A Guide To Talao Pali Lake, Mumbai

Things to do / Highlights

Enjoy boating and horse rides

Among the many activities that can be enjoyed at Talao Pali Lake is boating. In the evenings, when the breeze is cool and the weather is pleasant, the lake comes alive with many activities for tourists and locals to indulge in. A number of rowboats and pedal boats are available at the lake that can be hired at a small price. Spend some quiet time pedalling on the serene water of the lake and feel the cool breeze on your face. Boat ride charges differ according to the season, but the rides are generally not operational during the monsoon.

Another activity that you can enjoy is taking horse rides or horse carriage rides around the lake. Several operators ply around the lake and you can bargain for the best price. Horse carriage rides are popular with families, and horse rides are favoured by children a lot. Going on a romantic horse carriage ride around the lake when the island and fountain in the middle of the lake are lit up is even more magical.

Go for a walk or a jog

If water activities or horse rides are not your favoured activities, then go for something as simple as a leisurely stroll or a vigorous jog along the lake. Talao Pali Lake is a popular spot for locals who can be seen walking or jogging in the early mornings. Yoga enthusiasts can also find a quiet spot by the lake to practice their movements and poses. In the summer months, evenings by the lake are full of joggers and walkers. A dedicated kid’s play area also attracts a lot of families looking to spend some quality time together. Fitness enthusiasts can delight in using various **exercise machines installed by the lake. Enjoy the cool breeze in the evening and end your walk or jog with a delicious snack from the nearby street food stalls.

What to eat

Another thing that attracts people from near and far to Talao Pali Lake are the lakeside street food stalls, offering a variety of snacks and drinks that are very popular with locals and tourists alike. On your visit, do remember to try these famous snacks:

Vada pav

Vada pav is a ubiquitous Mumbai snack. No visit to Mumbai and Talao Palo Lake is complete without a bite of vada pav. Simply put, it is the Indian version of a burger albeit a vegetarian one. It consists of a spiced potato fritter sandwiched inside a fluffy bun that is slathered with spicy, sweet and tangy sauces. This is a perfect on-the-go snack that is both tasty and filling. At Talao Pali Lake, the best vada pav is said to be offered at a shop called Gajanan Vada Pav.

Pani puri

Another popular Mumbai snack is pani puri. It comprises a deep-fried and hollow semolina ball that is filled with a spiced potato mix along with sweet, tangy and spicy sauces, and the entire ball is then filled up with a spice-and-herb infused water. Pani puri is best enjoyed when popped straight into your mouth as soon as it is prepared. Take your pick from a number of stalls selling pani puri that dot the lakeside and you can be assured of an authentic taste.

Travel tips

Time your visit

The best time to visit Talao Pali Lake is in the evening. The lake is lit up after it gets dark and the beautiful lights on the small island in the centre of the lake make the atmosphere quite magical. Visitors can even enjoy sunset views from the lake. Even in the summer, the weather around the lake is quite pleasant due to its proximity to the forested Yeoor hills nearby. Another great time to visit the lake is during the Hindu festivals of Diwali or New Year, when the locals dressed up in their finery show up at the lake to light small lamps, that add to the charm of the lake.

Skip dinner and fill up on the street food

Several eateries and street food stalls selling delicious local cuisine surround the lake. The food is quite reasonably priced, too, and a great way to sample local fare without breaking the bank. So, follow the locals and gorge on yummy snacks and drinks that will leave no room for dinner.

How to get there

By public transport

The train station nearest to Talao Pali Lake is Thane railway station. Visitors can board a Mumbai local train and alight at this station to access the lake. From the station, the lake is just a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can even board a number of local buses from the station to reach the lake.

By taxi, auto-rickshaw or ride-hailing apps

The easiest way to reach the lake is by hiring a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw. Taxis can be pre-booked and auto-rickshaws can be hailed on the road in Thane. You can even order a ride from Uber or Ola ride-hailing apps in Mumbai.

By private vehicle

Thane is well-connected to other parts of Mumbai and Maharashtra by road. Driving directions to Talao Pali Lake are easily available and you can reach it in your own car or a rental one.

Parking information

No dedicated parking area is available near the lake. Visitors can park their vehicles for free by the roadside. But parking spots may be limited and the area gets quite congested in the evenings.

Talao Pali Lake information

Talao Pali Lake

Address: Ganthali Shivaji Path, Near Station, Ghantali, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400601, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Department of tourism: Maharashtra Tourism

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