Vihar Lake – Drinking Water Source Of Mumbai

Vihar lake is yet another drinking water source to Mumbai. Constructed in 1860, This fresh water reservoir has its water filtration (900 MLD Water Treatment Plant) on other end which is Bhandup.

This lake is close to Powai lake which is no more a drinking water source. This and Tulsi lake falls under green forest premise of Borivali national park.

Public Access to this lake is restricted and needs special permissions..”

Vihar, A Fresh Drinking Water Reservoir Lake

Vihar lake is the very first fresh drinking water reservoir created when British government was ruling the then called ‘Bombay’. It is one of the very few water bodies inside Mumbai. Till date it supply piped clean drinking water to South Mumbai city which first goes through the water filtration plant at Bhandup area connected to the lake.

Located not far from Tulsi and is covered by dense forest with Powai lake adjacent.

Since 1993 Mumbai blast & Upon some new construction work in an around, This lake is serene and isolated for security and since then is publicly restricted. Many senior citizens have enjoy unrestricted access to this forest area & Vihar lake area and enjoyed their childhood spending quality time with Family and friends as a Day Picnic here, Connected to Aarey colony and Backside of Filmcity.

One of the best view of this reservoir is from Sameer Hills located inside IIT Mumbai Campus area. Another location to get one of the best view is from top of Goregaon Filmcity.

To better understand the location, Vihar, Powai and Tulsi lakes are all part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Which also includes Goregaon Aarey Colony & Filmcity too.

Compared to the adjacent Tulsi lake it is small, But with lots of Marsh Crocodiles (Magar) since it is a fresh water lake of Mumbai. Surrounded by small villages like Sahi Banguda which has small muddy lanes reaching a small portion of Vihar lake.

It is one of the unexplored / not much known beautiful locations of Mumbai city. Lush greenery and No concrete view, For few minutes one will feel like not in Mumbai city & Some part of Kerala or Goa.

Monsoons are heaven for all the Migratory birds, Fishes, Frogs and Reptiles like crocodiles and snakes. Since isolated from Humans, This serene lake is less known and can only be seen in few Bollywood movies

How to reach this Lake

As said, Access is restricted by government authority for public. This lake is located behind national park forest area and can be seen from far from hills of national park and film city only. So no main gate entrance or something like that to reach here.

Nearest railway station is Goregaon & Jogeshwari as there are 2 locations from where one can be very close to the lake premise. From Goregaon, Via Aarey Colony Towards Royal Palms and Another from Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), First left one you reach Powai Lake.

It is also said that Filmcity has some access and route to reach one part of Vihar Reservoir.

Pictures Courtesy : Kashif Qureshi, Sumeet rao.

See all lakes near Mumbai and famous lakes in thane.

See More in    Lakes