Bhiwandi, often called the “Manchester of India,” is a thriving textile and logistics hub in Maharashtra. Known for its vast powerloom industry, the city plays a crucial role in India’s textile manufacturing and trade. Beyond textiles, Bhiwandi has emerged as a major warehousing and logistics center, attracting businesses with its strategic location near Mumbai and excellent connectivity. With rapid infrastructure development, expanding industries, and growing investment opportunities, Bhiwandi is transforming into a key economic powerhouse, making it a prime destination for businesses and entrepreneurs alike. 🚀📦
1. Hanuman Mandir
Hanuman Mandir in Kariwali is a sacred site revered for its spiritual significance. Devotees flock here, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings. With its peaceful ambiance and divine energy, the temple stands as a symbol of devotion and faith. 🙏✨
Location : Hanuman Mandir is located in Kariwali, Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.
Timing : Hanuman Mandir in Kariwali is generally open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Hanuman Mandir, Kariwali.
2. Lonad Caves
The Lonad Caves, located near Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, are ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the 2nd–3rd century CE. These caves, carved into basalt rock, are believed to have served as a monastery for Buddhist monks. The site features stupas, viharas (monastic cells), and rock-cut carvings, reflecting the influence of Buddhist architecture.
Location : The Lonad Caves are situated near Lonad village, approximately 10 km from Bhiwandi and around 50 km from Mumbai.
Timing : ⏰ 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open All Days)
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Lonad Caves.
3. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is a vast wildlife sanctuary in Mumbai, covering over 100 sq. km. It is home to rich biodiversity, including leopards, deer, monkeys, and over 250 bird species. The park is famous for the Kanheri Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 1st century BCE. Visitors can enjoy jungle safaris, trekking, cycling, boating, and nature trails, making it a perfect spot for adventure and relaxation.
Location : Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is via the Ghodbunder Road route, which connects Bhiwandi to Borivali East. The park is about 30–35 km from Bhiwandi, and you can reach it via NH 160 and Western Express Highway.
Timing : ⏰ Opening Hours:
- 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM (All Days)
⏳ Kanheri Caves Timings:
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
🎟️ Entry & Safari Ticket Counters:
- Open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee : 🎟️ General Entry:
- Adults: ₹85 per person
- Children (5-12 years): ₹45 per child
- Senior Citizens: ₹45 per person
- Students (with ID): ₹33 per person
4. Tikuji-ni-Wadi
Tikuji-ni-Wadi is a popular amusement park, water park, and resort located in Thane, near Mumbai. It offers thrilling rides, water slides, a dinosaur park, go-karting, and a wave pool, making it a perfect getaway for families and kids. The park also has a Shiv Temple, which attracts devotees during Maha Shivratri, and a resort for staycations. With a mix of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment, Tikuji-ni-Wadi is a must-visit for fun lovers! 🎢💦🌳✨
Location : For visitors from Bhiwandi, the amusement park is around 20-25 km away and can be easily reached via Ghodbunder Road or Mumbai-Nashik Expressway. The nearest railway station is Thane.
Timing : ⏰ Park Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
💦 Water Park Timings:
- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
🎢 Amusement Park Timings:
- 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee : 🎟️ Combined Amusement & Water Park Ticket:
- Adults (Above 3.5 ft): ₹900 per person
- Children (Below 3.5 ft): ₹800 per person
5. Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden
Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden is a unique open-air butterfly park where visitors can witness over 100 species of butterflies in their natural habitat. Unlike traditional parks, this privately-owned garden offers guided tours on Sundays, making it an educational and serene experience for nature lovers, photographers, and families. With its lush greenery, colourful butterflies, and peaceful ambiance, it’s a perfect getaway for those looking to connect with nature. 🌿🦋✨
Location : For visitors from Bhiwandi, the garden is around 20-25 km away and can be reached via NH-160 (Mumbai-Nashik Highway) and Ghodbunder Road.
Timing : ⏰ Open Only on Sundays
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon)
Entry Fee : 🎟️ Entry Ticket (Only on Sundays)
- Adults: ₹100 per person
- Children (Below 10 years): ₹50 per child
6. Durgadi Fort
Durgadi Fort is a historic fort located in Kalyan, closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Built during his reign, the fort is known for the Durgadi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Situated near the Ulhas River, the fort held strategic importance in the Maratha Empire.
Location : For visitors from Bhiwandi, the fort is around 12-15 km away and can be reached via Bhiwandi-Kalyan Road in 30-40 minutes by car, auto, or bus.
Timing : ⏰ Open All Days
- 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee : ✅ Free Entry – No ticket required for visiting Durgadi Fort and Durgadi Temple.
Famous Food in Bhiwandi
1. Baida Roti
Baida Roti is a popular Mughlai street food found in Bhiwandi and across Mumbai. It is a crispy, pan-fried flatbread stuffed with a delicious filling of spiced egg, chicken, mutton, or keema (minced meat). The roti is folded into a square, shallow-fried until golden brown, and served hot with green chutney, onions, and lemon wedges.
Ingredients : Flour, salt, egg, minced meat and spices
2. Tandoori Chai
Tandoori Chai is a unique and aromatic twist on regular tea, where kulhads (clay cups) are heated in a tandoor (clay oven) until they become red hot. Freshly brewed masala chai is then poured into the hot kulhad, causing it to sizzle, bubble, and absorb a smoky, earthy flavour. The tea is then served in a clean kulhad, giving it a rich and rustic taste.
Ingredients : milk, water, tea leaves, sugar and kulhad (clay cup)
3. Kachori
Kachori is a deep-fried, crispy snack filled with spicy lentil (dal), potato, or onion stuffing. It is one of the most loved street foods in Bhiwandi, often served with tamarind chutney, green chutney, or spicy aloo sabzi.
Ingredients : Maida, Moong dal and Spices
4. Biryani
Biryani is one of the most loved dishes in Bhiwandi, famous for its aromatic basmati rice, tender meat, and rich spices. Influenced by Mughlai and Hyderabadi flavours, Bhiwandi’s biryani is known for its slow-cooked dum style, where rice and meat are layered and sealed with dough to lock in the flavours.
Ingredients : Basmati rice, chicken/mutton/vegetables, milk and spices
