Quick answer: EsselWorld, the amusement park at Gorai in north-west Mumbai, has been closed since April 2022, and we found no announcement of a reopening as of October 2026. Its website, esselworld.in, now redirects to its sister water park, Water Kingdom, which is still operating next door. If you were planning a trip, see our Water Kingdom guide instead; this page explains what happened to EsselWorld and what it used to offer.
EsselWorld at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Status | Closed since April 2022; no reopening announced as of October 2026 |
| Location | Gorai, Borivali West, Mumbai 400091 |
| Opened | 1989 |
| Operator | Pan India Paryatan Ltd |
| Website | esselworld.in redirects to waterkingdom.in (checked October 2026) |
| Still open nearby | Water Kingdom water park; Global Vipassana Pagoda |
Is EsselWorld open?
No. EsselWorld has been shut since April 2022. At the time, the park’s website carried a notice saying it was temporarily closed until further notice, without giving a reason. Reports since then have pointed to the financial hit of the COVID-19 lockdowns and competition from newer parks, but no official explanation or reopening date has been published. When we checked in October 2026, esselworld.in redirected straight to the Water Kingdom website, which made no mention of EsselWorld reopening.
An earlier version of this article described EsselWorld as open 365 days a year from 10 am to 6:30 pm, with ticket rates based on height. That information is out of date and has been removed. If you see ticket offers for EsselWorld on third-party sites, check directly with the operator before paying.
What is still open at Gorai?
- Water Kingdom: EsselWorld’s sister water park, on the same site, is operating and sells tickets through its own website. See our Water Kingdom guide for what to expect.
- EsselWorld Bird Park and other smaller attractions: The Water Kingdom website still lists a bird park and other add-ons under the EsselWorld name, with combined tickets. Check that website for what is open on your date.
- Global Vipassana Pagoda: The golden meditation dome next to the park is open daily with free entry; see our Global Vipassana Pagoda guide.
History of EsselWorld
EsselWorld opened in 1989 on Gorai, on the northern edge of Mumbai across Gorai creek from Borivali. It was run by Pan India Paryatan, and with Water Kingdom it covered about 26 hectares (around 65 acres), making it one of the largest amusement parks in India in its day. For more than three decades it was a popular family and school outing for Mumbaikars, many of whom reached it by ferry across Gorai creek.
The project also attracted controversy. The original acquisition of a large tract of land in the area was claimed to be illegal, and there were allegations of mangrove destruction and violations of coastal zone rules. These disputes are part of the park’s history; we have not found a court ruling linking them to the 2022 closure.
What EsselWorld used to offer
For readers who remember the park, or are curious, the earlier version of this article described its attractions as they were before the closure. These are kept here as history only; none of them can be visited today.
- Rides for all ages: the park advertised more than 50 rides and attractions, split into family, adult and children’s rides. Names mentioned in the original article include Shot-n-Drop, Top Twist, the Zyclone and Zipper Dipper roller coasters, the Thunder and Rainbow rides, Copper Chopper, Alibaba Adventure Maze, Tunnel Twister and the Rio Grande train.
- Children’s area: a playground and a junior go-kart track.
- Other attractions: an ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, a dance floor, a karaoke booth and the park’s mascots, the Fab5.
- Food and shopping: several restaurants and food courts and a merchandise shop.
The original article also said the park held a “life science gallery” aboard a decommissioned naval vessel; we could not verify this, so we have not repeated it.
How to reach Gorai (for Water Kingdom and the Pagoda)
- Via Gorai creek ferry: Take a Western line train to Borivali, then a BEST bus or auto-rickshaw to the Gorai jetty and a ferry across the creek. Water Kingdom’s website says the crossing takes about 15 to 20 minutes and lists ferries from 9 am to 8 pm daily.
- By road: Drive north on the Western Express Highway towards Kashimira, then take the Mira-Bhayandar road and the Uttan-Gorai road, following signboards. Water Kingdom’s website puts the drive from Kashimira at about 30 to 45 minutes.
- By bus: A municipal bus from the Bhayandar bus depot runs to the parks.
Ferry and bus timings change, so confirm them on the day.
Places to visit nearby
- Aksa and Marve beaches: Open beaches on the Malad side for an evening walk; see our Aksa Beach guide. Swimming is unsafe.
- Gorai and Manori beaches: Quieter beaches near the parks.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park: A big green escape in Borivali East; see our Sanjay Gandhi National Park guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is EsselWorld closed permanently?
It has been closed since April 2022. The operator described the closure as temporary at the time, but no reopening had been announced as of October 2026.
Is Water Kingdom open?
Yes. Water Kingdom, EsselWorld’s sister water park, was operating and selling tickets online when we checked in October 2026. Check its website for the dates and timings on your day.
When did EsselWorld open?
In 1989.
Why did EsselWorld close?
No official reason was given. Reports have pointed to the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns and competition from newer amusement parks.
Can I still visit the Global Vipassana Pagoda next to EsselWorld?
Yes. The pagoda is open daily with free entry, and you can reach it by the Gorai creek ferry or by road via Bhayandar.
Details checked in October 2026 against the EsselWorld and Water Kingdom websites (esselworld.in now redirects to waterkingdom.in), Water Kingdom’s directions page, and published records of EsselWorld’s history and closure. Park status can change, so check the operator’s website before you travel.
