Lesser known interesting places to visit in and around Mumbai

The financial capital of India is indeed a traveller’s paradise. Amidst the hustle-bustle and fast-paced Mumbai life, one fails to notice what the city has in store for its people and visitors.

Global Vipassana Pagoda

Dedicated to the Lord Buddha, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall built near Gorai in north-west Mumbai. The Pagoda, which is a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, serves as a monument of peace and harmony and has the world’s largest stone dome that doesn’t have any pillars for support.

The Walkeshwar Temple Complex

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple complex is believed to be associated with Lord Ram. Legend has it that Lord Ram made a Shiva Linga out of sand and hence the name Walkeshwar ( Valuka in Sanskrit means sand).  The Banganga is apparently the water that sprung up from underground after Lord Ram shot an arrow with his bow to quench his thirst.

Kanheri Caves

Situated amidst the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivli, a suburb on the Western line, the Kanheri caves is home to one of the oldest rock-cut Buddhist monuments. The caves date back to the 10th century and have inscriptions in Brahmi and Devnagri scripts.

Vasai Fort

Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Vasai Fort, also known as the Bassein Fort is situated in Vasai on the Western suburban Railway lines. The fort reflects Portuguese style of architecture.

Bandra Fort

Castelo da Aguada popularly known as Bandra Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1640. From this historic fort, one can see the newly built modern age Worli-Bandra sea link that cuts across the Arabic sea to bridge the gap between who shores of Mumbai.

Vajreshwari Temple

Vajreshwari Temple located in the town of Vrajeshwari in Thane district was constructed by the Marathas after the original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese. One can find as many as 21 hot-springs just a few kilometres away from the temple complex.