About Thane

Thane, known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ is located just outside Mumbai in Maharashtra. With over 30 lakes, including the popular Upvan Lake, it’s a recreational haven. The city is also home to the historic Kopineshwar Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the lush Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which houses a variety of wildlife such as leopards, monkeys, and parakeets. Spanning an area of 147 sq km, Thane has a population of around 2 million and is closely connected to Mumbai, sharing the Salsette Island.

Thane is one of the most industrialized districts in Maharashtra. It covers an area of 4214 sq km and has a diverse geography, bordered by the Sahyadri mountain ranges to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. The district’s coastline of 27 km supports both marine and groundwater fishing, with a significant market demand from Mumbai and even Gulf countries. The district is known for its industrial estates, which produce a large amount of chemicals, medicines, plastic goods, iron products, and textiles, providing substantial employment opportunities.

The economic and social development of Thane is largely driven by its industrialization. The district benefits from its proximity to Mumbai’s modern culture and infrastructure, making it a prosperous region. While it lacks significant mineral production, Thane is notable for its sand excavation business used in construction. This industrial growth has spurred employment for both skilled and unskilled workers, contributing to the district’s overall advancement.

Places to visit

Thane offers a variety of attractions for all ages and interests. Explore the beautiful butterfly garden with over 132 species of butterflies or enjoy thrilling water rides at a lush water park. Take a tranquil walk around the scenic Upvan Lake, known for its peaceful atmosphere and annual cultural festivals. Spend an adventurous day at the amusement park with exciting themed zones and rides. For a relaxing retreat, visit the serene dam or enjoy leisure activities at a popular lakeside hangout.

Elvis Butterfly Garden

The Elvis Butterfly Garden in Thane is a favorite among nature lovers, boasting over 132 butterfly species visible year-round. Unlike typical butterfly enclosures, this garden is an open-air park where butterflies roam freely. Visitors can enjoy guided tours by the owner, who explains the butterfly lifecycle from egg to caterpillar to pupa. The garden also offers breakfast and coffee, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing family picnic while learning about these fascinating creatures.

Sargam Water Park

Located in Thane’s East Vasai, surrounded by natural mango orchards, Sargam Water Park is the ideal spot for a weekend escape. This amusement park features exciting water rides, swimming pools, and stretches of lush mango trees. It’s a popular destination for both young adults and families, perfect for everything from birthday celebrations to family gatherings, offering a blend of fun and natural beauty.

Upvan Lake

Upvan Lake, situated against the scenic backdrop of the Yeeor Hills in Thane, is an artificial lake originally built in 1880 and later renovated to supply water to a local factory. Today, it’s celebrated for its picturesque views and as a venue for the annual Sanskruti Arts Festival. Known as “Thane’s Lover’s Paradise,” the lake is a tranquil spot for picnics or peaceful walks, now solely dedicated to recreational use.

Vardhaman Fantasy Amusement Park

Vardhaman Fantasy Amusement Park in Mumbai is a relatively new attraction that captivates visitors with its seven themed zones, including a Texas Cowboy area, a Greek Village, and a mini Las Vegas. The park offers a variety of thrill rides suitable for all ages and a large food court, making it a great family destination with something for everyone.

Tansa Dam

The Tansa Dam in Thane district is a large gravity dam, essential for supplying drinking water to Mumbai. Constructed in 1925 and continuously modified since, it’s not only crucial for utility but also a peaceful getaway. Visitors flock here for the serene setting, perfect for evening relaxation or a day picnic amidst beautiful surroundings.

Talao Pali

Talao Pali, also known as Masunda Lake, is a bustling spot in Mumbai where locals and tourists alike come to unwind. Renowned for its beauty, this lake offers a range of activities and is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. It’s a great place for an evening stroll or a laid-back picnic, providing a much-needed escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Hotels in Thane

Thane offers a variety of hotels, from modern ones near shopping malls and railway stations to casual options close to water parks and nature spots. Some are set in commercial areas with easy access to attractions like butterfly gardens and amusement parks, while others are conveniently located near major highways and airports. With choices ranging from budget-friendly to more upscale, Thane has accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs.

Fortune Park Lake City

Off National Highway 3, this contemporary hotel with stained-glass windows is adjacent to the Viviana Shopping Mall.

₹5,281

4 Star Hotel

Treebo Trend De Grandeur

This informal hotel in a commercial area with businesses is 2 km from the Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden.

₹2,377

3 Star Hotel

Hotel Laxvas

Set among office blocks alongside an elevated section of the Eastern Express Highway, this casual hotel is 7 km from Suraj Water Park.

₹2,728

3 Star Hotel

Ginger Thane

Ginger Thane

On a commercial street near shops and restaurants, this simple hotel is 4 km from Thane train station, 5 km from Tikuji-ni-Wadi water park.

₹3,697

3 Star Hotel

Hotels at Thane near railway station

Thane has several budget-friendly hotels close to the railway station, ideal for easy access to the city’s main attractions. Enjoy straightforward accommodations near popular spots like Hindu temples and lakes. Some hotels offer a contemporary vibe and are located near shopping areas, while others provide a polished stay with proximity to water parks and other entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for convenience or comfort, you’ll find suitable options near Thane’s railway station.

Hotel Time Square

Close to shops, this straightforward budget hotel is a 2-minute walk from Kopineshwar Mandir, Thane Hindu temple.

₹1,857

3 Star Hotel

Hotel Mourya Residency.pvt.ltd

In a building with an atrium, this informal hotel is a 3-minute walk from Thane train station.

₹2,163

3 Star Hotel

Hotel R R Suites

Set among shops, this relaxed hotel with a contemporary vibe is a kilometre from Nilaje train station.

₹1,478

4 Star Hotel

Hotel Vihang's Inn

Off Ghodbunder Road, this polished hotel is 2 km from Tikuji-Ni-Wadi water park and 4 km from Kopineshwar Temple.

₹3,931

3 Star Hotel

Restaurants in Thane

Thane offers a diverse range of dining options for every taste and budget. Enjoy delicious Malvani cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere, or savor pure vegetarian dishes with a variety of Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Continental options. There are also spots with excellent service and tasty food, perfect for a family outing. For a more upscale experience, some restaurants provide a great ambiance and a menu full of flavorful dishes.

 

The Taste of Malvan

Delicious Food, Excellent service and Pleasant atmosphere. Best restaurant in the Town for family restaurant and bar experience.

₹400–600

27 Yard Restaurant

27 Yard Multicuisine Veg Restaurant is located in the heart of Thane. Serves Pure Vegetarian Food with best quality! Our Menu consists of Indian, Chinese, Italian, Continental & Mughal cuisines.

₹200–600

Shubh Sagar Restaurant

Very nice place, food quality very teste , all services staff nice

₹200–400

The Caravan Menu

Very nice place , Good Service and very good Ambiance, Very Tasty food

₹800–1,000

How to Reach Thane

Thane is accessible from various parts of the country through multiple modes of transportation. Although Thane does not have its own airport, the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai is just 16 km away and connects to all major cities in India. For those preferring rail, Thane is a major railway hub with frequent trains linking it to all major Indian cities, making it a convenient option for travelers. It’s one of the busiest stations in Mumbai’s suburban network. By road, Thane is well connected through state-run Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses and numerous private bus services, ensuring easy accessibility from across India.

By Train

Thane can be easily reached from any part of the country via rail. There are regular trains from Thane to all the major cities across India.

By Flight

Thane does not have an airport of its own. Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai is 16 KM away from Thane. The airport is well connected to all major cities in India.

By Road

Thane is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses. Public-sector transport is provided by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). 

Local Transport in Thane

By Bus

Local buses are highly available in Thane if you want to take a look around the city. They run from time to time within the city making it convenient for the tourist to travel at any time of the day. Moreover, it is quite affordable to travel by bus.

 

Starting at Only 6.30₹/KM

By Cab

Thane provides a good number of taxi services for its visitors to explore the many sites across the city. Some of the major cab companies are Coolcabs, Meru, Mega Cabs, Easycabs and Tab Cab. Auto-rickshaws are recommended for quick transport.

Starting at only 9₹/KM

By Auto-rikshaw

Autorickshaws are another option which are mostly available from Toll Naka and can be easily used to travel within the city. For traveling to Mumbai, the auto-rickshaws have to be changed from Toll Naka.

Auto-rikshaw is starting From 23.Rs

Renting Vehicle

You can rent mini buses and cars to take a local trip of the city with your family. Apart from these, tempos can also be hired at a quite reasonable price.

Starting at only ₹1499.

Best Time to Visit Thane

The best time to visit Thane is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these months, temperatures range from a comfortable 12°C to around 30°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain and lush green landscapes, but it can disrupt travel plans. Summers, from March to May, can be quite hot and uncomfortable. Winter is especially great for exploring Thane’s natural attractions, cultural festivals, traditional cuisine, historical forts, bird watching at Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, and serene boat rides on Upvan Lake. Overall, the cool and dry winter months are the most enjoyable for visiting Thane.

Distance of other cities from Thane

Ahmedabad

The Distance of Thane to Ahmedabad is (509.0 km) via NH 48

View more

Delhi

The Distance of Thane to Delhi is (1,384.2 km) via NH 48 and NE 4

View more

Bengalore

The Distance of Thane to Bangalore is (989.8 km) via NH 48

View more

Chennai

The Distance of Thane to Chennai is (1,323.3 km) via NH 48

View more

Tips and Advice for Thane

When planning a trip to Thane, it’s essential to book your tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from October to March. This ensures you avoid any last-minute hassles and have a smooth travel experience. Thane offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options near the railway station to more upscale choices close to shopping areas and tourist spots. Early bookings will also help you secure better deals and preferred rooms, making your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Respect the local culture and traditions while visiting Thane. Refrain from engaging in any activities that could harm the city’s heritage sites or disturb its monuments. Such actions are not only disrespectful but also punishable by law. Pay attention to your health by choosing clean and reputable places to eat. Avoid consuming unhygienic or raw food to prevent any stomach issues that could spoil your trip. While there are no strict dress codes, it is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, keeping in mind the local customs and weather conditions.

Safety is paramount, so try to travel in groups rather than alone, especially when exploring new areas. Thane has several historical sites and tourist attractions, many of which require an entry ticket. Always purchase your tickets from authorized sellers to avoid fines or other penalties. Being aware of these rules and respecting them will ensure you have a trouble-free and enjoyable visit. Additionally, use reliable local transportation options like buses, cabs, or autorickshaws for convenient and safe travel within the city.

FAQs About Thane

Thane is known as the "City of Lakes" because it has many beautiful lakes within its boundaries.

Thane is an industrially advanced district in Maharashtra, with most areas like Thane, Kalyan, and Vasai being urbanized.

Misal pav is a popular dish in Thane, featuring a spicy curry made with sprouted beans and served with bread rolls.

Thane district is located in the northern part of the Konkan division.

Some famous tourist spots in Thane include Ghodbunder Fort, Kelva Beach, Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden, Tansa Dam, and Talao Pali.

The district of Thane includes major cities like Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi, Ulhasnagar, Ambarnath, Badlapur, Murbad, and Shahapur.

Thane is one of India's oldest cities, with a history that dates back about 2,000 years.

As of 2024, Thane city has an estimated population of 2,613,000, while the metro area is around 26,129,000.

Thane is a city in western Maharashtra, located at the mouth of the Thana River and the head of the Ulhas estuary, northeast of Mumbai.

Thane is surrounded by 35 lakes, giving it the nickname "City of Lakes" due to their natural beauty and historical significance.

Cities Around Thane

Nagpur

Nagpur is a large city in the central Indian state of Maharashtra.

View more

Nashik

Nashik is an ancient holy city in Maharashtra, a state in western India.

View more

Pune

Pune is a sprawling city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

View more

Mumbai

Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast

View more