Thane is a large industrial complex of chemicals, engineering products, and textiles. Proximity to the capital of the state and a big metropolis of Mumbai has changed Thane from a small agricultural town with few villages, to a big industrial city and a nearly a suburb for the people of Mumbai. Thane has a long history proofs of which are the several historical buildings, including a fort and several churches. Thane appears in the works of the Greek geographer, Ptolemy, who, in his writings (l35 - 150 AD) refers to a place called "Chersonesus", which, according to researchers is the area around Thane creek. The great world trotter Marco Polo too had been here in 1290 A.D. Slabs and copper plates dating back to 11th century have been excavated in Thane. The present name Thane, which means a station or a post, has been derived from its original name Shristhanak. This means a place where Ganapati resides. The word Sthanak has been converted to thane.
Getting There:
Air:
Thane is about 25-kms from the airport at Mumbai and 35-kms from the main down town Mumbai.
Rail:
Thane has got a railway station and many trains pass connecting it with the major cities of Maharashtra.
Road:
Thane is well connected by road. Regular private and state owned buses are available to almost all the parts of the state.
Tourist Attractions :
Kashi Mira
Kashi and Mira are two villages in Thane Taluka located close to each other. The surroundings of the two villages abound in natural beauty and scenery. Just after leaving the check-post at Dahisar is an open surface with the backdrop of hills with zigzag paths leading up the hills. And it is this flushy background that has given these two villages the name "Kashimira".
Jawhar Palace
It is called the "Mahabaleshwar of Thane District", when compared in beauty and climate. And places to see are the majestic Dadara Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman and Sunset Points and the enthralling Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on his way to Surat. Jawhar also offers you the unique opportunity to expose and enlighten yourself with the tribal way of life especially with the Warli paintings
There are around 23 lakes in the city, which are worth a visit. The most important and beautiful of them all is the Masunda Talao, termed by the locals as Talao Pali. The lake offers boating facilities and water scooters are available too.
Yeur Hills
The Yeur Hills offer nature at its bountiful best. This pollution free zone is a great getaway from the daily traffic hassles and hazardous life. These hills are also called as the "Mama Bhanja Hills" and a visit to the Swami's Math is a must.
Titwala
Titwala is about 45-km from Thane district. It is considered as sacred pilgrim centre as it houses Maha Ganesh Temple and the temple of Shri Vithoba. Nearby is a place, called Ambarnath. The beautiful temple here, dating back to dating back to the 11th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple in black stone is built in the 'Hemadpanti' style of architecture.
Ganeshpuri
A small township near Bhivandi, about 40 kms from Thane is Ganeshpuri, residence of Swami Nityanand Maharaj. It is also famous for its hot water springs. There is an old temple with four tanks called Kundas which are interconnected and are said to have been built some 800 years ago.
Kalyan
kalian has always carried an important place in Marathi history. Today it is a main railway junction and there are rice mills and factories making car spare parts. Kalyan is an ancient port, dating back to the Gupta dynasty (320-550?). Extensive ruins in Kalyan indicate the city's former magnificence. It was occupied by the Bijapur sultanate (a Muslim state) in the 1500s and later by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who fortified the city in the mid-1600s. Later the Marathas occupied the area, making Kalyan one of their strategic centers because it guarded the entrance to Bombay and the western coast of India.
The ruins can still be visited and also the Hajimalang Darga on the Mangalgad Hill nearby.
