Sanjay Gandhi National Park is nothing but a beautiful natural spell spread over a massive area of 87 km square in Mumbai. Established during the year 1996, this park invites more than two million tourists to come to see it every year. Before the unfortunate demise of Sanjay Gandhi, the son of India’s ex-prime minister, the park was called Borivali National Park.
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, blooming with incredible flora and fauna, can be justifiably considered to be one of the most visited national parks in Asia. This national park is basically a suburban gold mine. This place holds up a great historical significance that dates back to the 4th century BCE. Despite the many remarkable sights that tourists enjoy in this gorgeous piece of land, the ancient rock-cut Kanheri Caves that are over 2,000 years old, still remain to be the greatest attraction here.
Exploring Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The adventures one can withstand at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai are endless. The long walks in the cold and dense forests here are the perfect escape from the noise and pollution of the concrete jungles we live in. Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai is not as huge and grand as other national parks in India, yet it is laden with visitors all the time. Be it the endless wild trails or the amazing safaris, this national park has got it all to leave your jaw dropped.
Things To Do In Sanjay Gandhi National Park
There are ample of things to do in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and some of these are discussed here.
1. Witness Van Rani
Van Rani, meaning “jungle queen,” is a narrow-gauge train one can spot inside the park. It worked for about twenty-five years before it stopped in 2001. Although it does not run anymore, looking at it is an experience in itself.
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2. Boating
Near Van Rani, one can find the pleasurable boating services. There is a small lake inside in which you can find the perfect tranquility as your boat. It is fun if you want to row the boat with your family or friends, and it is romantic as well if you are there with your partner.
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3. Tiger & Lion Safari
To promote ecological tourism, this protected jungle offers a thrilling tiger and lion safari. The lion safari is about twenty minutes long and is done by a green bus that travels along the fences. The concept of green buses that take the tourists for safaris is beautiful. These buses are caged so as to safeguard the people from any potential attacks because the animals roam freely in the wild, marking their territory. Hereby, the park is making suitable arrangements to provide us with the safety we need and the natural habitats that animals deserve.
Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm
Price:INR 98 for adults
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4. Trekking
The park sports some really grand treks and wild trails that one can take. Groups and solo trekkers take regular walks here. Anyone can join them for a shared enthralling experience. One of the treks that you must not miss at any cost is the one from the central gate of the park to the Kanheri Caves, which are 7 kilometers long. Imagine sighting 30 kinds of butterflies, and this park will make your dream come true as it is home to around thirty different types of butterflies. There are authorities that organize several nature walks to educate the visitors about the amazing flora and fauna here.
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5. Visit The Ancient Kanheri Caves
One just can’t come to this wholesome park and leave without visiting the Kanheri Caves. They are the perfect spot if you take an interest in culture and history. They are not just beautiful structures, in fact, these caves were sculpted by Buddhist residents around the 1st century BCE. That is how old they are. The area was once a colony that once provided for accommodation for travelers, and today, it is a tourist attraction. These caves will make you realize how far along we have come as a civilization.
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6. Wake Up In A Pine Hut
On the way to the lion safaris that you must not forget to take, there lies a little pine hut. It is quite unbelievable that a national park lets you stay inside its premises for an entire night. What is more incredible is the price you pay for a life-altering experience. A pine hut can be yours for the whole night for 7000 INR and can accommodate up to five people.
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Timings of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sadly enough, you can’t go to this park on Mondays as it closed then. However, it is open on all other days in a week. The timing of Sanjay Gandhi National Park is 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every day.
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Entry Fee of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The entry fee of Sanjay Gandhi National Park is 58 INR per person for adults and 31 INR per person for children.
Travel tips for visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- On a Sunday or Saturday, the queue for tickets might take up an hour or two of your time. So, make sure you reach early to avoid waiting for hours.
- The Park is closed on Mondays. This is something that you must remain mindful of while visiting for the first time.
- If you walk away from the main roads and designated areas, you might have to pay a hefty fine.
- The safaris, boat ride, and train ride can all be booked online.
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The Sanjay Gandhi National Park has a lot more to offer than one can imagine. Apart from the adventure part, one can even discover peace amidst the thick forest covers. To listen to the bird’s chirp and the wind blow is nothing short of a blessing. However, the way our world has turned out, it is tough to stay connected to nature and its positivity. One should definitely check out this gem of a park to reconnect and rejuvenate with their roots on their trip to Mumbai.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sanjay Gandhi National Park
How many days are required to plan for Sanjay Gandhi National Park Visit?
You don’t need days. You only need three to four hours of a day’s time. In fact, not much planning is required to visit this lovely place.
What is the best season to visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
The best time to visit this national park is any day from September to March.
What is the nearest railway station?
The nearest railway stations to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park are Borivali and Goregaon on the Western line (Mumbai Suburban Railway).
Do they allow animal rides as well in the park safari?
No. Although one can witness the lions and tigers in the Park from a safe distance, no animal rides are provided inside.
Is outside food allowed?
No. It is not advisable to bring eatables.
Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
