Looking for the best places to visit in Kalyan? You've come to the right place. Kalyan is a historic city in Thane, Maharashtra that offers a perfect mix of history, nature, spirituality, and modern entertainment. Whether you're planning a day trip from Mumbai or looking for weekend getaway spots, this guide covers all the famous places in Kalyan and nearby areas.
Located just 44 km from Mumbai and 148 km from Pune, Kalyan is easily accessible by train and road. The city is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and has a rich history dating back centuries. From ancient forts to peaceful lakes, shopping malls to spiritual sites, there's something for everyone here.
About Kalyan City
Kalyan, Thane, Maharashtra, India is the second largest city in Thane District with a population of over 12 lakh people. The city has witnessed many important historical events and has been ruled by various dynasties including the Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas, and British.
The most significant chapter in Kalyan's history was when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the city in 1657. He established India's first naval force here and built the famous Durgadi Fort. This makes Kalyan an important destination for history lovers and anyone interested in Maratha heritage.
Top Tourist Places in Kalyan
1. Durgadi Fort - Historical Monument in Kalyan
When people ask about historical monuments in Kalyan, Durgadi Fort is the first name that comes to mind. This fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj near the banks of the Ulhas River. It's one of the most famous Kalyan tourist places and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The fort offers amazing views of Kalyan city and the surrounding areas. You can still see old cannons and structures that tell stories of battles fought centuries ago. It's a great spot for photography and understanding Maratha military architecture. The climb to the fort is moderate, making it suitable for most visitors.
How to Reach: From Kalyan Railway Station, you can take a shared auto or KDMC bus. The distance is about 4 km and the fare ranges from Rs. 10-20. Many locals also prefer walking if the weather is pleasant.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening to avoid the afternoon heat. Monsoon season makes the fort and surroundings look beautiful, but be careful as paths can be slippery.
2. Kala Talao - Peaceful Lake in Kalyan
Kala Talao Kalyan is a beautiful lake spread across 24 acres in the heart of the city. This historic lake was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur and has been a landmark of Kalyan for centuries. The Kala Talao round distance is approximately 2 km, making it perfect for morning walks and jogging.
This is one of the best visiting places in Kalyan for people who want to relax and enjoy nature without going far from the city. The area around the lake has been developed with walking paths, seating areas, and green spaces. You'll see locals doing yoga, exercising, or simply sitting by the water enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Many fitness enthusiasts prefer Kala Talao for their morning and evening routines. The KDMC has plans to further beautify this area with better lighting and facilities. It's also a popular spot for couples looking for a quiet place to spend time together.
How to Reach: Located in Kalyan West, just 2 km from Kalyan Railway Station. You can easily walk from the station or take a shared auto for Rs. 10-15.
Things to Do: Morning walks, jogging, yoga, photography, or just relaxing by the water. Street food vendors nearby offer snacks and chai in the evening.
3. Haji Malang / Malanggad
If you're looking for places to visit near Kalyan that combine spirituality and adventure, Haji Malang is perfect. Located about 17 km from Kalyan, this is both a pilgrimage site and a trekking destination. The Malanggad Fort sits in the scenic Matheran hills and dates back to the 7th century.
The site has three important dargahs - Paanchi Pir, Pir Machi, and Sone Machi. People from all religions visit this place, especially during the annual Urs festival when thousands of devotees climb the mountain. The trek is moderate to challenging, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it.
This temple on mountain near Kalyan offers a unique experience that combines faith, nature, and physical activity. The surrounding forests are beautiful, especially during monsoon when everything is lush green. However, be extra careful during rains as the paths become slippery.
How to Reach: From Kalyan Station, take a shared auto or KDMC bus directly to Haji Malang. During the Urs festival, special buses run frequently. You can also hire a private taxi for a more comfortable journey.
Trek Details: The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your fitness level. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and start early to avoid afternoon heat.
4. Metro Mall - Shopping and Entertainment
Metro Mall is the biggest shopping and entertainment destination in Kalyan East. Opened in 2008, this mall has completely changed the shopping experience for people in Kalyan and surrounding areas. It's one of the most popular places to visit near Kalyan Station for families and young people.
The mall houses an Inox multiplex where you can watch the latest movies, Big Bazaar for shopping, and numerous restaurants including McDonald's, Barbeque Nation, and other popular food chains. There are also clothing stores, electronics shops, and a gaming zone for kids.
Metro Mall is especially crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more relaxed shopping experience, visit on weekdays. The mall has good parking facilities, though they fill up quickly during peak hours. The food court offers a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices.
How to Reach: Metro Mall is easily accessible from Kalyan West via shared autos. It's just 2 km from Kalyan Railway Station. You can also take KDMC buses that stop right outside the mall.
Best For: Shopping, movies, dining, and entertainment. Perfect for a full day out with family or friends.
5. Birla Mandir - Serene Temple Near Shahad
Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vithal, is located near Shahad and is one of the famous places in Kalyan for spiritual seekers. Built in 1965, this temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture. The temple complex is well-maintained and has a calming effect on visitors.
What makes this temple special is not just its religious significance but also its scenic location. The surrounding area is quiet and green, making it a perfect escape from city noise. Interestingly, this temple has been featured in several Bollywood films as a shooting location.
The temple is open throughout the day, but early morning and evening aarti times are particularly special. During festivals like Janmashtami, the temple attracts a large number of devotees. There's ample space for parking and the temple trust maintains good facilities for visitors.
How to Reach: Take a shared auto from Kalyan West or Shahad. If you're at Shahad Station, you can walk to the temple in about 15 minutes. The walk itself is pleasant through residential areas.
Timings: Open from early morning till evening. Check for specific aarti timings if you want to attend the ceremonies.
Places Near Kalyan to Visit
6. Titwala Ganesh Mandir - Famous Pilgrimage Spot
Located about 20 km from Kalyan, Titwala Ganesh Mandir is one of the most popular tourist places near Kalyan Maharashtra. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees. Thousands of people visit this temple every week, especially on Tuesdays.
Apart from the temple, Titwala also has a beautiful lake where you can enjoy boating. The combination of spirituality and nature makes this a perfect day trip from Kalyan. The temple area has many shops selling prasad, flowers, and religious items. There are also several restaurants nearby if you want to have a meal.
How to Reach: Take a local train from Kalyan to Titwala Station (20 minutes). The temple is a short walk from the station. You can also drive or take a taxi.
7. Barvi Dam - Scenic Picnic Spot Near Kalyan
Barvi Dam is one of the best near Kalyan picnic spots, especially during monsoon season. Located about 30 km from Kalyan, this dam is surrounded by hills and forests, creating a perfect setting for nature lovers. The view of water overflowing during monsoon is spectacular.
This is a great place for photography, especially landscape shots. Many people visit Barvi Dam with family and friends for day picnics. You can sit by the water, enjoy the cool breeze, and have a relaxed time away from the city. However, swimming is not allowed for safety reasons.
The area around the dam has limited facilities, so it's good to carry your own food and water. The road to Barvi Dam is scenic, passing through small villages and green fields.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter months (June to February). The dam looks most beautiful when full of water during and after monsoon.
8. Kondeshwar Temple & Waterfall - Places to Visit Near Kalyan in Monsoon
When searching for places to visit near Kalyan in monsoon, Kondeshwar Waterfall near Badlapur should be at the top of your list. This ancient Shiva temple is surrounded by lush greenery and has a stunning waterfall right next to it during the rainy season.
The temple itself is very old and has beautiful stone carvings. But the real attraction is the waterfall that comes alive during monsoon. The combination of the ancient temple, the sound of falling water, and the green surroundings creates a magical atmosphere.
This is one of those unique historical places in Kalyan region that combines natural beauty with spiritual significance. The trek to reach the temple involves some stairs and can be slippery during rains, so wear proper footwear.
Distance from Kalyan: About 15 km. Take a train to Badlapur and then a shared auto to the temple base. From there, it's a short walk.
9. Anand Sagar Resort & Water Park - Family Entertainment
Located in Ambernath, Anand Sagar Resort is perfect for families looking for things to do in Kalyan Thane Maharashtra India. This resort features water slides, swimming pools, and various recreational activities. It's a great place to spend a full day, especially during summer.
The resort has both dry and water rides suitable for all age groups. There's a wave pool, lazy river, and several exciting slides for adventure lovers. For younger children, there's a separate kids' pool with smaller slides. The resort also has a restaurant and changing rooms.
Entry Fee: Varies by season (approximately Rs. 500-800 per person). Check their website or call before visiting for current prices and timings.
10. Shangrila Resort & Water Park - Another Popular Picnic Spot
Shangrila Resort in Bhiwandi is another excellent option for families visiting places near Kalyan to visit. This water park has become increasingly popular among locals and tourists from Mumbai. It offers a good range of water rides, amusement activities, and food options.
The park is well-maintained and has safety measures in place. Life guards are present at all major pools. There's also a dry rides section with various attractions. The food court serves decent meals at reasonable prices.
Best Places to Visit in Kalyan for Couples
If you're looking for romantic spots or quiet places to spend time with your partner, here are some good options among the Kalyan visiting places:
Kala Talao: Perfect for evening walks along the lake. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for couples who want to spend quality time together.
Metro Mall and Xperia Mall: Good for movie dates, shopping together, and trying out different restaurants. The food courts have plenty of options for casual dining.
Birla Mandir: If you both appreciate spirituality and peaceful surroundings, this temple offers a serene environment away from crowds.
KDMC D Ward Garden and City Park: These green spaces near Gauri Pada are perfect for quiet conversations and relaxed time together.
Haji Malang Trek: If you're an adventurous couple, trekking together to Malanggad can be a memorable experience. The journey and the views from top create lasting memories.
Things to Do in Kalyan
Beyond just visiting places, here are various activities you can enjoy in and around Kalyan:
Heritage Walking Tour: Explore the old parts of Kalyan, visit Durgadi Fort, and learn about the city's role in Maratha history. This is perfect for history enthusiasts.
Food Tour: Kalyan has some excellent local eateries. Try the street food near Kalyan Station, visit the market in Kalyan for local snacks, and don't miss the authentic Maharashtrian thalis.
Photography: The forts, lakes, and surrounding hills offer great opportunities for photography. Sunrise at Kala Talao and sunset views from Durgadi Fort are particularly photogenic.
Trekking: Besides Haji Malang, there are several smaller hills around Kalyan suitable for trekking. These are good for beginners who want to try trekking.
Shopping: The local markets in Kalyan offer everything from clothes to electronics at good prices. Metro Mall and Sarvoday Mall are good for branded shopping.
Temple Visits: Apart from the famous ones mentioned, Kalyan has numerous smaller temples that reflect the local culture and traditions.
How to Reach Kalyan
By Train: Kalyan is a major railway junction on the Central Railway line. Trains from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and other cities stop here regularly. It's one of the busiest stations in the Mumbai region.
By Road: Kalyan is well connected by road. State transport buses and private buses run frequently from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and other nearby cities. You can also drive - it takes about 1.5 hours from Mumbai via the Eastern Express Highway.
Local Transport: Once in Kalyan, shared autos are the most convenient way to get around. KDMC buses connect different parts of the city. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber also operate here.
Best Time to Visit Kalyan
October to March is the ideal time to explore tourist places in Kalyan. The weather during these months is pleasant, making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers (April to June) can be quite hot and humid, though indoor attractions like malls remain comfortable.
Monsoon (June to September) is special in Kalyan. The forts, hills, and waterfalls look their best during this season. However, trekking can be challenging due to slippery paths. If you're specifically looking for places to visit near Kalyan in monsoon, Kondeshwar Waterfall and Barvi Dam are must-visits.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kalyan
Carry Cash: While many places accept digital payments, it's good to have cash, especially when using shared autos or visiting smaller shops.
Start Early: Most tourist places near Kalyan are best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Comfortable Footwear: Whether you're trekking to Haji Malang or walking around Durgadi Fort, comfortable shoes are essential.
Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during summer months and when trekking.
Plan Your Route: Since Kalyan has many scattered attractions, plan your day to cover nearby places together. This saves time and travel costs.
Weekend Crowds: Popular spots like Metro Mall and Kala Talao can be very crowded on weekends. Visit on weekdays if possible for a more relaxed experience.
Conclusion
Kalyan offers a wonderful mix of history, spirituality, nature, and modern amenities. Whether you're interested in historical monuments in Kalyan like Durgadi Fort, peaceful spots like Kala Talao, spiritual sites like Haji Malang and Titwala Ganesh Mandir, or entertainment options like Metro Mall and water parks, there's something for everyone.
The city's location makes it a great base for exploring nearby attractions too. From Kalyan ghumne ki jagah to tourist places near Kalyan Maharashtra, you have plenty of options for day trips and weekend getaways. The best part is that most of these places are budget-friendly and easily accessible.
So whether you're a Mumbai resident looking for a quick escape or someone planning a longer visit to explore Thane district, Kalyan should definitely be on your travel list. The city's rich history, combined with its natural beauty and modern facilities, makes it a complete package for tourists of all types.
