The proximity and good connectivity to the city of Mumbai, has evolved Thane as a sister city to the city of dreams. Despite this Thane still maintains a rich natural heritage like mountains, hills and hillocks, creeks, rivers and lakes. In fact the city has been called as “City of Lakes” in the Gazetteer. The Thane Chapter of CEC aims as exploring the natural heritage of Thane district as an education avenue for nature education.
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)
a) Yewoor Trail: Navigate the undulating pathways of this trail and enjoy nature while discovering the beauty surrounding hilly terrain. 2 hours, Moderate
b) Hill Trail: Trek up this hill in the Mulund area and be rewarded by a plethora of biological diversity waiting to be discovered. 2 hours, Moderate
c) Pond Trail: Stroll along the plains and hills of Manpada that surround this pond, teeming with tiny life. (Note: Additional ` 20/- per head for entry ticket) 2 hours, Moderate
2. Mahuli Fort: Trek through the picturesque landscape to the historic fort of Mahuli. 4 to 5 hours, Moderate to strenuous
3. Badlapur
- a) Hill Trail (near Shirgaon): Enjoy a wandering trek up the hill and take in the beauty of nature from all directions and enjoy spectacular views. 2 hours, Moderate
- b) Kundeshwar Forest Trail: A short walk away from the station, this wandering trail allows you to view the wonder of a dry forest. 2 hours, Easy
- c) Barvi Dam Trail: Discover the bounty that nature has to offer. You may spy birds and flowers and even spot a reptile while on this trail. 2 hours, Moderate
4. Vangani-Nakhind Trail: Discover the wonders of nature on a tantalizing trail leading through the forest. 2 hours, Moderate to Strenuous
5. Neral
- a) Trek to Matheran: Take a wild walk down this forest trail and explore nature’s gift of native trees and other flora. 2 hours, Moderate
- b) Trek to Peb Fort: Explore the wild areas near a historic fort and learn all about biodiversity. 4 hours, Strenuous
- c) Karjet-Ulhas Valley Trail: Follow this path thorugh a mixed deciduous forest and spot some butterflies, insects and birds amidst the varied flora and fauna. 2 or 4 hours, Moderate to Strenuous
6. Mangrove Trail (Balkumb-Dalani): Enjoy the walk along the mangroves in Thane near the quaint fishing village of the Balkumb. Learn about this beneficial ecosystem and spot a few playful waders and crabs! 2 hours, Easy.
7. Lonavala Trail: Walk towards the picturesque hill station and learn about a variety of floral species that can only be found here. 4 hours, Easy