How we got there from Thane
We left home around 8:30 AM from Ghodbunder Road, Thane, and took the Eastern Express Highway toward Borivali. The drive took us just under an hour with light Sunday morning traffic — far easier than we expected. Once we reached Borivali station, we followed signs toward Gorai Creek and hopped on the free ferry to the island. That 10-minute ferry ride across Gorai Creek was, genuinely, the first highlight of the day. The kids were beside themselves watching the water from the boat, and my husband and I had an unexpected moment of calm before the chaos of the park swallowed us entirely.
You can also get there by auto-rickshaw from Borivali station to the Gorai Creek jetty. The ferry operates through the morning until evening, so getting back isn't stressful either.
First impressions of Water Kingdom
Water Kingdom is located at Global Pagoda Road, EsselWorld Amusement Park, Borivali West, Mumbai — and pulling up to it, you immediately understand why it holds the title of Asia's largest theme water park. Spread across 64 acres, it's one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mumbai and one of the oldest water parks in the country. Even knowing that on paper doesn't prepare you for the scale once you're standing at the entrance.
We had booked tickets online the night before — always do this, I cannot stress it enough. The entry lines for walk-ins were significantly longer, and we sailed through with our QR codes.
The Wetlantic Wave Pool — the highlight for our kids
My kids, aged 7 and 11, were immediately drawn to the wave pool, and it became the unofficial base camp for our day. Known as the "Wetlantic Wave Pool," it's a crowd favourite where you can experience ocean-like waves and relax under the sun. The waves surge in at intervals, and watching my seven-year-old discover that first wave sent her crashing into my arms — still the funniest moment of the day.Lifeguards are positioned throughout, and the safety measures gave me real peace of mind. I never felt I had to watch the kids with my heart in my throat, which as a parent is the biggest gift a water park can offer.
The Amazonia slide and other must-try rides
For my eleven-year-old, who had declared himself "too old for baby rides" at approximately age eight, the big slides were the main event. The Amazonia — a 250-metre-long slide — thrills with dizzying curves, while the Vertical Fall lives up to its name with a near-90-degree plunge. He went on the Amazonia three times. The look on his face after the first drop is something I will remember longer than most things from this year.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Lazy River lets you float along a gentle stream surrounded by lush surroundings — my husband and I took turns floating through it while the other kept an eye on the kids in the wave pool. It was genuinely, unexpectedly restful.
The Rain Dance — unexpected fun for adults
I was not expecting to enjoy the Rain Dance. I assumed it was a teenagers-only zone. I was wrong. You groove to upbeat music under a refreshing rain shower, and the energy is infectious. By the second song, I had completely abandoned any sense of dignity and was dancing with strangers. Highly recommended. No reservations.
Food at Water Kingdom
We ate at one of the food stalls mid-afternoon, and the options were a pleasant mix of Mumbai street food staples and quick snacks. The Aqua Treat counter serves fries that are genuinely worth queuing for. We also had pav bhaji that tasted exactly like the kind you'd get at a good tapri — salty, buttery, and eaten standing up, which is the only correct way.
Budget approximately ₹400–600 for a family of four for one mid-afternoon meal if you're keeping it simple.
Practical tips for families travelling from Thane to Water Kingdom
- Practical tips for families travelling from Thane to Water Kingdom
- Leave by 8:30 AM from Thane to beat the crowds and secure good locker spots near the wave pool.
- Carry a dry change of clothes per person — keep them in a locker, not the car, for easy access.
- Water shoes are a good idea. The walkways around the slides can get hot by afternoon.
- Buy tickets online from the official Water Kingdom website or trusted platforms for discounts — walk-in prices are higher, and online saves you queue time at the gate.
- The park is open Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 7:30 PM, and Friday to Sunday, 10 AM to 9:30 PM. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded.
- Children under 2'6" in height enter free.
- Was it worth the drive from Thane?
Was it worth the drive from Thane?
Absolutely. Unambiguously. The drive is under an hour with good timing, the ferry is an experience unto itself, and the park delivers on every promise. For Mumbai families — especially those in the eastern and central suburbs who assume it's "too far" — Water Kingdom EsselWorld is closer and more accessible than you think. Our kids have already started lobbying for an annual pass, which, given the pricing, is actually not an unreasonable idea.