Thane is an industrial town situated on the western banks of  Thane creek that was frequented by ships since ancient times. It has been a hub of economic activity since medieval times due to its location. Thane, which means 'station' in Marathi was also known as Sthanaka, the capital of the Shilahara kings. Many travellers, including Venetian explorer Marco Polo, described the bustling trade at its well-developed port, and the cultural diversity of its people. Historically Thane has been ruled by the Portuguese, Marathas and the British. The first railway train in India ran from Bombay VT to Thane in 1853.

The city is bounded by the Parsik hills and Yeour hills on the east and west. It lies north of Mumbai and northwest of Maharashtra state. The region features all types of landforms, from the Jawahar Mokhade plateau to the Sahyadri ranges, and coastal plains and river basins.

Air: Thane city is about 25 Kms away from the international airport located in the main down town of Mumbai City.

Rail: Connected by rail (broad gauge route) from Mumbai and Pune (143 kms).

Road: State highways and roads link district headquarters at Thane to all 15 tehsils (sub-districts) and towns. National highway No 8 passes through the district. Thane is also linked to NH - 4 and 17.

Thane has as many as 23 lakes. Out of this, Masunda Talao is the most important and beautiful lake. Water scooters and other boating facilities are available in this lake for a perfect time pass. This is also an ideal place for food lovers.

Also known as the 'Mama Bhanja Hills', Yeoor Hills is a pollution free zone. One can take a rest here from the hassles and hazardous life of the metropolis. One must also visit Swami's Math.

This amusement park, which is located at Gorai offers 34 rides that comprise of roller coasters, rainbows, bumping cars. Tourists can reach the park from Marve, Bhayander or Borivali. Special bus services are there to reach this place. Water Kingdom is just next to Essel World, which claims of having the largest wave pool in Asia.

It is located on the western coast at a distance of about 48 km to the north of Mumbai. Ruins of Portuguese time amidst palm groves and brushwood are worth to be seen. The area has also a fine beach.

It is sacred pilgrimage site as it has Mahaganesh Temple and the temple of Shri Vithoba. There is also a beautiful Ambarnath temple, dating back to the 11th century, which was built in the 'Hemadpanti' style of architecture.

This fort is one of those forts, which are still in good condition. Sudhagadh Fort is located near Pali- a famous pilgrimage centre in Maharashtra. It can be covered during a trip to Pali and Mahad in Ashtavinayak.

Because of its unrivaled beauty and salubrious climate, it is called the 'Mahabaleshwar of Thane District'. Majestic Dadara Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, Hanuman and Sunset Points and the enthralling Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on his way to Surat are the places to be seen here.

Situating at an altitude of 800m Matheran is a charming hill-station in Alibag district. It is about 80 km away from Mumbai. Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai and Pune. Perched on top of a hill and enveloped in shady trees, Matheran is ringed by walking tracks. The views from the look out, which drop sheer to the plains, is fantastic. It is even possible to see Mumbai from Hart Point on clean days.