History Of Navi Mumbai
The plan and design of the city of Navi Mumbai (formerly known as New Bombay) was initiated as a result of the increasing congestion of Mumbai which had grown manifold by the 70s making it impossible to accommodate any more people. Hence, Navi Mumbai was built as a twin city of Mumbai so that its population could be managed as Mumbai, composed of seven islands, had major limitations with respect to physical expansion. On 17 March 1971, the foundation of the 'City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO)' took place which was initiated as per the 'Companies Act' of 1956. The development and maintenance of Navi Mumbai was controlled by 'CIDCO' during the first ten years of its developmental stages, post which the new city was handed over to the public. CIDCO made 14 nodes (townships) and also constructed railway stations and commercial areas nearby Navi Mumbai.
Transportation Facilities
In Navi Mumbai, the most common form of transportation is either buses or trains. If in case you have to travel across the nodes of Navi Mumbai, auto rickshaws are the most sought after means of transport. In order to reduce traffic blocks in the populated regions of the city, 'Mumbai Suburban Railways' was initiated. Also, an International Airport is under-construction in the city. Till this airport becomes fully functional, the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the closest airport located at a distance of 30km from Navi Mumbai. This city has numerous flyovers, enormous parking spaces and broad roadways. The only problem that the residents of this city face is the fact that commutation to Mumbai takes too much time and effort and leaves a lot to be desired.
Places To Visit
Pandavkada Falls
This waterfall is about 107 m high and the force of water coming down appears to pierce the rock on which it is falling. While in Navi Mumbai, it is recommended to come down to the Pandavkada Falls at least once, for a one day picnic. This place derives its name from the Pandavas who took a bath from this waterfall during their exile. The best suggested time to visit these falls is during and after the monsoon season, i.e. June to the beginning of September.
Central Park
Central Park is the perfect spot to relax, jog or even for a long walk to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the botanical gardens. If you are travelling by train, you would have to get down at Kharghar railway station and take an auto to get to the Central Park. This park spread across 80 hectares boasts of vegetation so rich that it soothes your senses and gives you a good break.
Nerul
Nerul is rightly referred to as 'the Queen' of Navi Mumbai. Apart from being the residential and commercial centre of the city, Nerul is quite famous for its hillocks. For the foodies, this place has several cafe's, restaurants, ice cream parlors, pizza shops, cake shops, etc. which allow people to dig into their favorite food while also enjoying nature at its best. This is considered to be the biggest and also most populated nodes of the city. You cannot miss out this place once you are in Navi Mumbai.
The well planned city of Navi Mumbai promotes tourism in large spheres and attracts flocks of tourists who visit this place throughout the year. The infrastructure of this city does not disappoint and ends up mesmerizing everyone who visits this place.