Navi Mumbai is a city comprising planned urban settlements with modern amenities. The region was built as a twin to Mumbai to reduce population pressure on its resources. Gradually, the expansion of Navi Mumbai led to the acquisition of modern infrastructure and diverse green spaces. The area serves as a major business hub, with numerous corporate companies enhancing its commercial value. Furthermore, the planned layout of Navi Mumbai, featuring residential complexes in Vashi and along Palm Beach Road, makes it popular among visitors. Prominent places of attraction include Belapur Fort, Wonders Park, and DY Patil Stadium in the vicinity.
How to reach Navi Mumbai?
- By air: The Mumbai International Airport (BOM), also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, is about 25 km from the centre of Navi Mumbai. The airport provides greater connectivity options, enabling travellers to fly from various destinations. Visitors can also take flights to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) for quicker connectivity.
- By train: The nearest railway stations to Navi Mumbai are Vashi and CBD Belapur. Both are vital rail routes providing connectivity to Navi Mumbai. Moreover, Panvel is the last station along the Harbour Line, allowing passengers to travel on a budget to the neighbouring areas.
- By road: The nearest major highway routes to Navi Mumbai are the Sion-Panvel Expressway and the Eastern Express Highway. Additionally, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) provides a direct connection. Furthermore, National Highway 48 (NH-48) (formerly known as NH-4) is a major route that passes near the region, providing connectivity from Navi Mumbai to the rest of the state.
- Getting around/local transport in Navi Mumbai: Navi Mumbai is accessible by metro and rental cabs, offering alternative modes of travel. Further, buses, auto rickshaws, and taxis are abundantly available, enabling swift movement.
Pandavkada Falls
This cascading waterfall in Kharghar has an elevation of approximately 100 metres. The area around Pandavkada Falls is popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, as it is a hub for exhilarating outdoor activities.
Exploration time: 2 to 3 hours
Kharghar Hills
Exploration time: 3 to 4 hours
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Exploration time: 2 to 3 hours
Karnala Fort
Exploration time: 1 to 3 hours
Adai Waterfalls, Panvel
Exploration time: 2 to 3 hours
Belapur Fort
Exploration time: 1 to 2 hours
Utsav Chowk, Kharghar
Exploration time: 2 to 3 hours
Inorbit Mall, Vashi
Exploration time: 3 to 4 hoursPlaces to eat
Things To Do
- Hiking: Visit the site of Pandavkada Falls along with a picnic amidst the green landscapes.
- Bird watching: Visit Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary for birding.
- Nature: Relax by the water and watch sunsets on the banks of Nerul Lake and Central Park, Kharghar.
- Shopping: Shop and watch movies at the Inorbit Mall.
Best time to visit
Most commonly spoken languages
Whether you are looking for something traditional and handcrafted by local artisans or something branded and exclusive, Navi Mumbai offers a variety of shopping destinations.
- Seawoods Grand Central Mall: A luxury destination with branded stores, the mall presents the scope to purchase premium items from perfumery to accessories and apparel. The food court has wide snack options along with a gaming arena for kids and adults.
- Nexus Seawoods, Nerul: Another famous shopping destination in Navi Mumbai, the mall features dining restaurants, a movie theatre, bookstores, and branded outlets for apparel and accessories. Visitors can binge on the snacks at the food court and play at the arcade, which also has a bowling alley.
- Inorbit Mall, Vashi: A major landmark in Vashi, the mall covers a large area with a section dedicated to old-style bazaars for traditional goods like earrings, kurtas and home decor. The rest of the mall has a cinema theatre, brand stores and a food court. There is also a grocery store and a book section.
More reasons to visit
Besides the natural sightseeing attractions, the shopping destinations and the recreational centre, here are some more reasons why Navi Mumbai should be on your travel list.
- Splashing at the Wonders Park: This unique park features life-size replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is truly a marvellous sight to witness them all within the same premises.
- Tranquil getaway to Nerul Balaji Temple: A much-revered spot on Nerul, the temple carries a tranquil ambience and hosts regular prayer sessions. Simply spending an hour at this spiritual spot is enough to relax the mind.
- Authentic Pav Bhaji experience: Try the must-haves with Vada pav and Keema pav from the local shacks to experience the real taste of regional delicacies. Other popular street foods include pani puri, bhel puri, and misal pav.
- Experiencing Marathi culture: From the Marathi traditions at Ganesh Chaturthi to rangoli making at Gudi Padwa, Dahi Handi ritual and authentic regional costumes, Navi Mumbai creates a lively ambience during the festivals. Visiting during these times of the year allows visitors to engage in activities like visiting fairs and having modak ( a popular Maharashtrian sweet).
- Visit Palm Beach Road: This scenic road in Navi Mumbai is lined with upscale restaurants and posh cafes. The chic scenes, pleasant ambience and long walking paths make it the perfect hangout spot and site for social activities.