If you are an adventure lover who is looking for a place to have some fun and excitement, then you have come to the right blog. In this blog, we will reveal the top things to do in Vasai for adventure lovers. Yes, you heard it right. Vasai, the historical and cultural town in Maharashtra, is also a hotspot for adventure activities.
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Introduction to Vasai For Adventure Lovers
Vasai is about 50 km away from Mumbai and can be easily reached by road or rail. It has a rich and diverse heritage that spans across various dynasties and periods. From the ancient Mauryas to the modern British, Vasai has seen it all. But Vasai is not just a place for history buffs. It is also a place for thrill seekers who want to explore some hidden gems and offbeat places.
Vasai offers a variety of attractions and activities that suit different types of adventurers. Whether you love nature, wildlife, water sports, or history, Vasai has something for you. These are not your typical touristy places that you can find anywhere else. These are unique and special places that will make your trip to Vasai memorable. So get ready to discover the top things to do in Vasai for adventure lovers!
Bassein Fort
One of the top things to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Bassein Fort. This is an ancient fort that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It was a strategic and prosperous stronghold that controlled the trade and commerce of the region. It was also a center of culture and religion, as it housed several churches, convents, and chapels.
However, in 1739, the fort was attacked and captured by the Marathas led by Chimaji Appa Peshwa. The Marathas destroyed most of the fortifications and buildings, leaving behind only ruins and remnants. The fort was later occupied by the British until India’s independence.
Today, the Bassein Fort is a popular tourist attraction that attracts history and adventure lovers alike. You can explore the ruins of the fort and admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the Portuguese era. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding greenery. You can even spot some birds and animals that inhabit the fort area.
The Bassein Fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. You can reach the fort by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to explore the fort at your own pace. The fort is spread over a large area, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and carry water and snacks.
The Bassein Fort is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some history and mystery in Vasai.
Tungareshwar Temple
Another top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Tungareshwar Temple. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located on a hill in the Tungareshwar forest. It is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the region.
To reach the temple, you have to trek through the dense forest and cross several streams and waterfalls. The trek is about 4 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. The trek is challenging but rewarding, as you get to witness the beauty and diversity of nature. You can also spot some wildlife such as monkeys, deer, peacocks, etc. along the way.
The temple is situated at an altitude of about 2177 feet above sea level. It has a simple and elegant structure that blends with the surroundings. The temple has a main shrine that houses a Shiva lingam and a Nandi bull statue. There are also several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Ganesha, Hanuman, Parvati, etc.
The Tungareshwar Temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the temple or the trek. You can reach the base of the hill by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the base faster. The trek starts from a small village called Sativali.
The Tungareshwar Temple is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some spirituality and serenity in Vasai.
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
A third top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a sanctuary that covers an area of about 85.7 sq km and is part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It is a haven for biodiversity and conservation, as it hosts various species of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is home to animals such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, foxes, wild boars, barking deer, etc. It is also home to birds such as eagles, kites, vultures, kingfishers, woodpeckers, etc. It is also home to insects such as butterflies, moths, beetles, etc. It is also home to plants such as teak, bamboo, sal, etc.
The sanctuary offers a range of activities for visitors who want to enjoy nature and wildlife. You can go for nature walks, birdwatching, camping, and photography in the sanctuary. You can also take guided tours and safaris that will take you to the best spots in the sanctuary. You can also learn about the ecology and history of the sanctuary from the guides and rangers.
The Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 7 am to 6 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person and Rs. 200 per vehicle. You can reach the sanctuary by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the sanctuary faster. The sanctuary is located near the Tungareshwar Temple.
The Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some wildlife and wilderness in Vasai.
Rangaon Beach
A fourth top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Rangaon Beach. This is a beach that is less crowded and more clean than other beaches in Vasai. It is a beautiful and tranquil beach that offers a relaxing and refreshing experience for visitors.
The beach has a long and wide stretch of golden sand that is ideal for walking, playing, and sunbathing. The beach also has a clear and calm sea that is ideal for swimming, surfing, and boating. The beach also has a stunning view of the sunset that is ideal for watching, photographing, and romanticizing.
The beach has some facilities and amenities for visitors such as changing rooms, toilets, showers, food stalls, etc. The beach also has some activities and events for visitors such as beach volleyball, kite flying, music festivals, etc. The beach also has some nearby attractions such as the Bassein Fort, the Suruchi Beach, the Bhuigaon Beach, etc.
The Rangaon Beach is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the beach. You can reach the beach by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the beach faster. The beach is located about 10 km from Vasai railway station.
The Rangaon Beach is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some beach fun and relaxation in Vasai.
Bhuigaon Beach
A fifth top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Bhuigaon Beach. This is a beach that is one of the few drive-in beaches in Vasai. It is a charming and unique beach that offers a different and exciting experience for visitors.
The beach has a smooth and flat surface of sand that allows visitors to drive their vehicles on the beach. You can drive your car, bike, scooter, or cycle on the beach and enjoy the thrill and fun of riding on the sand. You can also park your vehicle on the beach and enjoy a picnic or a barbecue with your friends and family.
The beach also has a lovely and lively atmosphere that attracts many visitors. The beach has some facilities and amenities such as changing rooms, toilets, showers, food stalls, etc. The beach also has some activities and events such as beach soccer, beach cricket, music festivals, etc. The beach also has some nearby attractions such as the Bassein Fort, the Suruchi Beach, the Rangaon Beach, etc.
The Bhuigaon Beach is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the beach. You can reach the beach by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the beach faster. The beach is located about 12 km from Vasai railway station.
The Bhuigaon Beach is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some drive-in fun and adventure in Vasai.
Suruchi Beach
A sixth top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Suruchi Beach. This is a beach that is named after the suruchi trees that line its shore. It is an attraction and popular beach that offers a pleasant and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The beach has a long and narrow stretch of sand that is ideal for walking, playing, and sunbathing. The beach also has a clean and cool sea that is ideal for swimming, surfing, and boating. The beach also has a beautiful view of the sunset that is ideal for watching, photographing, and romanticizing.
The beach has some facilities and amenities for visitors such as changing rooms, toilets, showers, food stalls, etc. The beach also has some activities and events for visitors such as beach volleyball, kite flying, music festivals, etc. The beach also has some nearby attractions such as the Bassein Fort, the Rangaon Beach, the Bhuigaon Beach, etc.
The Suruchi Beach is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the beach. You can reach the beach by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the beach faster. The beach is located about 8 km from Vasai railway station.
The Suruchi Beach is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some beach fun and enjoyment in Vasai.
Chandika Devi Temple
Another top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Chandika Devi Temple. This is a temple dedicated to the mother goddess Chandika who is a form of Durga. It is located in Juchandra village, near Vasai and Naigaon, situated on a hill 400 feet above sea level. It is a sacred and serene temple that offers a spiritual and scenic experience for visitors.
To reach the temple, you have to climb about 100 steps that are carved out of rock. The climb is steep but rewarding, as you get to see the natural beauty and greenery of the hill. You can also spot some monkeys and birds along the way.
The temple has a simple and elegant structure that blends with the surroundings. The temple has a main shrine that houses a stone idol of Chandika Devi. The idol is adorned with flowers, jewelry, and clothes. There are also several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Ganesha, Hanuman, Shiva, etc.
The temple is famous for its peaceful and calm atmosphere that attracts many devotees and visitors. The temple also has a stunning view of the valley and the villages below. The temple is especially beautiful during festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, etc. when it is decorated with lights and colors.
The Chandika Devi Temple is open from 6:30 am to 8 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the temple or the climb. You can reach the temple by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the temple faster. The temple is located about 4 km from Vasai railway station.
The Chandika Devi Temple is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some culture and nature in Vasai.
Lodha Dham
One more top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Lodha Dham. This is a temple that is dedicated to the Jain Munis who travel across the country for spiritual purposes. It is a place where you can learn about the Jain culture and religion and admire the architecture and art of the temple.
The temple has a unique structure with a specific religious holy symbol. The temple has a main shrine that houses a marble idol of Lord Mahavir. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other Tirthankaras and deities. The temple also has a library that contains various books and scriptures related to Jainism.
The temple also has a dharamshala that provides accommodation and food for the Jain Munis and other pilgrims. The dharamshala has over 200 rooms that are equipped with modern amenities and facilities. The dharamshala also has a garden, a playground, a gym, a spa, etc.
The temple also has a pravachan hall where various lectures and discourses are held on Jain philosophy and ethics. The temple also organizes various events and festivals such as Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti, Diwali, etc.
The Lodha Dham is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the temple or the dharamshala. You can reach the temple by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the temple faster. The temple is located on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway near Annapurna Hotel.
The Lodha Dham is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some culture and peace in Vasai.
Jivdani Temple
A final top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Jivdani Temple. This is a temple dedicated to the goddess Jivdani who is a form of Adishakti. It is located on the Jivdani hill in Virar, which is part of the Satpura range. It is an ancient and sacred temple that offers a glimpse into the past and a view of the present for visitors.
To reach the temple, you have to climb about 1400 steps that are carved out of rock. The climb is not very steep but challenging, as you get to see the natural beauty and greenery of the hill. You can also spot some monkeys and birds along the way.
The temple has a main shrine that houses a stone idol of Jivdani Mata. The idol is adorned with flowers, jewelry, and clothes. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Ganesha, Hanuman, Shiva, etc.
The temple is famous for its peaceful and calm atmosphere that attracts many devotees and visitors. The temple also has a stunning view of the valley and the city below. The temple is especially beautiful during festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, etc. when it is decorated with lights and colors.
The Jivdani Temple is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the temple or the climb. You can reach the temple by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the temple faster. The temple is located about 5 km from Vasai railway station.
The Jivdani Temple is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some culture and nature in Vasai.
Vajreshwari Temple
One more top thing to do in Vasai for adventure lovers is to visit the Vajreshwari Temple. This is a temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshwari who is a form of Durga. It is located in the town of Vajreshwari, near Vasai and Sopara, on the bank of the river Tansa. It is an ancient and historical temple that offers a glimpse into the past and a view of the present for visitors.
The temple has a main shrine that houses a stone idol of Vajreshwari Devi. The idol is adorned with flowers, jewelry, and clothes. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Ganesha, Hanuman, Shiva, etc.
The temple is famous for its association with Chimaji Appa, the brother and general of Peshwa Bajirao I. He prayed to the goddess for victory over the Portuguese in Vasai and renovated the temple after winning the battle in 1739. The temple also has a bell that was brought from a Portuguese church as a war trophy.
The temple also has a pravachan hall where various lectures and discourses are held on Hindu philosophy and ethics. The temple also organizes various events and festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, etc.
The temple is also surrounded by natural hot springs that are believed to have medicinal and healing properties. Many devotees take a dip in the springs before entering the temple. There are also some waterfalls near the temple that offer a refreshing and soothing experience.
The Vajreshwari Temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day. There is no entry fee for the temple or the springs. You can reach the temple by bus or auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to reach the temple faster. The temple is located about 27 km from Vasai railway station.
The Vajreshwari Temple is a must-visit place for adventure lovers who want to experience some culture and nature in Vasai.
Conclusion
Vasai is a hidden gem for adventure lovers who want to explore the rich history, culture and nature of this coastal town. Whether you are looking for thrilling water sports, scenic trekking trails, ancient forts or serene temples, Vasai has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of Vasai with these top things to do.
References
FAQ on Bassein Fort
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How can I reach Vasai from Mumbai?
You can reach Vasai from Mumbai by taking a local train from Churchgate or Dadar to Vasai Road railway station. The train journey takes about an hour and a half. You can also take a bus or a taxi from Mumbai to Vasai.
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What is the best time to visit Vasai?
The best time to visit Vasai is during the winter season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. You can also visit Vasai during the monsoon season (June to September) when the waterfalls and greenery are at their best. However, avoid visiting Vasai during the summer season (March to May) when the weather is hot and humid.
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What are some of the things to carry while visiting Vasai?
Some of the things to carry while visiting Vasai are:
– Comfortable clothes and shoes
– Sunscreen and sunglasses
– Water bottle and snacks
– Camera and binoculars
– Umbrella and raincoat (during monsoon)
– Cash and cards
– ID proof and emergency contacts -
What are some of the safety precautions to take while visiting Vasai?
Some of the safety precautions to take while visiting Vasai are:
– Follow the rules and regulations of the places you visit
– Respect the local culture and customs
– Avoid venturing out alone or at night
– Beware of pickpockets and scammers
– Keep your valuables and documents safe
– Stay hydrated and avoid eating street food
– Seek medical help if you feel unwell or injured -
What are some of the other places to visit near Vasai?
Some of the other places to visit near Vasai are:
– Thane: A city that offers many attractions such as lakes, parks, temples, malls and museums.
– Palghar: A district that offers many attractions such as beaches, forts, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries.
– Dahanu: A coastal town that offers many attractions such as beaches, orchards, temples and farms.
