Gorai Experience: Hoping to catch a glimpse of Goa very near to Mumbai? Then Gorai is your destination. An island village near northern Mumbai offers beautiful views of rustic countryside. Must visit if you want to travel the least and enjoy the most !
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Food: The island has to offer many different types of cuisines to suit many tastes but freshly served sea-food tops my list .
Sight-seeing: Churches, Beaches and amusement parks make an exciting trio ! The major places worth seeing can be:
1) Gorai Beach : Undoubtedly must visit for its appealing views of sunset.
2) Churches: There are three beautiful churches on the island which boasts of substantial Christain population which give the land a feel of Goa.
3) Amusement parks: The theme parks of Water Kingdom and Essel world are must see if you are an adventure buff.
4)Global Vipassana Pagoda : A huge golden dome like structure which makes its wonderful presence felt throughout the region is worth visiting to be feel amazed about its architectural magnificence !
Shopping: You can save a lot in this domain as nothing much significant is available.
Activities & things to do: Horse-cart ride is really enjoyable in the interiors of village. Kids and adventure enthusiasts can hit the famous amusement parks in vicinity. Apart from that, the Gorai beach and near-by region is best for enjoying a laid back life. If time permits nearby places like Madh-Marve, Manori can be visited in couple of days.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: 1)By Public transport: Well connected to Mumbai suburb's Borivali station west with regular buses to Gorai Bus terminal.BEST Bus #294 takes you directly to Gorai jetty which otherwise is a short walk from Gorai bus depot.
2)By Own vehicle : The roadway route to Gorai exists....but its a long drive through diversion at NH8 via Bhayander-Uttan-Gorai..about 45 minutes.
TRAVEL WARNINGS: Swimming should be avoided at some of the unsafe beaches in the vicinity. Need to negotiate rates for carts and rickshaws beforehand on island unless you want to be taken on a joy-ride ;) !
