History of Upvan Lake, Thane

Upvan Lake History

The Upvan Lake in Thane was founded and refurbished by Mr J. K. Singhania of the prominent Indian Singhania business family to supply water to Raymond’s factory nearby. It was also used by the local administration to provide water supply to the entire Thane city and nearby areas. Eventually, the lake went out of use and was laid to waste due to neglect. Overgrowth of marine plants and excessive silt led to the loss of precious marine life. Additionally, sewage from the nearby settlements and industries polluted the lake.

In 2004, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) took up the behemoth and important task of restoring 13 lakes in and around Thane, with Upvan Talav being one of them. With financial assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, TMC spent nearly ₹2.3 crores and used the Bio-Remediation process to de-silt, remove the excessive plant growth and restore the depleting oxygen levels.

However, keeping the refreshed lakes free from pollution was another challenge. The Pollution Control Board conducted an enquiry after multiple customer complaints and found that the surrounding settlements are still polluting the lake.

The civic Public Works Department at TMC began work on diverting all sewage lines under the guidance of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and keeping the lakes, including Upvan Lake, clear of pollution.

Over the course of the last few years, the TMC took up multiple beautification projects, such as boating, a dedicated jogging track, proper lighting, safety fences, ample sitting areas, regular maintenance, etc., at the Upvan and other refurbished lakes. Upvan Talav also has the official residence of the Mayor of Thane adjacent to it.

Things to Do at Upvan Lake, Thane

Upvan Lake Boating

Boating

You can enjoy paddle boating and speed boating at Upvan Lake in Thane at nominal costs. The boating is available from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. You can check the ticket costs and book the tickets at the counter available near the lake.

Upvan Lake Jogging/Walking

Jogging/Walking

The cool forest breeze wafting from the lush Yeoor Hills and the fresh air owing to its proximity to nature, make Upvan Lake in Thane perfect for fitness enthusiasts. During early mornings or late evenings, you can visit the lake for a leisurely stroll, brisk walk or a jog at the dedicated jogging track.

Upvan Lake Picnic

Picnic

You can enjoy a fun picnic with your family or friends in the adjoining Upvan Lake garden. Evenings are the perfect time to enjoy the surroundings, enjoy some snacks, play some games and have a jolly time with your loved ones at Upvan Talav. However, do not litter and clean up after yourself, especially food wrappers and leftovers.

Upvan Lake Sunsets

Sunsets

Upvan Lake in Thane displays a picturesque sunset every evening. Visit in the late afternoon, have a picnic at the Upvan Lake garden or enjoy a meal at one of the open-air food joints and witness the colourful tapestry of the evening sky with a brilliant display of sunset at the lake.

Upvan Lake Deck & Musical Fountains

Upvan Lake Deck and Musical Fountain:

Upvan Talav has an elevated platform or deck that offers an amazing view of the lake and the surrounding areas. It is especially popular with selfie lovers as you can take a photograph with the entire panorama. Another highlight is the musical fountain in the evening, which is illuminated on special days and during events.

Upvan Lake Events

Events:

Upvan Lake in Thane hosts the Upvan Art Festival in January and the Sanskruti Arts Festival in February every year. The entire lake is illuminated with colourful lights on the evenings of the Upvan festivals, which makes it a sight to behold.

Upvan Lake Nature Hikes

Nature Hikes:

Multiple nature hikes, treks and cycling expeditions are regularly organised to the adjoining Yeoor Hills from Upvan Talav. Yeoor Hills is a biological treasure with a wide variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers.

Lord Ganesh Temple Near Upvan Lake

Lord Ganesh Temple

A small Lord Ganesh temple is located near Upvan Lake in Thane. Devotees can take blessings and spend a few minutes of quiet contemplation at the temple.

Stock Image

How to Reach Upvan Lake, Thane

  • Upvan Lake is easily accessible from all parts of Thane by auto, cabs and TMC buses.
  • If you are travelling from Mumbai or surrounding suburbs connected by the Mumbai suburban local trains, simply get down at Thane railway station on the central line. You can get an auto/cab from the station to Upvan Talav, which is 7.5 kilometres (approximately 20 minutes away). Multiple TMC buses also ply from Thane railway station to Upvan Lake.
  • Thane has great road connectivity, with multiple major roads, expressways and highways connecting it to Mumbai and other surrounding regions. So, you can also take your private vehicle or a direct cab to Upvan Lake. A parking facility is available near Upvan Lake.
  • Travellers coming in from other parts of the state can also catch multiple public or private buses that stop at Thane or nearby areas.
  • The nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (~26 kilometres away).
  • The major railway stations near Upvan Talav where long-distance trains halt are Thane, Dadar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Bandra Terminus, Mumbai Central, etc.

Entry Fee to Upvan Lake & Other Charges

Upvan Lake Entry Fees

There are NO ENTRY FEES for visiting Upvan Lake in Thane.

No additional costs for photography and videography

There are no additional costs for photography and videography at Upvan Lake.

Nominal parking charges if you park near Upvan Talav

There are nominal parking charges if you wish to park your vehicle at the designated parking near Upvan Talav.

Tips for Visiting Upvan Lake, Thane

Best time to visit Upvan Lake

Early mornings, late afternoons and evenings around sunset are the best time to visit Upvan Lake to enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze.

Avoid mid-afternoons, especially during summers, to avoid the Mumbai heat

Avoid mid-afternoons, especially during summers, to avoid the Mumbai heat. Also, most eateries around the lake are closed during the afternoons.

Be careful when boating, and do not try to lean against the sides of the boat

Be careful when boating, and do not try to lean against the sides of the boat.

Monsoon is the best season to visit Upvan Lake in Thane

Monsoon is the best season to visit Upvan Lake in Thane to enjoy the lush greenery and natural beauty surrounding the lake in its full verdant glory. Winters are also great as the temperatures are moderate in most parts of Thane.

Popular Lakes in Thane

Other Popular Lakes in Thane

  • Talao/Talav Pali (Masunda Lake)
  • Makhmali Lake
  • Kachrali Lake
  • Jail Lake
  • Brahmala Lake
  • Siddheshwar Lake
  • and others.

Other Tourist Places to Visit Near Upvan Lake, Thane

Thane and adjoining Mumbai are known for a long list of popular places to visit. Here are some renowned tourist places near Upvan Lake in Thane that you can visit:

Yeoor Hills Thane

Yeoor Hills

Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves and Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden

Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden

Tikuji Ni Wadi

Tikuji Ni Wadi

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

Elvis Butterfly Garden

Elvis Butterfly Garden

Mahuli Fort

Mahuli Fort

Tansa Lake and Dam

Tansa Lake and Dam

TMC Biodiversity Park

TMC Biodiversity Park

Thane also has a slew of popular malls, such as Viviana, Korum and R-Mall, multiplexes and shopping centres.

Residential Projects Near Upvan Lake, Thane

Thane city offers great social, cultural, educational and economic potential to offer. With some renowned educational institutions, excellent medical infrastructure, great connectivity with surrounding areas and several long-standing residential properties across all price ranges, Thane is a great place to buy a home. And an affordable one as well.

Apart from all this existing infrastructure, Thane is seeing the development of new commercial spaces and luxury residential complexes. If you, too, are looking to buy a property in Thane, then check out Piramal Vaikunth by Piramal Realty.

Residential Projects Near Upvan Lake, Thane

Residential Projects Near Upvan Lake, Thane

Piramal Vaikunth Near Upvan Lake, Thane

Overlooking the verdant Yeoor Hills, the beautiful Thane creek and the stunning Thane cityscape, Piramal Vaikunth in Balkum, Thane offers luxury, well-designed apartments. Select apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows and a three-side outside view that allows panoramic views of sunrise, sunset and the surrounding scenery. And enjoy these views without worrying about the city’s heat and pollution with the double-glazed windows.

Piramal Vaikunth is your green oasis in the heart of the city. With 40% open spaces, inside-outside architecture, ~60,000 square feet of amenities area and an ISKCON temple on the premises, we offer you not just a home but a sustainable community.

You can take a 3D e-tour of the property online or book a visit with us.

FAQs

Where is Upvan Lake located?

Upvan Lake in Thane city is located in the Pokhran village in the Upvan region at the foothills of Yeoor Hills.

Who built Upvan Lake?

Upvan Lake was founded and also reconstructed by Mr J. K. Singhania.

When is Upvan Lake open?

The Upvan Lake in Thane is open 24 hours a day. However, boating timings are from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

What is the best time to visit Upvan Lake in Thane?

Upvan Talav is open round-the-clock, but the best time to visit is in the early morning and the evenings. You should also visit the lake during the Upvan Lake Festival. Fitness enthusiasts can visit in the morning to walk or jog on the jogging track and enjoy the fresh morning breeze. In the evenings, the lake is popular for boating and the stunning views of the sunset.

How to go to Upvan Lake from Thane station?

Upvan Lake in Pokhran village is located around 7.5 kilometres away from Thane railway station. It takes about 20 minutes by auto/taxi to reach the lake from the railway station. Multiple TMC public transport buses also run from Thane station to Upvan Lake.

Is sunset visible from Upvan Lake?

Yes, Upvan Lake in Thane offers some amazing views of the sunset.

Can we go to Upvan Lake at night?

Yes. Upvan Lake in Thane is an open public space, and you can visit it at night. However, early mornings and evenings are the best time to visit.

How many lakes are there in Thane?

Thane, the City of Lakes, has close to 35 lakes.

What is the cost of a boat ride in Upvan Lake Thane?

For 30 minutes, paddle boats cost INR 50.

How far is Upvan Lake from Thane?

It takes about 4 kms to get to Upvan Lake from Thane Station.
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