Mumbai Weekend Destinations - Part 2

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Malabar Hills

An up-market residential area with some spectacular views of the city surroundings, Malabar Hill is a must-see place when you travel to Mumbai. At Malabar Hills there are enough and more for you to spend your weekends. Marvelous temples, famous hanging garden, Kamala Nehru Park, the Parsi Towers of Silence etc... are the main tourist attractions. Malabar Hills provide you a relaxing atmosphere with it rich greenery and serenity. Towards the other end of the Hills is the Banganga Temple complex at Walkeshwar, considered to be one of Mumbai's holiest sites. Another attraction

is the Walkeshwar temple which was built by silhara kings and rebuilt in 1715. The Banganga tank, attached to the temple, dates from the Silhara times, and is the oldest structure in Bombay. A rock formation at present-day Malabar Point, called the Shri Gundi was claimed to have the power to remove the sins of pilgrims, and is reputed to have been visited by Shivaji and Kanhoji Angre.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Another most visited travel destination in Mumbai is Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The 104 sq. km park is known for its population of leopards. Located near the northern border of Mumbai, it also includes a Lion Safari Park which is about 500 miles inside the north entrance to the main park. A safari ride runs daily from 9.00 am. to 5 pm. except on Mondays. The park also contains two lakes which are said to provide a major chunk of Mumbai's water supply. The park is breathtakingly beautiful, filled with dense forests and dotted with sylvan lakes. The safari gives you the chance of watching wild animals at a very close distance.

Nasik

Just few hours away from mumbai city, Nasik, the city of temples and miracles welcomes you with its rich heritage and mind blowing sceneries. Situated about 200 kms. from Mumbai, Nasik stands on the banks of the holy river Godavari. It has a personality of its own due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. It is also the site for the triennial Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years. Temples and ghats on the banks of Godavari have made Nashik one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the World. The city stands 565 m above the sea level. There are many beautiful ghats situated on the banks of Godavari river.

Chowpatty Beach

Apart from Juhu in the suburbs, Chowpatty is Mumbai's most famous beach. Chowpatty is the heart of Mumbai. It looms large in the city's psyche. Chowpatty beach is located at the top end of Marine Drive. During the day, the place gives a deserted look. There is not much action to catch during daytime. During daytime it is flocked by idle groups who come to have a sleep under its stunted trees. But as the sun starts backward journey, the place starts getting filled with people from all walks of life. It virtually turns into a fair ground in the evening. In the evening one can see kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, self-styled gymnast demonstrating amazing yogic postures etc. The place gets lined with kiosks selling ice-cream and Bhelpuri-signature dish of Mumbai. The sight of selling meals on wheels makes one remember scenes from Hindi movies, which have depicted these scenes beautifully. Chowpatty is an ideal weekend travel destination in Mumbai.