Sanjay Gandhi National Park, spread over 100 sq km (38 sq miles), is one of the most visited national parks in the world because of its unique offering that blends nature, wildlife, history, and culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a tranquil retreat, Sanjay Gandhi National Park offers something for everyone.
This blog takes you through the history, geography, significance, and tourist attractions within Sanjay Gandhi National Park to give you a comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit.
History of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park was established in 1996, but its origins date back to the 19th century. Originally, this area was part of the larger Borivali Forest, and it was primarily used for timber and other forest products. The area was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and later became a national park in honor of the late Sanjay Gandhi, son of Mrs Indira Gandhi and an influential politician who advocated for environmental conservation during his time.
During the British colonial period, the area was primarily known for its rich biodiversity and as a hunting ground for the elites of Mumbai. Over time, however, awareness of the need to preserve this unique ecosystem grew, leading to its establishment. Today, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species, making it an essential part of Mumbai’s ecological landscape.
Geography of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located in the northern part of Mumbai, near the suburb of Borivali and is spread over around 100 sq kilometers (38 square miles).
The park is part of the Western Ghats, a low-mountain range that runs parallel to India’s western coast. The park’s geographical position gives it a unique combination of natural features, including rolling hills, dense forests, and serene lakes.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is predominantly covered by tropical dry deciduous forest, with a variety of plant species that thrive in the region’s humid tropical climate. There are also patches of moist deciduous forests, where species like the Indian Laurel, Tamarind, and other native plants are abundant. The landscape is dotted with several small hills and rocky outcrops.
The highest point in the park is Kanheri Hill, which rises to 472 meters (1,549 feet). This elevation offers panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape and is a popular spot for hikers.
The park is also home to several water bodies and lakes that serve as vital sources of water for the city and also support a wide variety of aquatic life. The lakes, along with the dense forest cover, make Sanjay Gandhi National Park a haven for wildlife.
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an important ecological reserve that serves as a habitat for many wildlife species. The park’s location within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contributes to its rich biodiversity. It houses over 1,300 species of plants, 250 species of birds, and 35 species of mammals. The diversity of the flora and fauna is one of the key reasons why Sanjay Gandhi National Park attracts tourists and nature lovers from across the globe. The upper slopes of the park have some exotic semi-evergreen and evergreen flora varieties while the lower areas see a lot of bamboo and teak forest.
Strobilanthes offers a main undergrowth to the forest is special because it blooms only once in seven years.
Mammals
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to a range of mammal species, some of which are rare and endangered. The park’s most iconic mammal is the Leopard, which is a solitary and elusive predator that roams the park’s dense forests. The park is known to have one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, making it an exciting location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Other notable mammals include the Indian Flying Fox, Langur monkeys, Black-naped Hare, and Wild Boar. The park also has a healthy population of Chital (spotted deer) and Sambar deer, which serve as prey for the larger predators in the park.
Birds
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a wide variety of avian species. Over 250 bird species have been recorded in the park, including migratory birds that visit during the winter months. Some of the notable bird species found here include the Indian Peafowl, Painted Stork, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Rufous Treepie, and the White-throated Kingfisher. The presence of numerous lakes and water bodies makes the park an important stopover for migratory birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The park is also home to various reptiles and amphibians. The Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Common Krait are some of the venomous snakes found here. Other reptiles like the Monitor Lizard, Indian Tortoise, and Water Snakes thrive in the park’s diverse ecosystem. Additionally, the park houses several species of frogs, making it an excellent location for amphibian enthusiasts.
Insects
Sanjay Gandhi National Park houses a range of insects, from butterflies to beetles. The park’s diverse flora attracts many species of pollinators, including the Common Mormon Butterfly, Indian Swallowtail, and Plain Tiger. The park’s healthy insect population contributes to the rich biodiversity and plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance.
Importance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park serves several important functions that go beyond its beauty and biodiversity. It is a crucial part of Mumbai’s green cover, providing ecological services such as purifying the air, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining the water table. The park acts as a natural “lung” for the city, helping to combat pollution and offering a vital refuge for both wildlife and humans.
The park is also of immense cultural significance. It houses the Kanheri Caves, a complex of Buddhist rock-cut caves that date back to the 1st century BCE. These caves, with their intricate sculptures and inscriptions, offer a glimpse into ancient Buddhist monastic life and are an important archaeological site. The Kanheri Caves attract both spiritual and history-conscious tourists.
Additionally, the park’s lakes – Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake – play a vital role in Mumbai’s water supply, feeding into the city’s reservoirs. These lakes have been the city’s water source since the 19th century.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park has many attractions for its visitors, right from serene lakes and ancient caves to exciting wildlife encounters, there is much to explore. Here are some of the key attractions:
- Kanheri Caves: These ancient Buddhist caves are one of the main tourist draws in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Located on Kanheri Hill, around 7 Km from the Bolrivali Entrance, the caves form a group of 109 rock-cut Buddhist temples, monasteries, and stupas. The caves contain beautiful sculptures, inscriptions, and meditation halls. The peaceful surroundings add to the experience, making it a must-visit spot. ‘Kanheri’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Krishnagiri’, which means ‘black mountain’.
- Lion and Tiger Safari: For wildlife enthusiasts, the Lion and Tiger Safari is an exciting and unique experience. The safari allows visitors to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while traveling in a jeep. Although the safari doesn’t guarantee sightings, it offers a chance to get close to the park’s apex predators.
- Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake: These lakes offer a picturesque setting, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lakes, surrounded by lush greenery and hills. The lakes also offer great bird-watching opportunities, especially during the migratory season.
- Trekking and Hiking: For adventure seekers, Sanjay Gandhi National Park offers several trekking and hiking trails, including a trek to the highest point in the park, Kanheri Hill. The trek provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the hilltop offers a tranquil escape from the busy city.
- Nature Trails and Wildlife Tours: Sanjay Gandhi National Park offers guided nature walks and wildlife tours for those interested in learning more about the park’s flora and fauna. Expert guides take tourists on walking trails through the park, sharing their knowledge about the plants, animals, and ecosystems.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park Visitor Centre: For those new to the park, the Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point. The center offers maps, information about the park’s history and biodiversity, and educational exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
- Camp Site Stay: There are pine houses, tents and a few other types of guest houses made available for those tourists who want to wake up amidst nature. You can tailormade your itinerary with the park officials to enhance your stay experience.
Best Time to Visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The best time to visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park is between November and March when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During this period, tourists can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, wildlife watching, and boating. The monsoon season, from June to September, makes the park lush and green, but heavy rains can make trekking difficult.
How to Reach Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is easily accessible from various parts of Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Borivali Railway Station (Western Line), which is just a 5-minute drive away from the park. From Borivali, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the park entrance. The park is also accessible by public buses, cabs and Autorickshaws.
The Park remains closed on Mondays to the general public and is open between 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM on all the other days.
Ticket Prices to Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The park is divided into many different sections and there are charges for each section accordingly. We couldn’t find any information on the tickets on their Sanjay Gandhi National Park Official Website, though it links you to all the Wildlife Attractions in Maharashtra and offers a booking window.
The entrance ticket prices are a long list given below:
58 per Adult /31 per Child Entry fee/50 for Still Camera
50 per Adult/ 19 per Child Mini Train
70 per Adult/ 28 per Child for Tiger Safari
81 per Adult/ 32 per Child for a Combined Tiger & Lion Safari
97 for a 4-seater boat/48 for a 2-seater boat
25 per Adult for Kanheri Caves Entry
60 for Cycle rent. There is an INR 300 deposit and a requirement for your Government-recognised ID.
60 per person for the shuttle bus that runs from the park entrance to the caves
