Navi Mumbai (New Mumbai), near
Mumbai, is a planned self-contained modern town of the state of
Maharashtra. This highly populated satellite town is in the north east of Mumbai, covering from Airoli near
Thane in the north to Uran in the south. Spreading over an area of 345 sq km, the place is part of Thane and Raigad districts and is connected to other parts of the country by the
Panvel Junction Railway Station. The Vashi Bridge connects the place to its twin city of Mumbai. Vashi and Nerul are the main residential areas and there are many commercial establishments as well. The residents of the town, like those in Mumbai, are also known as Bombayites or Mumbaikars.
Navi Mumbai was part of the Empire of Ashoka, and after him, it was ruled by the kings of the Silhara dynasty. Before the British, the place was under the domination of the Portuguese.
The region is hilly in some parts and some other parts are protected as wetlands. Taloja with its waterfalls and caves and
Kharghar, a place surrounded by lush green mountains from all sides, are the main tourist destinations.
Days Inn Navi Mumbai and Hotel Highway View are the chief hotels. IT Hardware Park in Dronagiri is also a point of interest. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.