Top 9 Things To Do In Borivali
When it comes to Mumbai’s suburbs, there is a general notion that there is hardly anything to do. The suburbs miss the happening nightlife and spark of South Mumbai — that’s the conventional idea. And we’re here to break that stereotype for you. Take for example Borivali’s buzzing attractions.
Borivali In A Nutshell
You can spend an entire day in the lush greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It’ll make you forget that you live in a crowded metro city, we promise! Then there are tons of themed restaurants and street food joints to give the best mix of local and world cuisine on a platter. Check our list of things to do in Borivali so that the next time you’re headed to the western suburbs, you can explore the area.
1. Get Close to Nature at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sprawling across an area of 103 square kilometers, this protected forest area is home to 274 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 170 species of butterflies, and 1300 species of plants. Wedged between Borivali and Thane, this national park is one of the best places to enjoy nature in all its serenity in Mumbai.
Mini Train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Inside the park, you can also visit another important tourist attraction, the Kanheri Caves. These caves were an important learning center and a pilgrimage site for Buddhist monks between 1st and 9th century BCE. You can still see some of their beautiful inscriptions inside the caves.
- Location: Mumbai-Gujarat Road, Borivali East
- Timings: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
2. Give Yourself an Adrenaline Rush with Essel World’s rides
Give yourself some thrill as you take on mighty roller coasters and other rides at one of the largest amusement parks in India, Essel World. Reaching there itself is an adventure; you have to board a jetty from Borivali.
- Essel World Bird Park Mumbai
Just next to Essel World is the Water Kingdom, one of the best water parks in Mumbai. Make a splash as you conquer water slides and dance your worries away at their Rain Dance area.
- Location: Global Pagoda Road, Gorai, Borivali West
- Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
3. Dine at Fancily Themed-Restaurants
Themed-restaurants is a trend that is slowly catching up in the city and Borivali is definitely joining in. Trains are the lifelines of Mumbai, but if you want to experience dining in one, head over to Hungry JD’s in Eksar Village. It’s minus the hassle of tugging and nudging your fellow passengers, so you can enjoy a meal in peace.
Cafe Hydro will appeal to all the water babies out there. Its interiors are wonderfully done up to make it look like an aquarium. They also have a huge wall aquarium which is surrounded by hammocks and pouffes, giving off a relaxing vibe. Apart from these, there is Cafe Meter Down where auto rickshaws rule the ambiance. Some of their dishes are even served in mini auto rickshaws that can be easily stationed on your table.
- Location: 12, New Link Rd, Eksar Village, Eksar, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400091
- Timings: 12 PM to 12 AM
4. Meditate at Global Vipassana Pagoda
If you’re headed to Essel World or the Water Kingdom, you’ll be able to spot a shimmery structure peeking out from the trees around. That’s Global Vipassana Pagoda for you. This meditation center is a stunning sight when sunlight reaches its golden surface in the morning, making it shine brighter.
Global Vipassana Pagoda
The design of this beautiful structure is actually inspired from the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. Dedicated to peace, harmony, and meditation, it holds workshops and meditation camps where participants can learn Vipassana meditation. Their meditation hall is quite large; it can host up to 8000 people at once.
- Location: Global Pagoda Road, Next to Esselworld, Borivali West, Gorai Village
- Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
5. Check out Different Fish Varieties at Fish Park
Spread across an area of 10,000 square feet, this fish park is the first one of its kind in Mumbai. This park features eight big tanks with has a capacity of 460 liters of water.
Borivali Fish Park
Each of these tanks has a different theme and features 25 to 30 different kinds of tropical fishes. The park is a great place to head out with your children for a day’s outing. It also attracts joggers and fitness enthusiasts who utilize the free space for morning strolls.
- Location: I C Colony, Borivali West
- Timings: 11 AM to 1 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM
6. Sample Some Street Food
Street food is something you should try anywhere and everywhere in Mumbai. While Borivali has its share of chaat corners and snack houses, we love its numerous egg stalls.
Borivali The Eggelicious
Egg Station, Andawala, and The Eggelicious are some of the places that egg lovers should definitely try out. Egg Dosas, Egg Pizzas and even Egg Paplets, there are a whole lot of new varieties of egg dishes that you can try at these places. Some of these places are even open to recipe suggestions; so if you have some unusual combination in mind that you would love to try out, just let them know!
- Location: Borivali Street Food
- Timings: 4 PM onward
7. Omkareshwar Mahadev Mandir
This is one of the oldest Shiv Temple in Mumbai, which attracts devotees from across the city. The easy accessibility of the temple makes it a popular place of worship among its followers. Enjoy the Prasad and Aarti while paying homage to Lord Shiva.
Borivali Omkareshwar Temple
- Location: Below National Park Flyover, Opp. National Park Gate, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Western Express Highway, Borivali East, Mumbai.
- Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 9:30 PM
8. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
This is one of the oldest Parish Churches in Mumbai. The wooden altars and the intricate work on the windows enhance the beauty of the interiors of the church. Experience the serenity and bliss during mass. The holy mass and bible readings are held in three languages: English, Konkani and Marathi.
Borivali Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
- Location: I C Colony, Mount Poinsur, Borivali West, Mumbai.
- Timings: 9 AM to 1 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 5 PM to 8 PM (Monday to Friday)
9. Ghanta Wala Pan Mandir
This is an iconic place that has gotten fame and recognition to become something much more than a simple paan business. Ghanta Wala Pan Mandir is not an ordinary paan bhandar; this modest shop is a Guinness Record Holder. In addition to over 120 varieties of paan that that one can taste here, you’ll also get to witness the amazing collection of about 450 bells from across the globe. The shop has a unique tradition of ringing a bell when a pan is sold and when money is exchanged.
Borivali Ghanta Wala Pan Mandir
- Location: 4, Chandavarkar Rd, Lokmanya Tilak Nagar, Maharashtra Nagar, Borivali West, Mumbai.
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 11 PM
Know of more places to explore in Borivali? Give us your suggestions and let us know about your experience of exploring Borivali, in the comments section below.
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