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Sanjay Gandhi National Park Overview

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, previously known as Borivali National Park in Mumbai is one of the popular picnic spots for locals as well as visitors of the city. The park covers about 20% of Mumbai’s geographical area and invites nature lovers to experience greenery, wildlife, rocky cliffs, caves and a number of tourist attractions located inside the park.

With an area of 103 square kilometres, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the largest parks situated within the city limits and is also believed to be one of Asia’s most visited parks. The national park is home to a surprising number of two hundred and fifty-four species of birds, forty species of mammals, seventy-eight species of reptiles and amphibians, about one fifty species of butterflies and over a staggering 1,300 species of plants.

The park houses animals like leopards, deer, flying fox, boars along with beautiful birds like butterflies, kingfisher, sunbirds. Inside the forest, there are two artificial lakes. These lakes invite a number of migratory birds every year and also have crocodiles wandering at its shore.

Likewise, the park has Kanheri caves inside its premises. Kanheri caves are carved out of rocky cliffs and are over two thousand years old. These caves make for one of the major tourist attractions at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Landscape wise, the national park offers the best views during the monsoons when the trees are lush green and streams of water flow in full swing.

On other days, a cycling tour here is the best way to go around the park and explore the nooks and corners; as walking could bring about restrictions after a certain point.

How To Reach

Sanjay Gandhi National Park can be reached directly by hiring a local auto-rickshaw, taxi or booking cab services. The distance between these two points is not more than 30 kilometres, thus the fare may range between INR 200 to 350. For an economical option, one can look for buses that run highway to highway and get off at Borivali East highway. Or one may board a train from Andheri or Vile Parle railway station and get off at Borivali railway station; thereafter take an auto-rickshaw ride until the park.

Best Time To Visit

The months of July to mid-October are rainy months when dense trees in the forest appear the best; making the entire forest look lush green. Therefore, this is a good time to visit the park. However, for tourists who do not prefer venturing out in the rain, October to January - the winter months make for the best time to visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The temperature ranges between 18 to 20 degrees and is great for indulging in outdoor activities like trekking and camping. The summer months of February to April are very hot for an outdoor day in Mumbai and thus must be avoided.

Other Essential Information

Location: Western Express Highway, Near Chikuwadi, Borivali East, Mumbai

History of Sanjay Gandhi National Park:


In the pre-independence era, Sanjay Gandhi National Park was called as Krishnagiri National Park. It was as small as twenty-six kilometres in its area. The park became its current size in the year 1969 when nearby forest areas were added to the park. Later in the years, the park was renamed to Borivali National Park and over the years, was renamed once again to Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the fond memory of former Prime Minister Sanjay Gandhi.

In the fourth century, this national park served as an important trade route between India and Mesopotamia; and remained active for the longest of time. Moreover, today, the park also derives great historical importance because of Kanheri Caves located inside the park. As in the 9th century, the caves were an important centre for Buddhist learning. The caves also acted as a pilgrimage site for Buddhist monks who came from across India and the world.

These caves were carved out of huge basaltic rocks and today, stand over two thousand years old. With time, Sanjay Gandhi National Park made its fame as one of the largest parks situated amidst the city, not only in India but across the whole of Asia.

Tips for Visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park:

-It is advisable to wear trekking shoes or sports shoes to the park as the day shall include a lot of walking. Similarly, for clothes - loose, comfort pants, track pants, and t-shirts work well.

-If you do not wish to indulge in walking, hiring a cycle can be a good idea to go around the park.

-It is best to carry water bottles and some food as there are no food joints or canteen inside the park.

-The winter months of November to January remain cold, thus, make sure to dress accordingly.

-Similarly, one is advised to carry raincoats, umbrellas during the monsoon months of June to mid-October.

-As the park is open for 6 days a week, being closed every Monday, make sure you plan your visit accordingly. Timings of the park are 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM

-Tickets to activities like Safari ride, boating, Min train - Van Rani have to be bought separately. The cost of these activities are not included in the entry fee.

-Please be advised that the last toy train ride departs at 5:30 PM every day.

-Keep a safe distance from animals, respect their privacy and you will be rewarded with good sightings

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Day Wise Timings
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Point of Interest for Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Kanheri Caves
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Kanheri Caves

Dating back to over two thousand years ago, Kanheri caves is one of the main attractions inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The caves are situated in the centre of the park and are carved out of basaltic rocks. The park has in total of 109 caves, only a few of which are open for tourists to visit. Here, visitors can see age-old sculptures and rich history of Buddhism.

Waterfalls
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Waterfalls

The monsoon magic levels up the scenic beauty of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The rocks and the hills here witness the rush of water flowing from atop, making for a beautiful sight. There are several unnamed waterfall spots inside of the park which calls for enthusiasts to discover new waterfalls every monsoon.

Upper Kanheri Trail
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Upper Kanheri Trail

Sanjay Gandhi National Park has a number of natural trails that lead trekking enthusiasts to beautiful corners and spaces of the park; all worth the views. One of these known trekking trails is that of Upper Kanheri Trail that starts from the main gate of the park and goes on to the peak of Kanheri Caves. The trek takes about forty-five minutes to an hour and offers visitors the opportunity to witness colourful birds, reptiles like lizards and more en route.

Cycling across the park
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Cycling across the park

Cycling is a very popular activity in the national park. It is a form of activity practised regularly by many locals. Visitors from outside of Mumbai can hire cycles at reasonable costs and cycle around the forest trails and discover nooks and corners.

Safari Ride
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Safari Ride

The protected area of Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to a number of wildlife creatures. This wildlife can be closely watched by taking up a safari ride in the park. The safari ride is a caged bus that goes through 30 acres of fenced forest area. It is a ride of about twenty-five to thirty minutes and offers one the chance to see animals like deer, monkeys, and wildcats in their natural habitat.

Camping
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Camping

The local forest department runs regular camping nights for tourists. The accommodation facilities are available in a number of varieties, such as tents, pinewood cottages, and guest houses. Moreover, tourists are also allowed to drive till the camping site that is inside the wilderness of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. 

Tourism Board Alliances

Sanjay Gandhi National Park FAQs

What is there in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Spread around 104 acres of land, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a park filled with pure wilderness. The national park is a regular go-to picnic destination for locals of Mumbai who wish to seek a break from the fast-paced city life and similarly, is a popular tourist destination for folks from outside.

The park house two hundred and fifty-four species of birds, forty species of mammals, seventy-eight species of reptiles and amphibians, about one fifty species of butterflies and over a staggering 1,300 species of plants. There are also two artificial lakes - Tulsi lake and Vihar lakes that supply water to the city, the Kanheri Caves which is an archaeological complex of one hundred and sixty rock-cut caves, and Jan Dhav Van Dhan - the souvenir shop. The park also has several other tourist attractions such as the toy train named Van Rani, boating, camping and trekking facilities and much more.

Is food allowed in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

It is advisable to carry some food as there are no major food joints or canteen inside the premises of the national park. There are vendors who sell light snacks.

Is Sanjay Gandhi park safe?

Yes, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is safe. The park meets thousands of visitors every year that come from across India and face no safety issues.

Is Sanjay Gandhi National Park safe for couples?

Yes, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is absolutely safe for couples. The lush greenery provides a romantic cum adventurous getaway for couples.

Are there tigers in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Yes, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to the wild cats, the count of which keeps changing from time to time.

Are private vehicles allowed in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Yes, private vehicles are allowed to be taken inside the park premises. The cost of a motorcycle is INR 45, the cost of a car is INR 200, and the cost for a tourist bus is about INR 350.

Are bikes allowed in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Yes, bikes are allowed to be taken inside the park premises. The cost for a motorcycle or bike is INR 45, except for the entry fee.

Who built Kanheri Caves?

It is believed that in the 1st century, Buddhist Monks belonging to Hinayana Faith had started the excavation of Kanheri caves from the hills. Later on, after a few years, Buddhist Monks of the Mahayana Faith also contributed to this excavation.

Is the camera allowed in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Yes, cameras are allowed in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. However, professional cameras and professional shoots are charged a fee of approx. INR 1000 to 2000 per day.

Which animals are there in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park is home to several species of animals. The list includes Spotted Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Mouse Deer, Bonnet Macaque, Palm Civet, Hanuman Langur, Barking Deer, Indian Flying Fox, Black Naped Hare, Porcupine, and Sambhar.

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