Chota Kashmir - Boating and Garden in Mumbai's Aarey Colony

Mumbai, MaharashtraGARDEN

A quaint garden in Mumbai's Aarey Colony, featuring a serene lake with paddle boating and shikara-style rides, offering a simple natural escape.

iHighlights

Info

GARDEN

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Chota Kashmir is a public garden and boating facility located within the expansive Aarey Colony in Mumbai. The main feature is a small, calm lake surrounded by greenery, where visitors can enjoy boating. The options typically include four-seater paddle boats and a few larger, decorated boats resembling Kashmir's shikaras, which gave the place its name. The surrounding area has walking paths and some patches of lawn with trees providing shade. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, offering a simple break from the city's fast pace. It was once a very popular location for shooting Bollywood films in the 1960s and 70s, and while it has seen better days, it still attracts families and couples, especially on weekends, looking for an affordable outdoor activity. The experience is more about the simple pleasure of being on the water in a green setting rather than a highly manicured park.

Why This Place is Special

• Boating on a small, calm lake
• Four-seater paddle boats
• Shikara-style boat rides
• A popular shooting location for old Bollywood films
• Greenery within the Aarey Colony
• An affordable family outing spot
• Quiet walking paths

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesKidsGroupsPhotographersNature lovers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Food stalls
• Boating
• Seating areas

Visitor Tips

• Visit on a weekday morning between 10 AM and 12 PM for a quieter experience and fewer people.
• Weekends, especially Sunday afternoons, are very crowded, leading to long waits for boats.
• Carry your own drinking water and some snacks, as the food options inside are very limited and basic.
• The area is lush during and after the monsoon (August-November), but be cautious as paths can be slippery.
• For photography, the late afternoon light around 4-5 PM is good for capturing reflections on the water.
• Combine your visit with a drive through the larger Aarey Colony to see more of the greenery.
• Bargain with auto-rickshaw drivers for the trip from Goregaon station, as they may quote high prices to enter Aarey.
• Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven paths.

Rules & Restrictions

• No alcohol permitted
• Do not litter in the garden or the lake
• No swimming in the lake
• Feeding animals is discouraged

Safety Information

• Always wear the life jackets provided during the boat ride.
• Do not lean out of the boat or attempt to stand up while it is on the water.
• The area is part of a larger forested colony
• avoid venturing into isolated parts, especially after dusk.
• Keep your belongings secure, particularly in crowded weekend conditions.
• During monsoons, the ground can be slippery and home to insects
• wear appropriate footwear and be cautious.
• Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially near the lake.
• Cell phone network can be patchy in some parts of Aarey Colony.

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Location & Address

Inside Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East, Goregaon East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. The post-monsoon period leaves the surroundings exceptionally green. Summers (March to May) are hot and humid, making outdoor activities less comfortable. While the monsoon season (June to September) brings lush scenery, heavy rains can sometimes lead to the temporary suspension of boating activities for safety reasons.
Peak Crowd: Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) and public holidays, especially from 3 PM to 6 PM.
Moderate Crowd: Weekday afternoons (2 PM to 5 PM) and during school vacation periods in April-May.
Low Crowd: Weekday mornings (10 AM to 1 PM) from July to September.

How to Reach

Air

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is the nearest airport, located about 12 km away. It takes around 30-45 minutes to reach by taxi, depending on traffic.

Train

Goregaon Railway Station, on the Western suburban line of Mumbai, is the closest station (approx. 5 km). From there, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you into Aarey Colony.

Road

Chota Kashmir is accessible via the Western Express Highway. Take the exit for Aarey Colony near Goregaon. The internal roads of Aarey Colony lead to the garden. It is well-connected by road from all parts of Mumbai.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient mode of local transport from Goregaon station. BEST buses ply on the main Aarey Colony road, but you may need to walk a bit from the bus stop. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola also serve the area.