Located in the northern center of peninsular India, Maharashtra is surrounded by the Arabian sea in the west, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh on the north, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on the south. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, which derives its name from the Goddess Mumba Devi. Mughal rulers from Delhi tried their best to keep this region under their control. From the middle of the 17th century, a new group of warrior people came to dominate the scene in Maharashtra and elsewhere in India called Marathas. The origin of Marathas is still debatable, but what is known is that they stole the limelight from the great Mughals and at one point of time even captured Delhi. It was only after defeating the Marathas that the English could establish their rule in India. Shivaji was the first great ruler of Marathas and it was he who paved the way for future Maratha influence on India.

• Elephanta Caves (9 km by sea) : The Elephanta Island, originally known as Gharapuri (fortress city) ha s7th century rock cut Hindu caves situated atop a hill. This cave temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is depicted as the creator, protector and destroyer in the famous Maheshmurti. There are other beautifully sculpted panels depicting different aspects of Lord Shiva.

  Tours to Elephanta Caves
  Launches available every hour from the Gateway of India.
  Timings: 0900 hrs to1430 hrs (Return after 4 hours)
  Timings: 0900 hrs to1430 hrs (Return after 4 hours) Tariff: Rs.100/- (Dlx), Rs.80/- (Ord)
  Mini-train on jetty: Rs.8/- (to & fro)
  Entry Fee (at Elephanta): Rs.10/- (Indians), US$ 5 or Rs.250/- (Foreigners).
  Caves are closed on Mondays
  Reservations:
  Gateway Elephanta Jal Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit Counter,
  Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
  Tel: 22026364 / 22023585
  (Launches operated subject to weather conditions during the monsoons)

• Aarey Milk Colony(35 Km) This modern dairy farm is set amidst beautiful surroundings and well laid gardens. The dairy is the principle supplier of milk to the city of Mumbai. Cottages for picnickers are available and can be reserved through the Chief Executive Officer, Aarey Milk Colony.

  Address:
  Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon (East), Mumbai - 400 065.
  Tel: 26858554 / 55, 26858705 (Dairy)
  Timings: 0900 to 1200 hrs & 1500 hrs to 1800 hrs
  Entry Fee: Rs.2/- (adult), Re.1/- (child)
  Cottages for picnickers are available and can be reserved through the Chief Executive Officer, Aarey Milk Colony.

• Borivili National Park (41 Km.): This 104 Sq. Km stretch of lush green forests and streams is also known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It boasts of a Lion Safari, Tiger Safari and deer park and offers a change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

  Tel: 28860362, 28866449, 28860389
  Timings: 0730 to 1800 hrs
  Entry Fee: Rs.5/- (Adult), Rs.2/- (Child)

  Lion Safari Park (On all days except Mondays) Timings: 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1730 hrs (Each trip lasts for half an hour). Entry Fee: Rs.30/- (adult); Rs.15/- (child)

• Kanheri Caves (42 km) Carved out of native rock, the 112 caves that form the complex are considered the largest group of Buddhist caves in Western India, belonging to the Hinayana period. These caves are believed to have been occupied by Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand years, from 2nd century AD.

  Timings: 0900 to 1800 hrs
  Entry Fee: Indians: Rs.5/- (Adult), Re.1/- (Child)

• Ambarnath - The famous Shiva temple of Ambarnath is believed to have been built by the Shilahara king Munmuniraja in 1060 AD. The exterior of the temple is decorated with beautiful figure sculptures related to Vaishnava and Shaiva themes from the Puranas. The interior of the shrine reveals lavishly carved surfaces. A local fair is held on Maha-Shivratri day every year. There are local trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT) to Ambernath from where one can hire a three-wheeler.
• Marve, Madh & Manori Beaches: (38.4 Km., 44.8 Km, & 40 Km. respectively):
  These are beautiful stretches of beach to the north of Mumbai. Also situated on the same stretch are the Aksa, Erangal & Gorai beaches, and ideal picnic spots

• Uran
  The shipbuilding village of Uran, just across the Mumbai harbour, is a Maratha landmark. This village was once the base of Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre and still makes 2000 to 3000 tonne boats. Further down the coast from Uran, one can see the ruins of the Karanja Fort.
  The best way to reach Uran is by ferry from New Ferry Wharf or from Gateway of India to JNPT and then by bus / auto rickshaw to Uran (20 - 30 meters)
  Dep: Every ½ hour from 0600 to 2000 hrs
  Fare: Rs.17/- one way
  Dep: Every hour from 0600 hrs till midnight.
  Fare:< Rs.50/- (return)
  Alternately one can drive down and take a right turn to Uran just after Panvel, before hitting NH17 to Goa

• Ghodbunder - Ghodbunder, a tiny village, is 7 km. from Borivli station. The village is situated at the base of a small hill, which overlooks the Bassein Creek. On top of the hill is the Ghodbunder Fort, which was under Portuguese rule till 1737, when the Marathas conquered it.
• Durgadi -Haji Malang (56 km to Kalyan + 1 1/2 hr. bus journey from Kalyan) : The shrine of Haji Malang, situated on the forested hills near Kalyan and popularly known as Durgadi, is visited by Hindus and Muslims alike. State Transport buses regularly ply between Kalyan and Durgadi Hill. The buses take you to the foot of the hill after which there is climb to the shrine of Haji Malang.
• Karnala Fort and Bird Sanctuary (61kms) - On the Mumbai-Pune Highway, Karnala is a birdwatchers paradise offering a sight of variety of bird species, even to casual picnickers. About 150 species of birds have been spotted here, 30 of which are migratory. The rare Ashy minivet, a native of the Philippines, has also been seen here. It has two distinct bird watching seasons - the beginning of the monsoons and in winter, when many species of migrant birds can be seen. The Karnala Hill Fort attracts a large number of trekkers and is reached after an hour long walk. The fort has a small Bhavani Temple and at the top of the peak there are some rock cut caves and water tanks of Buddhist origin.
• Tulsi, Vihar, Vaitarna & Powai Lakes (32 Km., 28.6 Km., 122 Km. and 26.6 Km. respectively):
  These are the major lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai. Their ideal location close to the city makes them popular picnic spots.

• Uran : The shipbuilding village of Uran, just across the Mumbai harbour, is a Maratha landmark. This village was once the base of Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre and still makes 2000 to 3000 tonne boats. Further down the coast from Uran, one can see the ruins of the Karanja Fort. The best way to reach Uran is by ferry from New Ferry Wharf or from Gateway of India to JNPT and then by bus / auto rickshaw to Uran (20 - 30 meters).