Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the Borivalli National Park is situated in northern part of Mumbai city. It is one of the major national parks and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. It covers an area of 104km square. Before independence it was called as Krishnagiri National Park, post independence it was renamed Borivalli national park and later it was renamed in honour of Sanjay Gandhi, son of ex prime minister of India Indira Gandhi. The park is surrounded in all its side by Mumbai metropolitan area. The park encloses two lakes Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake, these lakes helps in meeting the water needs of the city.
Biodiversity at Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
The park is a noisy forest with about 800 types of plum. It has more than
1000 species of plants
40 species of animals
251 of birds that includes migratory ,land and water bird
38 species of reptiles
9 species of amphibians
Flora and Fauna at Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
The park is filled with a large number of trees and it is a delight for those who are tree lovers. It covers trees ranging from:
Ardina cardifolia(Kadamb)
Albizzia lebbek(shirish)
Pongamia pinnata(karanj)
Tectona grandis(Teak)
Dalbergia latifolia(sishum)
Acacia
Euphorbia
There is a large number of Bamboos present all over the forest which gives resemblances to jungle. There are a large variety of orchids and numerous shrubs. The season monsoon is filled with violet color Zingiberaceae and white colored costus species. It is a house of large number of wild animals as well which freely roam inside the park. Some of them are:
Chitals
Rhesus macaque
Bonnet macaque
Black naped
Porcupine
Leopard
Flying fox
Sambar deer
This park is also a delight for those persons who are bird lovers as a large variety of birds are found here starting from tiny tickells flower pecker,humming birds, sea eagle, and many other species of woodpeckers,Kingfishers and Drongus; similarly a large number of reptiles are found like crocodiles, snake, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards. The butterfly present in this parks are of fascinating colours and sizes starting from blue mormon, bright jezebels, egg flies, sailers and all this makes the atmosphere very colorful and attractive.
Archeological features of the park
The park also gives a glimpse of the history and culture of Buddhist India.The Kanheri caves that is located inside the park is a major point of attraction for the visitors. There are about 109 Buddhist caves with small chambers called the cells for the monks, 34 pillars and over topped stupa.
Best time to visit:
Monsoon is the best time for enjoying waterfall, stream, greenery and wilderness.
For enjoying bird and general viewing November to February is best
April-May is best for mammal viewing.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Timings: Park is open to the visitors on all days from 7.30 Hrs to 18.30 Hrs. On prior reservations rest houses and camp sheds are available. A large number of recreational zones are also available.
Entry Rates: Adult-Rs 2 per day Children’s-Rs 1 per day There are additional parking rates for vehicles