Thane is known for its bustling city life, glamorous malls, premium townships, and hundreds of lakes in all of its corners. However, if there’s one gem that stands out in Thane, it is Yeoor Hills. These majestic hills that are an extension of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park are a beloved green retreat in the bustling urban landscape of Thane. Loved by hikers, cyclists, as well as everyday joggers, Yeoor Hills is the perfect place to be this weekend if you’re planning to go hiking.
Yeoor Hills Trek: Information, Hiking, And Things To Do
About Yeoor Hills, Thane
Yeoor Hills are located in the Thane district and Thane city of Maharashtra. The hills are a part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s green enclosure, serving as the buffer zone towards the eastern side of the national park. This makes Yeoor Hills one of the greenest areas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The hilly area is known for its leopards and other wild beasts, but it has way more to offer. Be it the hidden waterfalls, easy-to-moderate hiking trails, or just lush green spaces perfect for a day picnic, Yeoor Hills is the ultimate destination if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in close proximity to Thane city.
As you venture deeper into the expanses of Yeoor Hills, you’ll come across small tribal settlements. These tribal people earn their living mainly by operating small stalls inside the hilly areas or selling fruits, vegetables, and other produce. Some tribal settlements are completely not involved in any of these activities, and only depend on their grown produce for their sustenance.
Hiking In The Yeoor Hills
Yeoor Hills is the perfect place to begin your hiking journey if you’re new and inexperienced. The paths here are short, not too steep, and perfect for beginners. Plus, its proximity to the city makes it perfect for an easy weekend destination to go hiking. The hills are home to plenty of waterfalls, lush green landscapes, and spaces to unwind and host a picnic.
The curvy, easy-to-walk trails of Yeoor are good enough to hike to different places inside the hills – and of course, you are free to explore. Most hikers enter the Yeoor Hills from the Tikuji-Ni-Wadi entrance (there’s one more entrance near the Upvan Lake), hike up to the plateau, and exit the hills from the side of the National Park in Borivali. However, you can return back to the Tikuji-Ni-Wadi entrance once you reach the top of the plateau. If you’re a beginner, it will take only about 1 to 2 hours to complete the entire hike, however, it’ll take you even less time if you’re a seasoned hiker.
There are plenty of waterfalls that become especially popular in the monsoon season here. Hiking groups organize frequent day hikes to these waterfalls and to be fair, these are the perfect spots to unwind without traveling long distances and soak in nature’s bounty.
On the way, there are many spots where you can halt to get a breather. You can also spot small stalls selling bottled water and light snacks to keep you refreshed during the journey. However, remember to complete your hike before sunset – it is extremely dangerous to venture into the these hills post sunset due to the presence of wild animals! Also the hills are officially closed for entry after 7:00 PM.
Things To Do At Yeoor Hills Beyond Hiking
The rich biodiversity of Yeoor Hills (and Sanjay Gandhi National Park) makes it perfect for birdwatching and observing different animal species. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, we bet you’ll love exploring the Yeoor greenscapes.
If observing birds and animals doesn’t sound the most appealing to you, why not try cycling here? Yeoor Hills has some of the best cycling tracks where you can ride through the lush greenery and take in gorgeous views of Thane’s skyline.
Apart from cycling, there are dedicated tracks for jogging as well. Local residents come to Yeoor Hills for their morning runs, jogs, yoga, and exercises – making it a refreshing spot to begin your day.
If fitness isn’t on priority when visiting Yeoor Hills and your heart is telling you to hangout with friends instead, you can set up a day picnic here. Simply gather your friends, bring delicious food, play some music, and enjoy the picnic the way you want. However, make sure that you do not disturb others and litter the place!
You can also set up a camp or stop for a quick picnic near Upvan Lake in Yeoor Hills. However, make sure you do not litter and keep the natural surroundings clean and tidy.
How To Reach Yeoor Hills
By Air
The closest airport to Yeoor Hills is the Mumbai International Airport at a distance of about 25 to 26 kilometers (km). From the airport, you can get a direct taxi to reach the Tikuji-Ni-Wadi entrance or the Upvan Lake entrance.
By Rail
Thane Railway Station is the closest railway station to the hills. Located about 9 km away from the railway station, there are frequent buses, autorickshaws, and taxis available to reach the destination. With the new metro lines taking shape in Thane, you’ll soon be able to reach the hills (or at least near them) using the metro!
By Road
Thane is a city that enjoys excellent road connectivity in almost all of its parts. So, even in the Yeoor Hills case, you can drive from your location and reach right up to the entrance gates without any hassle. There are frequent bus services, autorickshaws, and cabs that can also take you to the hills. This accessibility makes Yeoor Hills a beloved weekend hangout destination even for those who do not live in Thane City.
Summing Up
Yeoor Hills is a delightful place to unwind over the weekend, thanks to its verdant green landscapes, winding cycling paths, and abundant biodiversity. The hills provide a much-needed breather from the city and serve as an important green spot on Mumbai’s map. If you’re exploring Thane, this is a spot that we highly recommend, especially if you’re planning to go hiking.
