Beaches and Lakes in mumbai

Friday, September 18, 2009

Beaches & Lakes

Mumbai’s tourists unpack and rush towards the city’s gorgeous beaches as soon as they arrive here. Such is the popularity of the numerous beaches dotted along with coast of Mumbai that visitors never leave the city without basking in the sun and getting swept ashore by the robust waves of the sea here. Beaches like those at Chowpatty and Juhu are ideal for exciting fun-filled evenings where one can fill themselves up at the various food stalls and enjoy the ferry rides. A great amount of zing and a peculiar zest for life can be felt at the air around the beaches in Mumbai. Versova Beach and Marve Beach are some other locations abound with sun, sand and the deep blue sea in Mumbai.

There are also several lakes in Mumbai that serve as appropriate picnic and excursion spots in the city and can be counted among the many lifelines of Mumbai. Much of the water-requirements and needs here are met by some of the more profound lakes in Mumbai. Some of the lakes around Mumbai are also a haven for lovely migratory birds and carrying along a camera would be an important thing to do while visiting them.


Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach

Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India. Located 18-km north of the city centre, it is not a beach for leisurely sunbathing since it is always crowded. The golden sandy coastline of Juhu attracts thousands of visitors everyday to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is packed with families of picnickers playing cricket on the shore. The beach is always crowded with vendors offering snacks and toys. The beach is also famous for the fact that most of the Bollywood film stars are residing nearby the beach. You can visit the place throughout the year except the monsoon season from June to September.


Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty Beach is situated at the end of Marine Drive with a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. It is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival when large images of Lord Ganesha are immersed in the sea. The statues of Lokamanya Tilak and Vallavbhai Patel have been built along the beach. The main attractions of the beach are the vendors, entertainers, children's rides and the most interesting Bhell Puri stalls.

The beach is popular for various events like the astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, and even the odd self-styled gymnast who demonstrate amazing yogic postures for a small fee. To experience the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi people rush to the venue to participate in the mega event


Versova Beach

A quick glance and a quicker rendezvous with the very first and original inhabitants of ‘Aamchi Mumbai’ is what you can steal when at Versova Beach. This element provides this beautiful little coastline authenticity and naturalness. The famous fishing community of the city called the Kolis can be seen hard at work here.

Pretty women belonging to this tribe are seen wandering about with wicker baskets on their heads, adorning their traditional garbs. The fishermen are seen deeply engaged in their everyday fishing activities, all set to barge into the sea as soon as they spot an opportunity for a big catch. This rocky beach has the bubbly local fish markets as its neighbours. Fresh fish and delicious cooked seafood can be purchased here. The Versova Beach is located at Greater Mumbai, just to the north of Juhu Beach.



Marve and Manori Beach

Marve and Manori Beach
Marve and Manori Beach

The Marve and Manori beaches are located approximately 19 miles from Mumbai. At Marve there is a 5-star resort hotel to spend a refreshing weekend. On the way to these lovely beaches lies the Madh Beach, another favorite picnic spot.









Vihar Lake

Vihar Lake is Mumbai's largest lake. It is situated in the Borivali National Park in northern Mumbai. The lake is sandwiched between Tulsi Lake and Powai Lake. The Powai-Kanheri hill ranges serve as the catchment area for rain water which feeds the lake. It meets part of the city's water requirement, especially to the South Mumbai region. Its overflow level is measured at 80.42 metres. The place is often referred as an appropriate place for picnic and excursion.


Upper Vaitarana

The Upper Vaitarana dam is located at a distance of 20 km from Khodala in Thane district and is close to Mumbai city. It is a nice place for picnic. This dam provides water to the city.


Tulasi Lake

Tulasi Lake
Tulasi Lake

Tulsi Lake, the second largest lake of the city, is situated at 32 kms from the city centre, near Borivali National Park in northern Mumbai. Mumbai city gets drinking water from this lake. Its overflow level is measured at 139.17 metres. It is the northern most lake in Mumbai. It meets part of the city's water requirement, especially to the South Mumbai region. The Powai-Kanheri hill ranges serve as the catchment area for rain water which feeds the lake.

Powai Lake

Powani Lake
Powani Lake

Just 25 miles from Mumbai city is one the most scenic lakes of the financial capital – the Powai Lake. The Powai area is one the most happening places of Mumbai with well developed roads and residential layouts. The premier Mumbai IIT is also located next to the lake. Many of the Bollywood movies were shot in this locale before the fad of foreign locations set in.




Upwan Lake

This is another famous weekend getaway of Thane. The clean air, quiet and peaceful settings have further added to the appeal of place. The area has been declared a pollution free zone by the district municipal authorities reducing the vehicular traffic. The TalaoPaliLakeof the city is considered the most picturesque and the most visited one too. Apart from these lakes, the city has umpteen Talaos, which translate to ponds. These are named on various Marathi personalities and names of localities.

Tansa Lake

Tansa Lake
Tansa Lake

 
 
 

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