Panvel

1. Bet el Synagogue: Located in the heart of Panvel, Bet el Synagogue is one of the oldest Bene Israelis congregations in the country that consists of around 20 odd families. The 65  members in the congregation still have maintained the culture and customs of the traditional Jews lifestyle which is a unique learning experience.

The 18th-century Jewish worship spot is a beautiful architectural reminiscence of the time that has a very rich and interesting historical backdrop. It is one of the only few places in the world where the Holy Torah is read out in Hebrew, an ancient forgotten Jews language. Open to tourists all year round, Bet el Synagogue is easily accessible from Mumbai via road.

- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Mominpada, Old Panvel, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206

2. Khandeshwar Shiv Temple: The medieval era old Khandeshwar Shiva Temple located in the Raigad District is a stunning architectural design that is bound to awe anyone. The picturesque Khandeshwar lake on the backdrop of this medieval era Shiva Temple compliments the entire simple yet poignant landscape beauty.

Simplistic yet intricately patterned walls and pillars make this stone built  Hindu Temple worth visiting any time of the year. Open to devotees and tourists every day from 7 am to 5 pm, the temple has one of the most beautiful evening prayer sessions filled with devotional choirs and musical performances.

- Location:  Park Sight Society, Sector - 2, Khanda Colony, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206
- Timing: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

3. Shivganga Waterpark: No family vacation or weekend getaway is complete without a trip to a waterpark. Located within a few miles of the Somatane Village, the Shivganga Waterpark offers guests a chance to recreate all the memories of their childhood with their own children.

The waterpark has a wide range of water rides along with numerous fun filled land rides to spend the entire day amidst numerous activities and playtime. In case the bustling activities of the entire day are too exhausting, guests can easily book a nice and comfortable suite in the resort situated within the property itself.

- Location: Shiv Mandir, Somatne, Panvel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 421310
- Entry Fee: Adults: RS- 850/- Child: RS – 750/
- Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

4. Gadeshwar Dam: Surrounded by lush green vegetation on all sides, this serenely calm and quiet spot is perfect for a small mini-trip if you are looking to get away from the noise and pollution of Mumbai. Built on the Panvel Lake, though the dam is not accessible to the public, tourists can check out the panoramic 360-degree view from the Little Chowk Point Observation deck.

Home to a wide range of beautiful birds, insects, and occasional harmless wildlife, Gadeshwar Dam is a perfect picnic spot to bond with the family. The pristine clear water of the freshwater lake is safe for kids and small children to play in if there is ample adult supervision.

- Location: Maldunge, Maharashtra 410206

5. Zenith Waterfall: Merely 15 minutes walkable distance away from the Khopoli Station is the beautiful cascading Zenith waterfall. The waterfall comes alive each year exclusively during the monsoon season and is clearly visible from the railway station thus adding a bit more extra points to its sheer beauty.

One of the primary hotspots in Panvel, the Zenith Waterfall cascades down the cliff of one of the peaks of the Sahyadri Range and creates a bathable pool underneath. The beautiful backdrop of the Zenith Waterfall is a common spot for film shootings and social media posts. In fact, travelers can stay at the nearby Karjat Riverside camping to enjoy the vacation full-fledged.

- Location: Khopoli, Maharashtra 410204

6 .Karnala Bird Sanctuary: Merely 50 km from the crowded city of Mumbai, is a heavenly paradise filled with serenity and greenery on all sides. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to a thriving population of wildlife which is a must explore-worthy destination, especially if you love mother nature and wildlife. Covering a vast expanse of 12 sq km, the Bird Sanctuary is home to 222 bird species, bison, deers, leopards, and much more.

Amidst the hilly terrain of the protected area is the iconic Karnala Fort perched at the top of a small hill which is a 2 hrs steep climb to the top.

- Location: NH 66, Karnala, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206
- Timing: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 35

7. Smart Eco Park: Created as an initiative to make people aware of the current environmental degradation, the Smart Eco Park in Panvel is a true learning experience worth spending some time at. Spread over 20 acres of land, the Smart Eco Park is an educational experience for the children and adults alike about what the next 50 yrs holds for us and how to survive the upcoming years when scarcity of provisions like water, fuel, etc becomes an integral part of life.

Open from 9 AM to 4.30 Pm, the Park is accessible on a prior booking basis. Best enjoyed during winter months, the Smart Eco Park is often referred to as an unforgettable learning experience that resonates with a beautiful sustainable future the world is hoping for.

- Location: 18/1, Usarli Budruk, Panvel Dundra Road, New Panvel, 410206

8. Chanderi Fort: Located in Matheran, Chanderi Fort is one of the most beautiful fort ruins in India that has mile-long historical importance. From its highest viewpoint, the fort offers an uninterrupted view of the nearby ruins of Kalavantin Fort, Karnala, Mhaismal, and the stunning Western Ghat in its entirety. If history and adventure are what excites you, Chanderi Fort is the perfect blend of both.

An exhilaratingly adventurous steep trek to the top along with reminiscence of the age-old historical events surrounding the fort will keep you enchanted all along the to and fro journey. Caves and viewpoints aside, the fort has its own thriving ecosystem that remains untouched by the pollution and distortion of urban life.

- Location: Ranjan Society, Maharashtra 421503

1. Take a trek to Karnala Fort: 10 km from the city of Panvel, Karnala Fort sits on a massive hilltop at an elevation of over 1500 ft from sea level. The steep upward trek to the 13th-century fort ruins is surrounded by the endless span of lush greenery and continued chirping of birds living in this protected green zone. Suitable for beginners, Karnala Fort trek is best enjoyed between November and April.

- Location: Karnala, Maharashtra 410207
- Entry Fee: Entry fee per adult: Rs. 30, Camera charges: Rs. 100.
- Timing: Everyday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

2. Explore the mystical Adai waterfall: The gushing wide Adai waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Maharashtra. The Adai Waterfall cascades into the Adai lake thus giving it an additional benefit of being the perfect photograph worthy hotspot.

The surrounding dense vegetation and the undulating landscape keep this region a few degrees cooler all year round making it the perfect summertime escapade from the scorching Mumbai heat.

- Location: Tal. Sudhagad, Pali, Maharashtra 410205

3. Understand the spiritual beauty of Ballaleshwar Temple: Dedicated to the ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha, Ballaleshwar, the temple is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples of Maharashtra. Over 400 yrs old, Ballaleshwar temple in Panvel has a very unique architectural structure that has been built entirely out of wood and stone.

Despite its simple structure, it has persevered through centuries of wear and tear and yet seems to stand hauntingly tall.

- Location: Prabalmanchi, Panvel, Maharashtra 410206
- Timings: Everyday from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm

4. Indulge in the exhilarating journey to the Kalavantin Durg: The trek to reach the top of the cliff on which the beautiful ruins of Kalavantin Fort remains is regarded as one of the most treacherous journeys. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, the narrow steep 3km long climb through a huge number of stone stairs engraved on the side of the mountain is an adventure unlike any other.

- Location: Prabalmanchi, Panvel, Maharashtra 410206
- Timing: 5:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 820

5. Climb to the beautiful hilltop Prabalgad fort: The Prabalgad Fort is the stark reminder of how the Bahmani Sultanate had to bow to the Maratha Regime. Best visited between November and April, alongside its stunning location, the fort is also a geographical division between Panvel and Matheran.

The 90 minutes steep climb to the ruins of the fort is surrounded by the unhindered beauty of the tropical rain forests that encapsulates the entire Western Ghat.

6. Enjoy riverside camping at Karjat: Around 50 km from Panvel is a small village campsite on the bank of River Karjat. The beautiful and serene vibe of the surrounding is accompanied by the bustling noise of the flowing river and the chirpings of the crickets and birds.

Riverside tent camping at Karjat is a unique experience that’s perfect for family bonding time in addition to experiencing nature at its unfiltered best.

Location: Raigad

7. Hike to the Manikgad Fort: Yet another beautiful fortress that is also a Hindu temple, the Manikgad Fort is located in Gherakilla. A favorite hike spot for travelers, the fort has many small rock-cut cisterns and caves in addition to a Shiv ling temple at the top.

A fairly easy hike, the Manikgad Fort hike is 1 hr of the journey through sparsh vegetations. The fort and its adjacent areas are lush green, thriving best between June and September. However, it is easiest to climb through during the months of December to May.

- Location: Gherakilla Manikgad, Maharashtra 410220

8. Drive to the Charlotte Lake: A complete picnic package, the Charlotte lake has a dam, a few small waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. Ideal for a short getaway, Charlotte Lake is home to numerous bird species from all over the world which makes it a favorite among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike too.

Merely a 2 km walk from the Matheran Railway Station, Charlotte Lake is easy to access from anywhere in Maharashtra.

- Location: Matheran, Maharashtra

9. Shop at the Orion Mall: Amidst exploring the forts, waterfalls, temples, and nature, if you are looking to spend some time in an urban setting, exploring Orion Mall is the perfect option. One of the primary shopping hubs of Panvel, this mega-size Mall offers guests a wide plethora of shopping options and eateries for some nice gastronomical delights.

- Location: Bus Depot, Final Plot No 311, Near ST, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206

- By Flight: The nearest airport from Panvel is Mumbai which is located at a distance of 25 km. You can also reach Panvel from Pune and Aurangabad.

- By Train: You can reach Panvel Railway Station by trains from many important cities  of India like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and many others.

- By Road: Once you reach Mumbai or  Pune, you can easily get state run transport buses to reach Panvel or else you can book a taxi for the commute.

1. Karnala Fort: At an elevation of 1500 ft, the remnant of the 13th-century Karnala fort overlooks the Bor Pass and is currently home to some of the most beautiful and rare birds of the country.

2. Manikgad Fort: Also known as Raigad Fort, the Manikgad Fort was of great importance to the Peshwas during the 16th century. The ruins of the fort have become home to numerous plants and animals thriving in the area.

3. Prabalgad Fort: The Prabalgad Fort is the stark reminder of how the Bahmani Sultanate had to bow to the Maratha Regime. Alongside its stunning location, the fort is also a geographical division between Panvel and Matheran.

4. Kalavantin Durg: At an elevation of over 700 meters, Kalavantin is regarded as one of the most dangerously located forts in the world. The mysterious hilltop fort offers a panorama unlike any other which is worth exploring at least once.

1. Karnala Fort Trek: Laden with the rich and lush greenery on all sides, the 3 hrs long Karnala Fort trek is perfect for beginners. The Pandu Basalt Pillar and the famous Karnala Bird Sanctuary are only explorable while trekking to the Karnala Fort.

2. Kalavantin Durg Trek: Kalavantin Durg Trek is also called the Trek to Heaven.  The steep 60-degree climb to reach one of the most precariously located forts of the world is surrounded by beautiful scenic views on all sides.

3. Prabalmachi Fireflies night trek: If you want to enjoy the sight of fireflies at their beautiful best, there is no alternative to the Prabalmachi trek. The unspoiled beauty of mother nature is best experienced at night while camping under the starry night.

4. Manikgad Fort Trek: The hour-long trail to the Manikgad Fort is surrounded by giant trees and small waterfalls which makes it a truly enjoyable journey.

5. Irshalgad Trek: The 6.5 km long trek to the Irshalgad Fort is definitely not for beginners. The slippery mud and rocky patches along the trail give it the challenging topography it is famous for.

1. Sri Ballaleshwar Mandir: Regarded as one of the eight pious Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, this Ganesha Temple is a beautiful sight and over 400 yrs old.

2. Khandeshwar Shiva Temple: Located on the picturesque backdrop of Khandeshwar lake, the ancient architectural marvel, Khandeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most visited destinations in Panvel.

3. Sri Panchmukhi Maruti Mandir: One of the oldest temples to have the iconic and extremely rare 5 faced Hanuman idol, this is a beautiful and serene pilgrimage hotspot in Panvel.

4. Virupaksha Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this centrally located temple is well known for its monthly bhajan and beautiful devotional programs.