Sanjay Gandhi National Park

If you feel only mildly adventurous, this is the spot. You can take a train, metro or cab. In the densely populated northern suburb of Mumbai, this park, despite being popular with city dwellers, can feel like a quiet oasis, especially in the early hours of the day. 

Avoid the guides luring you to animal safaris where you may encounter caged leopards and fatigued lions. Instead, rent a cycle and take a breezy ride up to the top of the hill. You will be welcomed by starfruit and pineapple sellers. 

Stroll through the stone-cut Kanheri caves, and visit the massive prayer hall with sculptures and intricate carvings. Surrounding the caves are the forests of Mumbai – home to hundreds of birds, animals, and over 1,300 flowering plants including Karvy flowers that turn the hill purple once every 8 years. Book one of various guided trails from the SGNP website (under ‘Nature Trails’) or through tour companies like Treks and Tours India – they lead you to waterfalls, deer and flowering trees. 

The Shilonda trail is the  easiest and most scenic, with a stream and several birds and butterflies along the path. There are also moderate climbs like the Gaumukh trail which could take around 4 hours.