8 Best Places To Visit Near Navi Mumbai For One Day Adventure

A black-winged stilt that has long red legs wading in the shallow waters at Navi Mumbai.

Exploring attractions around Navi Mumbai in a day is much like looking through a beautiful travel album. From bustling urban streets to peaceful coastal stretches, there are countless places to visit near Navi Mumbai for 1 day that offer a mix of nature, history, and leisure. Step from fast-paced urban roads and a megacity into mangrove-lined creeks, ancient forts, coastal beaches, and some hilltop viewpoints, all in less than a few hours’ drive. These are not marathon journeys; rather, a carefully selected taste of places and experiences where time feels long, unhurried, and full of moments.

8 Beautiful Places To Visit Near Navi Mumbai For One Day

Each of these places to visit near Navi Mumbai for one day has the perfect balance of nature, culture, and recreation for a relaxed weekend getaway.

1. Kharghar Hills

A scenic view of Kharghar Hills with green hills and residential buildings in the foreground.

Photo: Gsnair88 / Wikimedia Commons

A short drive from the industrial and urban warmth of Navi Mumbai, Kharghar Hills is a perfect green oasis. These hills are immensely popular with early morning walkers and families who want to enjoy nature and breathe the fresh air. For anyone searching for places to visit near Navi Mumbai for one day, Khargar hills offer a quick escape for relaxation. With amazing views and relaxing trails that go upward gently, you have the possibility of a wonderful day for hiking. During the monsoon, the slopes turn into a luscious green carpet splattered with small waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. The sunsets and sunrises here are jaw-dropping.

Location: Outskirts of Kharghar, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 8.7 km

2. Pandavkada Falls

A glimpse of a green hill near Pandavkada Falls, with a few residential buildings at the base of the hill.

Photo: Samruddhishetty / Wikimedia Commons

Pandavkada Falls, nestled in the region of Kharghar, is a hidden pearl during the rainy season. Water tumbles down from over 100 metres like a roaring curtain and splashes into a natural pool. The falls are surrounded by lush tree-covered hills, giving the location a feeling as if it were a hidden paradise, even though you are probably about half an hour away from Navi Mumbai. Native legends about the location refer to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, which adds to the scenery and attractions of the site. A visit with good rainfall is crucial when the waterfall reaches its maximum..

Location: Forest Area, Kharghar, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 13.6 km

3. Karnala Fort & Bird Sanctuary

Ruins of Karnala Fort on a hilltop, surrounded by dense green forest under cloudy skies, one of the best places to visit near Navi Mumbai in one day.

Photo: Incredible Mother Earth / Wikimedia Commons

Karnala Fort and Bird Sanctuary is an interesting trek where you combine trekking with history and wildlife. The Sanctuary is not far from Navi Mumbai and is home to over 150 birds, including some colourful visitors who migrate during winter. It’s one of the popular places to visit near Navi Mumbai for one day for trekking enthusiasts and history lovers. The trek to the fort is moderately difficult and takes you up through greenery, where you will hear birds calling and leaves rustling in the wind. The ruins of the fort that you’ll reach after the trek are located on the tip of a hill and date back hundreds of years.

Location: V4J9+PF9, Foot Path, Karnala, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 30.2 km

4. Elephanta Caves

Tourists at the entrance to the Elephanta Caves, a site with rock-cut history on Elephanta Island.

Photo: Sahil Ahuja / Wikimedia Commons

The Elephanta Caves, located on Elephanta Island, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient rock-cut art and mythological features provide an adventure of a different kind from all the other destinations. You take the ferry from the Gateway of India, which should take between 45 and 60 minutes. Once you arrive on Elephanta Island, you are greeted by some scenic trees and trails to walk with various short viewpoints. You are on Elephanta Island, but aside from the main problems with Elephanta Island, being tourists or the ferry, the only variable is the local café food, which offers local snacks.

Location: Gharapuri, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 34 km

5. Alibaug Beach

Beautiful sunset at Alibaug Beach with silhouettes of people enjoying the beach peacefully, one of the best places to visit near Navi Mumbai in one day.

Photo: Gayatri Priyadarshini / Wikimedia Commons

Alibaug Beach is the quintessential beach getaway for residents of Navi Mumbai, with plenty of sand, shallow waves, and a relaxed vibe. It’s also a favourite among places to visit near Navi Mumbai for one day, perfect for those who enjoy sunsets, walks along the shore, and fresh coastal breezes. Enjoy playing beach volleyball, horseback riding on the sand, or snacking at the local stalls on the beach. You can even walk to the Kolaba Fort if you visit during low tide. The sunset here is spectacular with a wash of orange and purple in the sky.

Location: Alibag Beach Rd, Main Beach, Koliwada, Alibag, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 78 km

6. Gadeshwar Dam

A view of Gadeshwar Dam includes greenery, hills in the background, and serene water.

Photo: Bagdane Kailas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Gadeshwar Dam is tucked away into Panvel’s greener outskirts and is a serene water body surrounded by forested hills. It is popular with the locals as a place to relax, have a picnic, take photos or just leisurely drive. The still water reflects the scenery surrounding it, mainly the hills and beautiful trees. This is especially beautiful in the monsoon season, when everything is vividly green. There are small trails around the dam, so you are welcome to take a small stroll. The fresh breeze coming off the water feels great on warmer days.

Location: 26JW+RFV, Maldunge, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 32.2 km

7. Ballaleshwar Temple

A close view of Ballaleshwar Temple with stone architecture and clarity of blue sky, one of the best places to visit near Navi Mumbai in one day.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

In Pali, one of Maharashtra’s many renowned Ashtavinayak temples is Ballaleshwar Temple. It is a Ganesha temple, which is known for the innovative east-facing sanctuary, able to withstand the first rays of the sun upon the idol at sunrise. The layout is traditional stone architecture with a nice courtyard for silent prayer. The vehicle ride to Pali goes through beautiful countryside experiences too, so make sure to account for those, as the ride may be more memorable than the stop itself. If you have the time and desire, visiting around the early morning aarti is very much worth it, as you will arrive at a festive sound of chants and bells.

Location: SH92, Pali, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 81.4 km

8. Prabalgad Fort

A close view of Cajanus plants with light green leaves, taken near Prabalgad Fort after a rain, one of the best places to visit near Navi Mumbai in one day.

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Prabalgad Fort could be the adventure that comes with beautiful panoramas for those who are considering trekking. It sits between Matheran and Panvel and is an ancient fort located upon a plateau bordered by cliffs. For trekkers looking for adventurous places to visit near Navi Mumbai for one day, Prabalgad offers challenging climbs and stunning monsoon views. The trek is of moderate difficulty and passes through forested paths and open ridges with gorgeous views. The fort dates back to the Bahmani Sultanate, which later lost it to the Marathas. Although the fort is mostly in ruins, the feeling of ancientness remains..

Location: X6JC+4MW, near Prabalgad Fort, Prabalmachi, Maharashtra
Distance From Navi Mumbai: 81.4 km

With sprawling hills and historic forts, peaceful beaches and vibrant wetlands, there is so much to explore in the amazing places to visit near Navi Mumbai for one day, making it a perfect spot for spontaneous gateways. Whether it is to experience the beauty of nature, a dose of history, or the joy of a great family experience, these destinations have something for everyone and can suit any mood or season. Plan your next adventure near Navi Mumbai with the ease of TripXL for travel needs, experiences to have, and the memories to remember.

Cover Photo: Rohit Sharma / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal times to explore the areas surrounding Navi Mumbai are during the cooler months of November to February, which make for pleasant times outdoors and sightseeing.
Yes, most of the locations have food options nearby. Alibaug and Pali had great local food. Nerul has multiple cafés and snack bars.
Yes, it would be highly advisable to plan your vehicle to allow for more flexibility, although local trains and autos are available to get to selected destinations.
Alibaug Beach and Ballaleshwar Temple have easy entrance and no or little walking requirements.
You can engage in trekking, birdwatching, walking along beaches, exploring heritage forts, scenic drives and taking many pictures.

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