Sanjay Gandhi National Park

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.

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

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.

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

Location:
Borivalli E, Mumbai MH 600066
Ph no- 022 2886 0362