Why do I want to ride a toy train on a Sunday? Fair Question. It is because I have a 3.5-year-old who is going to have a lot of firsts ahead of her, and I want to be right there for every one of them. Are you about to tell me that riding a toy train in my forties isn’t fun? I’m going to have to stop you there, because I had an absolute blast.
One Sunday we hopped aboard the Van Rani (Jungle Queen) at Borivali National Park. This train is back after 4 years, freshly refurbished and looking glorious. We lucked out because it was the long weekend and half the people were out of town. There were no lines for tickets and my daughter was vibrating with excitement by the time the train rolled in. A 15-minute wait and we were off.
It’s an open-air train, built so you soak in everything around you. With its Victorian-era charm, its like a carriage from another century. Tickets are ₹90 for adults and ₹30 for kids, and you get a gentle 20-minute loop around the park. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot deer, as we did. I pointed out the Gulmohar, the Flame of the Forest, those fiery blooms you barely see anymore, and told the little one how, when I was little, they meant summer had arrived. We rolled slowly through the green, savoring the day and the company. It felt like a world away from the city while sitting right in its heart.
I would highly recommend this experience for families; it’s easy for grandparents and toddlers alike. With her so little, life still feels like it’s moving fast; getting to do these things again is a blessing. After that we went for a South Indian brunch, which is how all good Sunday mornings should end.
Baby-friendly – Family Fun rated
- Kid enjoyment – 10/10 – Baby was engaged the entire way
- Safe experience—the train is slow-moving with plenty of room to settle in
- Accessibility – Easy drive from anywhere in Mumbai, or you can hop on the metro or bus!
For more activities to explore in Mumbai, check this out.
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