Sanjay Gandhi National Park In Mumbai

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is acclaimed to be an exclusive and largest park in the world to be located within city limits. Earlier called Borivali National Park, the wildlife haven was initially intended to be a natural retreat outside Mumbai. Over the years, the park got into the periphery of the growing city. Sited on the north of Bombay, the wildlife asylum is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, a governing body of Government of India. Spread in an area of 104 sq km, the park is delimited by the Island City on its three sides.

With 2 million (approx) visitors every year, perhaps it is the most visited national park in the Asia. It also houses the ancient Kanheri Caves crafted out of rocky cliffs, which dates back to 2,400 years. Evidences reveal that the park had been present during the 4th century BC. In its close vicinity, there were two ports by the names of Sopara and Kalyan that used to trade with places like Greece and Mesopotamia. The route between these two ports traverses from this park. In the pre-independence era, it was named Krishnagiri National Park.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park may not be as large or exotic as some of the other national parks in India, but its accessibility makes it very appealing. It’s the only protected forest to be located within the limits of a city. To find tranquility amidst teeming Mumbai, this is the place to come! The park is also a great family destination, with plenty to keep the kids amused. However, it’s best to plan your visit well as many attractions close over lunch, and adequate tourist information is scarce. In order to fully appreciate the park, you’ll need to pack a picnic lunch and spend a full day there. The park enriched with varieties of flora and fauna attracts lot of tourists all through the year. The Park is the natural habitat of insects, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and flowering plants. The park houses many plants and animals in the endangered list. The Sanjay Gandhi or Borivali National Park has the distinction of being the only National Park in Mumbai. Notified in 1974, it is set in hill ranges around the suburb of Borivali in Mumbai. It plays host to various wildlife species like the panther, antelope, mouse deer and wild bear. Children particularly enjoy riding the colourful toy train here, as it winds its way through the vast park. In the Lion Safari Park, visitors can view lions as close as six feet away, from the special park vehicles. The park is a paradise for the lovers of avifauna and it is difficult for them not to be attracted by their charm here in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Sanjay Gandhi National Park Wildlife Tours Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located in Borivali, east of the Thane district, at distance of 40 km north from Mumbai. The park extends from the latitude 190°21 in the North to the longitude 720°58′ in the East. Mumbai is the largest metropolis in India and located on the Arabian Sea in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city is well connected to all parts of the county by air, rail and road networks. Mumbai also has the highest number of international flight connections in India. The climate of the park is pleasant during winter (November-March) and hot during summer. The temperature is on the rise from the month of March until the monsoons break here in mid-June, and goes on till September. October offers relief from the humidity and heat. The forest enclosed in the Park is an ideal dwelling place for many varieties of wild animals.


Location: Northern suburbs of Mumbai
Established In: 1969
Attraction: Rich flora and fauna, picturesque surroundings
How to Reach: Easily reach Sanjay Gandhi Park by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.