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Sanjay Gandhi National park, Mumbai Overview
Located between Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the best weekend escapades for people staying in Mumbai and Pune. Despite being situated amidst the metropolitan city, the national park has a calm ambience and hence provides the visitors with relief from city noises. Thousands of visitors travel to this place to spot a few of the exquisite species of animal such as Lions, Leopards, Kingfisher, Macaques, Sunbirds, Flying fox, Boars and many alike wild animals, birds and butterflies. The most interesting aspect of this park is the Kanheri Caves, which are ancient caves more than two thousand years old. These caves are located within the premises of the national park and are carved out of rocky hills.
Formerly known as Borivali National Park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park cover about 20 per cent of Mumbai’s geographical area and is home to 13000 species of flora and over 500 species of fauna. The national park is spread over an area of about 104 sq. km and is one of the most popular national parks in Asia, receiving about 2 million visitors annually. It is also the largest national park which is located within the vicinity of a city.
As you delve deeper into the national park, you will come across two artificial lakes that is home to a couple of crocodiles and a few migratory birds. This lake is a major source of water supply to the nearby residential colonies. The region was converted into a national park in the year 1947 in order to preserve the rich natural heritage and the wildlife. For all the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a must while your trip to Mumbai.
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History of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Prior to the independence, this national park was called ‘Krishnagiri National Park and occupied an area of about 26 sq. km. It was only during 1969 this national park was expanded to its present size. In later years, an autonomous body named Borivali National Park Sub-division was set up under the Forest Department. In 1974, the national park was renamed as Borivali National Park and during 1981, it was again renamed to Sanjay Gandhi National Park to commemorate the good deeds of Sanjay Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India.
The forest of the national park also has a historical significance as it constituted an important part of a 4th-century trade route to Mesopotamia. In addition to this, the Kanheri Caves were an important centre for learning and practising Buddhism by the monks during the 9th and 1st centuries BC. These caves are known for their splendid architecture as they are rock-cut caves carved out from a single basaltic rock.
Main attractions in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Toy Train: While visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park, do not forget to travel in the vintage narrow gauge toy train. Also referred to as Van Rani, the queen of the jungle, this train charts its way through the dense green jungles of the park. The ride lasts for about 15 minutes and will take you past the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial installed on the Pavilion Hill. The train also passes through tunnels and across a Deer Park, where you can spot many deer roaming and grazing around.
Lakes: There are two beautiful man-made lakes within the park premises namely, Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake. Situated amidst the lush greenery, the view of the lake and the Western Ghats in the backdrop is simply mesmerizing.
There is also a small lake situated near the starting point of Van Rani where you can take part in boat rides. Sailing across the calm water of the lake and chit-chatting with family or friends will for sure prove to be a memorable experience for all. A small bridge over the lake gives a very classical feel to the place. You can stand here and watch the boats in the lake. You cannot go beyond the bridge as it is prohibited by the authority.
Lion Safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
One of the major attractions of the park is its lion safari. This safari was started only with the motive of promoting eco-tourism in the region. It is a 20 minutes ride through the protected area of the park that provides a close encounter with the tiger and lions. The park is home to around four tigers and 20 lions. In order to opt for a safari tour, you will need to purchase a ticket worth ₹ 64 for adults and ₹25 for children.
Cycling around Sanjay Gandhi National Park
In order to reduce the air pollution, the authority of the national park has come up with the idea of renting out cycle to the visitors. The travellers can cycle through the national park and explore the region in a unique way. You can rent a cycle at an affordable rate of ₹10 per hour and by submitting a photocopy of your id proof at the renting-out centre. The cycling route is predefined and extends up to Kanheri Caves.
How to Reach Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Situated on the northern side of Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park can be reached by taking a local train from Churchgate to Borivali. It is an hour-long journey and once you reach the destined station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw that will drop you at the entrance of the national park.
