements/vandals who indulges in drugs/drinking and litter or dirty the area. Hope the BMC looks into it and maintain this otherwise must visit beautiful public park.

Powai Lake is an artificial lake, situated in Mumbai, in the Powai valley, where a Powai village with a cluster of huts existed. ( wiki )
Address : Powai Lake, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
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CHOTA KASHMIR BOAT CLUB AT AAREY COLONY

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For a long time, much before we saw exotic locales of the Swiss Alps; or even nearer home - breathtaking Kashmir, this lake below served the purpose in many historic film songs and other scenic locales. Chota Kashmir - it wouldn't be wrong to call it that, because, it exactly lives up to its name. All its missing is the snow, of course ;-)
the rules - do's and dont's - videos, photography not allowed unless paid for :-)
if you ignore the skyscrappers in the background, you'll actually feel you are in kashmir...


being a green zone, with trees surrounding it, and being so near the SGNPark, it is much cooler...

I spent some time in the pleasant surroundings of the lake while visiting the Aarey Road. It lies on the way and one cannot miss it. There's an eco- park attached to it, where one can stroll or simply relax; some opt for picnics, kids play, while couples coo. Places like these are quite rare in Bombay, so make most of it while there, like I did.

Chhota Kashmir is the only place for Mumbai citizens as boating location to enjoy. Its a small lake located at famous Aarey Milk Colony at Goregaon (East) surrounded by greenery and birds like Cuckoo, Sun bird, Parrots and Other colourful small birds humming around the boating lake. Boating charges for citizens and tourists are same, At Rs.20 per person for 30 minutes. Boating timings at Chota Kashmir is from morning 11:00 am to evening 6:00 pm ( wiki )
Address : Chota Kashmir Boat Club, Aarey Colony, Goregaon ( east ), Mumbai, Maharashtra
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VAITARNA RIVER | LAKE, MAHARASHTRA

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When one travels from Bombay to outstation by Central Railway ( via Kalyan ), one passes through many hills ( Sahyadris ) & tunnels, whereas, if one travels by Western Railways ( via Borivali ) one comes across lakes and rivers. Virar Lake and then the Vaitarna that we passed by, looked simply gorgeous. The hills and fields at a distance made the views more enchanting. Vaitarna lake and river, both serves as an important water source for us Bombaites.



Views during my Upward Journey on my way to Delhi ( for the Himalayan Escapade ).



Views during my Downward Journey on my way back to Bombay ( return trip ).


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( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
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