Famous Lakes in Thane: Masunda (Talao Pali) and Upvan Lake (Pokhran)

“Thane, known as the lake city, boasts a variety of artificial and natural lakes. Among them, two well-known and frequently visited lakes are Masunda, also known as Talao Pali, and Upvan Lake located in Pokhran Village near the picturesque slopes of Yeoor, a part of the National Park. Both lakes offer attractions and are perfect for spending quality time with family and friends.

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If you plan to explore these lakes, you’ll be pleased to know that the distance between them is only 6.5 kilometers within the Thane city vicinity. Talao Pali is conveniently located near Thane station, while Upvan Lake is a bit further away. Both lakes are renowned for their serene morning walks, leisure activities, fun outings, hangouts, boating, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature..”

Masunda (Also Called Talao Pali) Lake in Thane

Real Name : Masunda Lake (Also locally famous as Talao Pali / Talav pali).
Address : Ganthali Shivaji Path, Talao Pali Lake, Thane (West), Maharashtra 400602.
Talao Pali Lake Timings : 24 Hours Open.
Entry Fees : Free.
Car Parking : Road side, Outside the lake.
Washroom / Bathroom Facilities : Available.
Cameras & Video Shooting : Allowed with No Cost.
Boating Timings : 4:00 pm to 9:30 Pm.
Boating Charges : A half hour ride will cost Rs.70 Per Person (Paddle Boat), Rs.130 (Nano Boat, 2 Seaters) & Rs.350 (4 Seater Family Boat). Charges may vary as of today.
Attractions : Explore the Lord Shiva Temple situated in the middle of a serene lake, perfect for boating (unavailable during Monsoons). Enjoy a traditional horse cart ride, seek shade under lush green trees, grab a bite at nearby eateries, and marvel at the fountain & Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak with its golden idol on horseback.

The locals affectionately refer to this lake as Talao Pali or Talav Pali. In Hindi and Marathi, “Talao” means lake, while “Pali” signifies a seating place. This lake holds great historical significance as one of the oldest and largest lakes in Thane city. Conveniently located just a short 5 to 7-minute walk from the station, Masunda Lake is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Its breathtaking views, ample seating areas, and the refreshing shade provided by the large green trees make it a perfect spot to unwind. Additionally, the lake offers a range of entertainment and leisure options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

See Also: Drinking water sources.

You can easily reach this spot within 15 to 20 minutes from anywhere in Thane city. This serene water body is the ideal place in the city for a refreshing morning or evening stroll. It offers a peaceful retreat for tired individuals who wish to unwind before heading home or for those who are already out on field work and desire a moment of leisure. Among the approximately 35 lakes in Thane, Talao Pali stands out as a beloved destination for families and groups of friends residing in Thane. Whether you’re looking for a casual walk, a hangout spot, or simply some leisure time, Talao Pali is the perfect choice, as it remains open 24 hours a day.

Masunda Talao offers the perfect setting for a fun and relaxing time. Food enthusiasts can enjoy lakeside eateries, vendors, and stalls serving a variety of dishes like ‘Chana Masala’, ‘Peanuts’, ‘Chinese Corner’, ‘Frankie Stalls’, and ‘Pav Bhaji’. Additionally, visitors can savor Mumbai’s renowned Jhunka Bhakar stall and indulge in some Cutting Chai. For the little ones, there are entertainment options such as Balloon vendors, Sweet candy (referred to as ‘Buddhi Ke Baal’ by children in Hindi), and a small playing zone, making it an excellent spot for families to gather.

Thane’s largest auditorium, Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan, is situated right next to the lake area. The entire area has now turned into a bustling hub as Thane has grown beyond its small village roots. A few decades ago, this lake used to be a peaceful spot with only a handful of visitors, mostly senior citizens. People would come to worship Lord Shiva at the temple inside, spend quality time from morning till evening, and chat with friends. The lake was renowned for these activities. Speaking of the temple and the deity, this lake becomes extremely popular during Ganesh Immersion, also known as Ganapati Visarjan.

Chaos engulfs this place throughout the day, primarily caused by heavy traffic, bustling street vendors, and vibrant markets. The morning and evening hours witness a significant traffic congestion on the surrounding roads. Finding a parking spot along the roadside becomes a daunting task as the sun sets. As for safety concerns at Masunda lake, there is nothing to fret about during the day or even in the evenings. However, it is advisable for families to avoid late evenings, especially after 9:30 PM, if they wish to relish the enchanting sight of the illuminated fountain. This spot holds a special place in the hearts of couples and lovers in Thane.

People flock to this place not just for leisure, but also for the thrill of horse cart riding, the serenity of paddle boating, and the indulgence of munching at fast food corners and restaurants. The millennial generation, in particular, can be spotted having a blast creating Tik Tok videos by the lakeside. Additionally, there is a delightful children’s garden named ‘Shimla Park’ nestled near the lake. If you have any additional information about this park, please share it in the comments below!

Numerous regular visitors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the unpleasant odor and uncleanliness in the vicinity of this lake. While the authorities have been diligent in carrying out desiltation and aeration as necessary, there is still room for further improvement in air quality and the complete elimination of that foul smell.

Not only will this help alleviate the mosquito issue, but it will also enhance the overall experience for people, allowing them to fully enjoy their time here. The early mornings are particularly delightful, with locals taking full advantage of the area for jogging and walking. And let’s not forget the beautiful seagulls that often grace us with their presence, becoming frequent companions in this serene setting.

Discover the mesmerizing Kopineshwar temple, also known as the Mahadev Dhyan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This magnificent temple has stood proudly within a water body for decades, captivating all who lay eyes upon it. As you gaze into the distance, the temple’s presence is unmistakable. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of this sacred place, where devotees come to focus their minds and worship the mighty Lord Mahadev.

From afar, one cannot miss the magnificent sight of the colossal Lord Hanuman idol, affectionately known as ‘Bajrangbali’ or ‘The Monkey God’, standing tall outside the temple premises. This unique deity possesses a human body with a distinctive monkey-like face and a tail. Standing at an impressive height of 20 feet, the idol shines in a vibrant shade of orange, exuding an aura of strength and vitality. It is this very power that has made Hanuman a revered figure among all.

Lovebirds can be spotted from dawn till midnight, as they cherish their time together at this enchanting lake. They indulge in delightful boat rides, savor some delicious junk food, or simply relax beneath their beloved shady trees. As the sun sets, the late evenings become even more magical, with the eateries and trees illuminated, and a mesmerizing fountain dancing in the water. However, it is after 9:30 when the low-lit areas offer these couples the perfect haven for privacy, making the late evenings truly special for them.

Upvan Lake (At Pokhran Village), Thane

Real Name : Upvan Lake (Also called Pokhran Lake due to the village).
Address : Upvan Lake Road, End Of 1st and 2nd Pokharan Road, Thane West, Mumbai 400607
Upvan Lake Timings : 24 Hours Open.
Entry Fees : Free.
Car Parking : Outside the lake.
Washroom / Bathroom Facilities : Available.
Cameras & Video Shooting : Allowed with No Cost.
Boating Timings : 4:00 pm to 9:30 Pm.
Boating Charges : Experience a delightful half-hour ride on our paddle boat for just Rs.100 per couple. Immerse yourself in the serene surroundings as you glide through the water. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer a thrilling speed boat facility. So come on board and create unforgettable memories on the water!
Attractions : Majestic mountains, sailing on the lake, refreshing breeze, delicious eateries, a children’s playground, and a Ganesh Temple nearby.

Pokhran village

Pokhran village, home to Upvan lake, is located approximately 7.5 kilometers away from Thane Railway Station, taking around 20 minutes to reach. Among the various lakes in Thane city, this is the second most popular one. Its popularity is due to its proximity to the Yeoor Hill Forest area of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, making the surroundings picturesque and close to nature.

This place has fresh air, cool breeze, and a peaceful atmosphere near the forest. The lake water can sometimes smell bad, but during the monsoon season, Upvan Lake becomes a stunning destination to visit. The hilly forest setting and greenery around the lake attract beautiful birds, butterflies, monkeys, tortoises, and even snakes. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers in Thane. It’s also a great place for short distance cycling around the lake, with cycling groups already exploring Yeoor hillocks on MTB for many years now.

The ideal time to go to Upvan lake is in the early morning or evening. People who enjoy morning walks and evening strolls are often spotted there. Sometimes, especially on holidays and weekends, it can get quite crowded, but it’s not as bad as the traffic near Masunda lake. The fatigue disappears once you feel the evening breeze, listen to the musical fountain, and see the beautiful lights.

There are two restaurants inside the lake area that mainly offer fast food for food lovers. The menu includes pizzas, wraps, tandoori nawabi makhani tikka, chicken and fish dishes, pasta, mojito, mint and peach, mango shake, bubble ice tea, and more. The prices are higher compared to others, but the outdoor seating area right outside the restaurant (refer to the picture) makes it worth a try.

Visiting the beautiful natural lakes is great any day, but it’s even more special during the ‘Upvan Art Festival‘ & ‘Sanskruti Arts Festival‘ held in January & February each year. These cultural and art festivals light up the entire lake area, making it an ideal destination for family and friends to have a fun and educational time together.

One of the spots at the lake is known as ‘Upvan Lake Deck’. It’s an elevated area offering a full view of the lake, perfect for selfie enthusiasts. The unique feature of this place is the seating arrangements. When the lights are on in the evening, the Musical fountain creates a delightful atmosphere, especially during festivals. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Upvan Lake Deck’ area for a few minutes to take some photos for lasting memories.

The large idol of Lord Shiva in the middle of Upvan lake, painted blue, can always be seen from the surrounding area. If you want to surprise your beloved, take a boat ride in the evening when it’s a little dark and the fountain is lit. Go to the center of the lake and enjoy the view.

Just so you know, there is a Ganesh temple near the lake and a small garden with artificial wild animal models inside. Kids love seeing those animals. Overall, it’s a very peaceful location in one of the corners of Thane city, with lots of green trees and mountains around.

Lastly, don’t miss the fact that it’s also a haven for couples. It’s a perfect spot for lovers in Thane city, so parents need to take care of their kids, especially during late evening hours.

Checkout both these lakes on Google Map.

All Above Pictures Credits : Amol Ghotkar, Shruti Gaonkar, Anant Naik, Shweta Singh & Thane Vlogger.

See also : Sagar Upvan Garden at Colaba. Powai Lake, Bhatsa Lake, Modak Sagar (Upper Vaitarna), Tansa Lake, Tulsi lake, and Vihar lake.