Upvan Lake
The Serene History of Upvan Lake: Upvan Lake is a beautiful, artificial, and eco-friendly lake located in the Pokhran-II area of Thane West, with its history tracing back to 1880; It was originally constructed by the Thane Municipal Corporation and later famously reconstructed by J.K. Singhania prim arily to supply water to the nearby Raymond Textile Factory (Jekegram); Today, it is no longer a primary water source but has been transformed into one of Thane's most picturesque and vital recreational spaces, often lovingly referred to as Thane's Lover's Paradise; The Scenic Backdrop: The lake is nestled perfectly against the lush green backdrop of the Yeoor Hills (a part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park), offering a stunning contrast between the natural wilderness and the calm, man-made water body; This scenic view makes it a highly popular spot for evening walks, jogging, and family outings; Cultural Significance: The lake is internationally known for being the primary venue for the annual Sanskruti Arts Festival, a major cultural event that showcases art, music, and tradition, attracting tens of thousands of visitors; It is also a significant location for the immersion of Ganpati idols during the final day of Ganeshotsav; Ecological Restoration: The lake has been a subject of restoration efforts, including using bioremediation techniques to remove silt and increase the water's oxygen level, reinforcing its status as an Eco-Friendly Lake and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty; The presence of a statue of Lord Shiva in the center and a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha nearby adds a spiritual dimension to the location.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 hours (Evening Stroll); 3+ hours (During Festival)Place Type:
Lake/Recreational SpotEntry Fees:
General Entry is Free for all visitors, as it is a public lake and recreational area, promoting open access for the community; There are No general ticket sales for walking or sitting by the lake;
Boating Charges: The only recreational fee is for boating; Paddlebo...General Entry is Free for all visitors, as it is a public lake and recreational area, promoting open access for the community; There are No general ticket sales for walking or sitting by the lake;
Boating Charges: The only recreational fee is for boating; Paddleboats (2-seater/4-seater) typically cost around INR 50 to INR 100 for a 30-minute ride, depending on the boat type and the operator;
Parking and Vehicle Fee: If you bring a private vehicle, there may be a nominal parking charge in the designated areas along the lake road, managed by the local municipality;
Fees During Festivals: During the Sanskruti Arts Festival, while entry to the general area might remain free, specific enclosed event zones or premium seating areas for performances may have a ticketed entry fee;
Donations: Donations are voluntary and encouraged when visiting the adjacent Ganesha temple for its maintenance and religious activities; The various food stalls operate on a simple purchase basis.Timing:
Regular Timings: The lake is technically Open 24 hours for public access, as it is an open municipal space; However, it is most active and recommended for visitors during daylight hours;
Food Stalls and Boating Timings: Most food stalls set...Regular Timings: The lake is technically Open 24 hours for public access, as it is an open municipal space; However, it is most active and recommended for visitors during daylight hours;
Food Stalls and Boating Timings: Most food stalls set up shop and the boating activity begins in the late afternoon, typically from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM; The Ganesha temple and some enclosed stalls close in the early afternoon;
Ideal Visit Time: The absolute Best Time to visit is between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on a weekday; This timeframe offers the beautiful sunset view, cool evening breeze, the opportunity for boating, and the vibrancy of the food stalls, while avoiding the massive crowds of the weekend evening; Early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) is ideal for quiet jogging and enjoying the solitude and a fresh atmosphere.Special Events:
The Annual Sanskruti Arts Festival: Held around February (or early March), this is the biggest and most famous event, transforming the lake into a vibrant cultural hub with stage performances, art installations, food stalls, and a large crowd of visitors;
Read MoreThe Annual Sanskruti Arts Festival: Held around February (or early March), this is the biggest and most famous event, transforming the lake into a vibrant cultural hub with stage performances, art installations, food stalls, and a large crowd of visitors;
Ganeshotsav Idol Immersion: On the final day of the Ganeshotsav festival (usually in September), the lake becomes the central point for the immersion of thousands of Lord Ganpati idols, a massive, highly emotive, and visually spectacular religious event that draws huge crowds;
Chhath Puja Celebrations: The lake is also a significant site for the celebration of Chhath Puja, a North Indian festival dedicated to the Sun God, attracting the local communities that observe this ritual with traditional songs and prayers at the water's edge;
Thematic Night Markets: Occasionally, local authorities organize thematic night markets or food/craft festivals along the promenade, capitalizing on the beautiful evening ambience of the lake;
Yoga and Fitness Gatherings: Large, public yoga, Zumba, and fitness meetups are often organized on the lakeside grounds on weekend mornings, drawing health enthusiasts from across the city.Best Photo Spots:
The Sunset View over Yeoor Hills: The most popular and photogenic spot is capturing the lake with the sun setting behind the silhouette of the Yeoor Hills, casting a golden or orange glow over the water and the Shiva statue; The Illuminated Shiva Statue and Fountain at Nigh...The Sunset View over Yeoor Hills: The most popular and photogenic spot is capturing the lake with the sun setting behind the silhouette of the Yeoor Hills, casting a golden or orange glow over the water and the Shiva statue; The Illuminated Shiva Statue and Fountain at Night: Once the lights come on, the central Shiva statue and the floating fountain, reflected in the dark water, create a dramatic, colorful, and peaceful nighttime photo opportunity;
The Promenade's Perspective: Shooting from the main promenade, using the curve of the walkway to frame the lake and the distant hills, provides a strong sense of place and scale; Look for the reflections of the city lights and the nearby buildings on the water;
During the Sanskruti Arts Festival: The festival time offers unparalleled photo opportunities of the massive, custom-built stage, the dramatic lighting, the elaborate art installations, and the sheer energy of the large crowds;
The Ganesha Temple Foreground: Use the traditional architecture of the adjacent Ganesha temple as a foreground element to frame the lake and the hills, blending the spiritual and natural elements of the location in a single shot.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Evening Stroll and Jogging: Take a leisurely walk or jog along the well-laid-out tracks and promenade that encircle the lake; The evening breeze and sunset view make this a perfect, relaxing activity;
Boating on the Lake: Hire a paddleboat (2-seater or 4-seater) in the evening to explore the lake from the water, offering a unique perspective of the shore and the Shiva statue; Boating usually starts in the late afternoon/evening;
Photography of Sunset and Reflection: Capture the spectacular view of the sunset over the water, especially as the lights of the lakeside come on and reflect on the calm surface; Focus on the backdrop of the Yeoor Hills;
Visiting the Ganesha Temple: Pay a visit to the adjacent Ganesha temple for a moment of quiet devotion and to admire...Evening Stroll and Jogging: Take a leisurely walk or jog along the well-laid-out tracks and promenade that encircle the lake; The evening breeze and sunset view make this a perfect, relaxing activity;
Boating on the Lake: Hire a paddleboat (2-seater or 4-seater) in the evening to explore the lake from the water, offering a unique perspective of the shore and the Shiva statue; Boating usually starts in the late afternoon/evening;
Photography of Sunset and Reflection: Capture the spectacular view of the sunset over the water, especially as the lights of the lakeside come on and reflect on the calm surface; Focus on the backdrop of the Yeoor Hills;
Visiting the Ganesha Temple: Pay a visit to the adjacent Ganesha temple for a moment of quiet devotion and to admire its architecture; This is a popular spot for devotees and adds a cultural layer to the visit;
Sampling the Street Food: Enjoy the wide variety of snacks, fast food, and beverages from the numerous food stalls and small eateries that set up shop along the lake in the late afternoon and evening, a quintessential Thane experience;
Attending the Sanskruti Arts Festival: If visiting in February (or the month it is held), this is a must-do event, featuring live music, art displays, traditional performances, and a massive cultural celebration around the lake;
Spotting the Mayor's Residence: The official residence of the Thane Municipal Corporation Mayor lies adjacent to the lake; While not an attraction itself, spotting the official building adds an element of civic interest to the area;
Taking the Kids to Play: The open space around the lake is perfect for children to play and run around, making it a great family picnic spot.
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Sanskruti Arts Festival Venue: Upvan Lake's primary modern fame comes from being the majestic host of the annual Sanskruti Arts Festival, a massive cultural event that showcases Indian art, music, and dance, attracting artists and visitors globally and nationally;The Sanskruti Arts Festival Venue: Upvan Lake's primary modern fame comes from being the majestic host of the annual Sanskruti Arts Festival, a massive cultural event that showcases Indian art, music, and dance, attracting artists and visitors globally and nationally;
The Scenic Yeoor Hills Backdrop: Its stunning location, nestled against the verdant slopes of the Yeoor Hills (a buffer of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park), offers a tranquil and picturesque setting that has earned it the title of Thane's Lover's Paradise and a favored spot for photographers;
Ganeshotsav Immersion Site: It is one of the main sites in Thane for the immersion of Ganpati idols on the final day of the Ganeshotsav festival, drawing immense crowds and making it a key religious and cultural focal point of the city during the festival season;
A Model of Ecological Restoration: The lake has been lauded for its successful environmental restoration projects, including the use of modern bioremediation techniques to clean the water, contributing to its fame as an Eco-Friendly Lake and a model for urban water body preservation in India. -
Architecture:
Simple, Functional Embankment Design: The lake is essentially an artificial reservoir created by a simple embankment damming a natural flow; Its architecture is primarily utilitarian, focused on water retention, which was its original purpose for supplying water to the Raym...Simple, Functional Embankment Design: The lake is essentially an artificial reservoir created by a simple embankment damming a natural flow; Its architecture is primarily utilitarian, focused on water retention, which was its original purpose for supplying water to the Raymond factory;
The Central Shiva Statue and Floating Fountain: A distinctive architectural feature is the large statue of Lord Shiva installed in the center of the lake; This statue was historically used to gauge the depth of the water; Nearby, a prominent fountain adds an aesthetic focal point, especially when illuminated at night;
The Lakeside Promenade: The surrounding area features a constructed, well-paved promenade and jogging tracks, providing a functional, recreational space for visitors to walk, jog, and sit; The architecture here focuses on creating public utility, with seating areas, food stall zones, and clear paths;
The Adjacent Ganesha Temple: The lake's architecture is complemented by the nearby Ganesha Temple, built by J. K. Singhania, which features traditional Hindu temple architecture and serves as a spiritual anchor for the local community, creating a cultural-religious landscape alongside the recreational lake. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), about 30 KM away; From the airport, a pre-paid taxi or app-based cab (Ola/Uber) is the most direct way to reach the lake; The travel time is heavily traffic-dependent, generally taking ...By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), about 30 KM away; From the airport, a pre-paid taxi or app-based cab (Ola/Uber) is the most direct way to reach the lake; The travel time is heavily traffic-dependent, generally taking 1 to 1. 5 hours;
By Train (Mainline): The closest major station is Thane Railway Station; The lake is only about 5. 5 KM from the station; From Thane station (West side), an auto-rickshaw is the most convenient option, taking about 15-20 minutes; Ask the driver to go to Upvan Lake via Pokhran Road No. 1 or 2; Local buses are also available from the station to the Upvan Bus Stop or Palaydevi Mandir Bus Stop;
By Road (Self-Drive/Cab): The lake is situated in the well-connected Pokhran Road No. 2 area of Thane West; It is easily accessible via the Eastern Express Highway; Self-driving is popular; follow GPS to Upvan Lake Road; Be prepared for limited and paid parking options near the lake in the evening;
By Local Transport (Auto-Rickshaw/Bus): Auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Thane and are the cheapest and fastest way to reach; TMT buses run very frequently from Thane Station and other parts of the city directly to the Upvan Lake area. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons: Winter (November to February) is the Best Time for comfortable day or evening walks, jogging, and general sightseeing, especially when the Sanskruti Arts Festival is held; Monsoon (June to September) offers a stunning, lush view of the Yeoor Hill...Different Types of Seasons: Winter (November to February) is the Best Time for comfortable day or evening walks, jogging, and general sightseeing, especially when the Sanskruti Arts Festival is held; Monsoon (June to September) offers a stunning, lush view of the Yeoor Hills backdrop and is great for scenic photography, though it might be rainy; Summer (March to May) is hot and humid, so visits must be restricted to the cool hours of early morning or late evening;
Different Parts of the Day: Evening (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) is the most vibrant and popular time to visit, featuring sunset, boating, and a buzzing street food scene; Morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, quiet reflection, and enjoying the fresh air before the crowds. -
Near Tourist Places:
Yeoor Hills Entrance: 1 KM;
Tikuji-ni-Wadi: 4 KM; St.
John The Baptist Church: 6 KM;
Thane Railway Station: 5. 5 KM;
Korum Mall: 7 KM;
Suraj Water Park: 6 KM;
Sanjay Gandhi National Park: 10 KM;
Talao Pali (Masunda Lake): 5 KM;
Elvis Butterfly Garden: 7 KM;
Kachrali Lake: 4 KM.
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The lake area is generally safe, but avoid walking on the promenade alone very late at night; Be mindful of traffic on the surrounding roads, especially during festival times; Supervise children near the water's edge, as swimming is prohibited;Health & Safety: The lake area is generally safe, but avoid walking on the promenade alone very late at night; Be mindful of traffic on the surrounding roads, especially during festival times; Supervise children near the water's edge, as swimming is prohibited;
Packing: Carry a camera for the stunning sunset views; Carry a light jacket or shawl for the cool evening breeze, especially in winter; Keep small change ready for boating and local snacks;
Accommodation: Numerous mid-range and upscale hotels are available in the immediate vicinity (Vasant Vihar, Pokhran Road) of the lake, offering excellent accommodation choices for tourists wanting to stay close to the nature;
Other Different Topics Heading:
Boating Safety: Always wear a life jacket when paddle boating;
Littering: The lake has undergone environmental clean-up; please help keep it clean by using the designated bins;
Festival Crowd: If visiting during Ganeshotsav or the Sanskruti Arts Festival, be prepared for massive crowds and traffic congestion; Use public transport if possible;
Yeoor Hills Access: The lake is a primary entry point to the Yeoor Hills; consider combining the two visits.
Reviews
FAQs
Thane Itineray And Cost:-
Other Places In Thane :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Maharashtra Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Ambe Ghosle Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bassein Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhiwandi
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Brahmala Lake Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
DC-3 Aircraft
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Elvis Butterfly Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ghodbunder Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gorakhgad Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Har Har Gange Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hariyali Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jai Vilas Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jupiter Hospital Skywalk
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kacharali Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kalibari Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kelva Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kopineshwar Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities