..........................................................................................Fun'n Frolic

Some fun getaways are best meant for groups - friends or families just waiting to unwind. Few places near or in Mumbai offer the kind of seclusion desired by couples. Usually, there is one too-many a couple sitting back-to-back, which is quite embarrassing. The best way to travel would be with a 4-wheeler or a two-wheeler. Small groups could even hire a Tata Sumo or a Maruti van.

 Gorai Beach 

 SUN N'SAND

The best part of going to Gorai is the ferry. The old ferries run by the BEST (Mumbai City Transport) are an experience by themselves. A delightful chugging sound of the engine accompanies you on the ride and the undulating movement of the waves tempts you into pleasant slumber. The chatter of fishermen and women, whispering of young lovers, groups of tourists, foreigners and photo-enthusiasts build up the holiday fever. Once on Gorai beach, the old charm of the fisherman's village will get to you. Take an auto into the village (for Rs 35/-) or exercise your feet while you take in the scenic greenery and breathe in the salty smell of fish and sea.

Dressing for the beach: Shorts and a T-shirt would be most ideal considering the sweltering heat. For the more conservative, any dress would do. Always remember to carry an extra pair with you the sand in Mumbai has a way of sticking to your clothes. Only a couple of washes can get out traces of sand.

Eating out: Many small resorts dot the village, where you can get a decent bite, ranging from Chinese and Mughlai to Punjabi. It is advisable to carry mineral water, if you have a delicate stomach. A picnic lunch would be advisable.

Getting there: You can take the ferry from Gorai creek (Borivali West) or Marve beach (Malad West). The ticket costs approximately Rs 2.50 one way. After crossing the creek, Gorai is just 4 kilometres away.

 Water Kingdom 

WATER MAGIC
Water Kingdom, one of the most beautiful water theme parks adjoins Essel World on Gorai island. It is heaven on earth for Pisceans and water lovers. One of the advantages of the park is that you do not have to know swimming. Many of the water rides look scary to an onlooker, in reality they are perfectly safe. This place can be best enjoyed in a group. You can make all the noise in the world and get away with it.
Water Kingdom is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The entry fee for persons with height ranging from 3' 3" to 4'6" is Rs 225/- and above 4' 6" is Rs 250/-.

Clothes to wear: Only nylon and lycra is allowed in the form of shorts, long pants or swimsuits. A variety of these are also available for hire and sale, but they are quite expensive. It is advisable to buy your own. Fashion Street (Near Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and Bandra's Linking Road sell lot of these at reasonable prices on roadside stalls.

Eating there: You cannot carry food from outside. The eating joints are quite expensive and every variety of fast food is available. Mc Donalds also has an outlet here.

Getting there: Take a 45 minute ride in the suburban train from Churchgate to Malad (Rs.8) and from Malad station Bus No. 272 to Marve jetty. The ferry leaves Marve jetty every 30 minutes. You can also take a ferry from Gorai (Borivali), which has a frequency of 15 minutes. Phone: 869 9957.