The planned city of Navi Mumbai is often seen as a residential surrounding. The township accommodates lakhs of people, some of whom, on a daily basis commute to the commercially vibrant Mumbai city. Residential towers are increasingly being built here, malls are not uncommon and elite restaurants have sprung up in every other lane. However, Navi Mumbai is also an easy go-to place for a quick break. There are some quirky uncommon things to see and do here. I am going to share my top 5 best places to visit in Navi Mumbai.
Places to visit in Navi Mumbai: Road Trip to Palm Beach Marg
The 10 km stretch of Palm Beach road is a joy ride. Get out that motor bike for an early morning road trip to Navi Mumbai and hit the six lane road of Palm Beach Marg that connects Vashi to Belapur. The scenery changes from high rise towers to commercial complexes, upscale restaurants, green open grounds and you even see a glimpses of the Vashi creek.
Places to visit in Navi Mumbai: Check out one of India’s tallest Flag
That’s true. The swanky structure for Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has one of India’s tallest Indian flag right in its garden premises. The tricolor stands tall at 225 feet. You’ll often see passersby halting to get a picture of the flag, which is an amazing sight, successful to evoke patriotism.
Not just that, the NMMC itself is claimed to be India’s first eco-friendly government building. It has solar panels, water harvesting and anti reflective tiles. The structure takes inspiration from 19th and 20th century architecture and comes with amenities of the 21st century. NMMC stands at the Killa Junction along Palm Beach road.
Places to visit in Navi Mumbai: Soak in nature at Pandavkada Falls
According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas took a bath under these falls when they were exiled in the forests. Pandavkada waterfalls are a breathtaking sight in the company of the lush green hills of Kharghar. Although the place is popular with picnickers, getting too close to the falls have been restricted due to recent accidents. You may find cops restricting visitors from getting too close to the waterfall. Stay away if you’ve been told to do so. Besides, you don’t necessarily need to get under the waterfalls to have a great time. Soak in the nature instead. Even from the farthest of distance, Pandavkada falls, Kharghar hills and the lush green fields are a sight to behold.
Savour regional food at Vashi’s State Bhawans
Vashi is home to several State Bhawans that are basically guest houses with small restaurants cum canteens for state officials. Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Orissa, Rajasthan – all of these State Bhawans are located in the heart of Vashi near the Railway station. Make the most of your trip to Navi Mumbai by stopping for a tasty lunch or dinner at one of these State Bhawans. Try their regional thalis which is simple home-style food and extremely pocket friendly.
Play Golf at the CIDCO Golf Course
The City and Industrial Development Corporation – CIDCO has developed a 103 hectares sprawling Golf course in Kharghar for enthusiasts. Work is still ongoing and 9 holes are in operation from the 18 holes planned for the Golf Course. CIDCO is not accepting memberships as of now, but they follow a Pay-and-Play model. It costs somewhere around Rs. 500 on weekdays and Rs. 750 on weekends to indulge in the sport. Timings are 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Hotels in Navi Mumbai: Where to stay
If you’re planning to stay in Navi Mumbai, consider the Four Points by Sheraton, offering modern amenities and easy access to the city’s business hubs. For a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Yogi Midtown provides cozy rooms and a convenient location near the Vashi Railway Station. If you prefer luxury, The Regenza by Tunga features elegant accommodations with excellent dining options, perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
