Thane, 30 km northeast of Mumbai on the western coast of India, lies on the banks of Thane River and is in the north Konkan coastal lowland. The name ‘Thane’ is said to be derived from ‘Sthan’ or ‘Sthanaka’, the capital of the Shilahara kings of Konkan. Thane originally known as 'Sristhanaka' (residence of Lord Ganesh) is the district headquarters of Thane District in Maharashtra.
In the 60's and 70's, Thane grew slowly and attained the status of an industrial town. A corresponding growth in trade, transport and construction activities picked up tremendously in the 80's. In the 90’s, the city went ahead with constructions and housing.
Thane is one of Mumbai’s suburbs and is surrounded by scenic hills. Thane(Thana) is also known as the ‘City of Lakes’. The city is divided by a stream of water from the Arabian Sea known as ‘Thane Creek’. Two road bridges and one rail bridge connect the two parts of the city. A variety of products, including woolen fabrics, dyestuffs, drugs, pencils, glassware, cotton textiles, and handloomed fabrics are manufactured by the industries in Thane.
Thane was the terminus of the first railway in India built from Mumbai in 1853.
The prime attractions of Thane are Masunda Talao, Yeoor Hills and Tikuji-Ni-Wadi. The most important and beautiful of about 23 lakes in the city is the Masunda Talao, termed by the locals as Talao Pali. The lake offers boating facilities and water scooters. The Yeoor Hills otherwise known as ‘Mama Bhanja Hills’ is a pollution free zone. The famous ‘Swami’s Math’ is situated in this hill. Accomodation at Thane is provided by noted hotels like Royal inn, Brindavan Resorts and Hotels and Sahyadri Hotel.
Major rail lines and a national highway link Thane with Mumbai and other cities and towns. The nearest airport is at Mumbai.