Virar manages to be a well known tourist place for many reasons. Jivdani Temple This temple of Goddess Jivdani is located around 1375 steps above the ground level, atop a hill in the eastern part of the city. It is very crowded especially during the Navratri festival. Many people in the region especially the Dhiwar, Aagri, Mangelas, the Kolis and the Bhandaris, worship the goddess as their family deity. The Papadkhind dam situated at the foothills, was one of the major source of fresh water in the location and was managed by Dhiwar community, but it was not enough because of the growing population of Virar. Vajreshwari temple Vajreshwari is known for its temple and hot water springs. It is mentioned in ancient "Puran" or holy books as a place blessed by the footsteps of Lord Rama and Lord Parashuram. In medieval ages Vajreshwari was known as Vadvali. It was called Vajreshwari after reincarnation of Vajrayogini in the Vajreshwari area. There are 52 steps to climb up to the main temple. It offers a commanding view of surrounding area from the temple. There are hot water springs in the Vajreshwari area as well as in Ganeshpuri and in Akloli. The hot water springs are a must bath for Vajreshwari devi devotees. The springs have high sulphur content and is believed to cure many skin ailments. Baronda Devi Mandir Baronda devi Temple is located near Papad Khind Dam, atop hill in Virar East. Uttamrao Patil Udhyan is botanical garden in the papad Khind area of Virar. Spread over an area of 4 acres near the Shiv mandir of Papad Khind it is built with the help of Maharashtra Van Vibhag(Maharashtra Forest Department). It has a collection of various trees and types of flowers with information displayed on the boards. Also a nursery is set up in the udhyan for growing rare plants. Major attractions in the garden include the Panchavati baug, the Navgraha baug and the Aromatic Baug within the garden to name a few. Holy Spirit Church The Holy Spirit Church is located in Nandhakhal, a village and parish in Virar west. The church is believed to be 450 years old and was built by the Portuguese after their arrival to the Vasai region. But the old structure has undergone several repairs and constructions over the years and Church also has a school named ST.Joseph English school St. Peters Church