Photo: Verma a k, Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Upvan Lake in the early morning, photographed in 2016. The boats moored in the picture do not show what operates today.
Quick answer: from Vashi or Airoli, take a direct Trans-Harbour local to Thane and exit on the west side. Allow about 30 minutes on the train from Vashi, and about 8 minutes from Airoli on one scheduled service, not counting waiting and the onward journey. From Thane West, take a metered auto to Upvan Lake, or ask at the TMT bus stand for the service towards Upvan or Gawand Baug. If you are staying for sunset, confirm your return stop and bus time before you start your walk.
Bus routes and fares change. Confirm the stop on the day. This site does not run the lake or the buses.
Chhath Puja, 15 November 2026: Thane Municipal Corporation was reported on 9 November 2026 to be preparing arrangements at Upvan, Masunda (Talao Pali) and Raila Devi lakes, including barricades, CCTV, ambulances and medical teams (Navbharat Live). Expect crowds and possible changes around the water on that day, and check TMC notices before you go.
Driving to Thane station: Thane Municipal Corporation lists an underground car park at Gaondevi Maidan near the station, with space for 120 two-wheelers and 130 four-wheelers (Thane Smart City project page). Rates and hours are not given there, so check on arrival.
Getting there from Navi Mumbai
| Start | Train to Thane | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Airoli | About 8 minutes on one scheduled local, not counting waiting | Auto, or a TMT bus towards Upvan from Thane Station (W) |
| Vashi | Allow about 30 minutes, not counting waiting | Auto, or a TMT bus towards Upvan from Thane Station (W) |
Both are Trans-Harbour trains. For tickets and passes see our Mumbai local train guide, and for the start of your trip see our Vashi railway station guide or Airoli railway station guide.
From Thane station to the lake
- Exit: leave the station on the west side, which is the Thane West side.
- By auto: a metered auto from Thane West is the simpler option. The fare depends on the road distance to your drop-off, so ask for the meter and say Upvan Lake, Thane West.
- By bus: timetable sites list TMT route 11 between Thane Station (W) and Gawand Baug, with Upvan on the route (route 11 timetable). Ask at the bus stand which stop serves the lakeside promenade, and ask the conductor for the fare.
- Distance: guides give anywhere from about 4.4 km to about 7.5 km from the station, so treat any single figure as approximate.
Where the lake is
- Map pin: the lake is at about 19.2216 N, 72.9560 E (open in Google Maps). That marks the lake, not a particular gate or bus stop.
- Address: Upvan Lake Road, end of 1st and 2nd Pokhran Road, Thane West, according to address listings. Wikipedia describes the lake as the junction of the Pokhran I and Pokhran II roads, near Gawand Baug, with the Thane mayor’s official residence next to it (Wikipedia).
What to expect at the lake
- A lakeside walkway with views of the Yeoor hills and the city skyline. The walk is the main outing.
- A Ganesha temple beside the lake. Thousands of Ganpati idols are immersed here on the last day of Ganeshotsav, and the annual Sanskruti Arts Festival is held here (Wikipedia). The 2026 arts festival was scheduled for 6 to 9 February (Thane photo blog).
- Boating is listed by travel guides, but boating hours, boating charges, parking rates and gate hours differ from one guide to the next. Ask at the lake before you plan around any of them.
Planning an evening visit
- When you arrive, check the stop and the departure times for your return bus.
- Walk the promenade. If boating interests you, ask at the boating counter whether it is running and what it costs.
- Leave enough time for the journey back to Thane station, and keep an auto or a cab as a fallback.
- Check your train home from Thane. The Trans-Harbour timetable is in the Mumbai local train guide.
Prefer a lake closer to Thane station?
Choose Upvan for the Yeoor hills setting. Masunda Talao, also called Talao Pali, is a lake near Thane station that suits a shorter outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach Upvan Lake from Vashi?
Take a direct Trans-Harbour local from Vashi to Thane, and allow about 30 minutes on the train. Exit on the west side, then take a metered auto or ask at the TMT bus stand for the service towards Upvan or Gawand Baug.
How do I reach Upvan Lake from Airoli?
Take a Trans-Harbour local from Airoli to Thane, which takes about 8 minutes on one scheduled service, then a metered auto or a TMT bus from Thane Station (W).
How do I get back from Upvan Lake in the evening?
Confirm your return stop and the bus departures when you arrive, before you start your walk. A metered auto or a cab to Thane station is the fallback.
Is boating available at Upvan Lake?
Travel guides list boating, but they differ on the hours and the charges. Ask at the lake before you plan around it.
Is there an entry fee at Upvan Lake?
Travel guides list free entry. Ask at the gate, because guides also differ on gate hours and parking.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| TMT route 11 between Thane Station (W) and Gawand Baug | Route 11 timetable |
| Location, history, festival, Ganpati immersion | Wikipedia, Upvan Lake |
| Arts festival dates | Thane photo blog |
| Photo | Verma a k, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Checked 11 November 2026. This page will be updated when the promenade entrance and the return stop have been confirmed.
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