Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali
(Sanjay Gandhi Rastriya Udyan, Borivali)
Location:
Located near the central part of Mumbai city in the state of Maharashtra, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a national sanctuary. It is the only large national park in India situated within a metropolitan city. This park presents a unique blend of nature, wildlife, and ancient history.
Boundaries:
North: Vasai Creek
South: Vihar Lake
East: Thane city region
West: Borivali and Kandivali areas of Mumbai city
Address: Borivali (East & West), Mumbai, Maharashtra
Area:
The park is spread over an area of approximately 104 square kilometers.
How to Reach the Sanctuary:
Mumbai is an international city well connected by roadways, railways, and airways.
By local train, get down at Borivali Railway Station. The main gate of the national park is just a ten-minute distance from the station.
Visitors from Thane, Mumbai, nearby areas, and outside regions can reach the Borivali National Park using private vehicles, buses, and other modes of transport.
Modes of Transport:
Railway: Borivali Station (West) – from there by auto-rickshaw or bus
Bus: BEST buses are available
Private Vehicle: Easy access via the Western Express Highway
Tourist Attractions Inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
After reaching Borivali, visitors arrive near the main entrance gate of the sanctuary. Entry tickets are available at the gate, after which one can enter the park. Bicycles are available on rent for sightseeing inside the sanctuary.
Additionally, a local mini train operates inside the park, popularly known as “Vanrani.” By purchasing a ticket, visitors can enjoy a complete tour of the sanctuary.
Mangrove Forest / Velavan:
The mangrove forest area located along Vasai Creek and the Ulhas River region is known as Mangrove Forest / Velavan. The following mangrove tree species are found in this area:
Avicennia – trees with breathing roots for absorbing oxygen from the air
Rhizophora – stilt roots that provide strong support
Sonneratia – large trees adapted to survive in marshy areas
Bruguiera – long roots with dense foliage
Kandelia – trees commonly found in coastal regions
Fauna:
Birds: Egret, stork, heron, kingfisher, etc.
Fish: Mangroves are considered nurseries for fish
Other Aquatic Life: Shrimp/Prawn, crabs, shells, oysters, and mudskippers (fish that walk on mud) are commonly found in this region.
Central Forest Area:
The central part of this sanctuary consists of dense forest. Tree species commonly found here include Teak, Karanj, Bor, Babool, Cactus, Bamboo, Jamun, Neem, and Shisham, representing evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
There are more than 300 species of trees and plants found here. Many newly planted species can also be seen, some of which are medicinal.
The Dahisar River and its small streams, rivulets, and tributaries are the lifelines of this sanctuary.
Animals:
Animals found in this forest include mongoose, otter, wild cat, bear, langur, blackbuck, deer, sambar, chital, wild boar, leopard, and monkeys. The leopard is considered the largest predator in this area.
A total of 274 species are found here, including 40 species of mammals.
Reptiles:
About 35 species of reptiles are found here, including snakes, lizards, skinks, cobras, pythons, and monitor lizards.
Amphibians:
Many amphibians are found in creeks and internal river basins. These include frogs and crabs. A total of 78 species of amphibians are found here.
Butterflies:
More than 70 species of butterflies are found in this forest.
Birds:
Many resident and migratory birds such as peacock, woodpecker, kingfisher, and eagle are found here.
Waterfalls:
Several water streams flow down from elevated areas in the sanctuary, forming waterfalls at various locations. Major waterfalls include Koknipāda, Yeoor, Chirmadevi, National Park, and Waghdevi.
Water Bodies:
Numerous natural water bodies and springs are found in the elevated regions of the forest. These include Tulsi Lake in the central area, Vihar Lake to the south, Powai Lake below it, and several small and large percolation tanks in the central zone.
Some artificial water bodies have also been created. Dams have been constructed across forest streams to form water reservoirs. The Dahisar River and tributaries of the Ulhas River are the lifelines of this sanctuary.
Boating Point:
A short distance inside from the Borivali Gate, an artificial water reservoir can be seen where visitors can enjoy boating.
Deer Observation Zone:
Deer can be seen in the Dahisar River area within the sanctuary. This region falls under dense forest cover.
The Kanheri Caves are located in the central part of the sanctuary. Many buses operate to this site from the Borivali Gate.
Kanheri Caves are ancient Buddhist caves located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai.
These caves date from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE.
There are approximately 109 caves, including viharas, chaitya halls, and stupas.
The caves were used by Buddhist monks for meditation, residence, and education.
The rock-cut architecture, inscriptions, and water management system are distinctive features.
A beautiful blend of history, religion, and nature can be experienced here.
Sunrise Point:
Near the Kanheri Caves complex lies the Sunrise Point, where a beautiful sunrise can be witnessed every morning. Many tourists and nature lovers visit this spot.
Remains of British-Era Bungalow:
During British rule, a beautiful bungalow was constructed near Tulsi Lake in the forest for the residence and recreation of British officers. Today, it stands neglected, and its remains can still be seen.
Tiger Zone / Core Area:
The central zone of the park is a very dense forest and forms the core area of the sanctuary. Entry into this area is restricted. It is a reserved wildlife zone where animals such as leopards are found.
Mundi Point:
Mundi Point is located in the north-eastern part of the sanctuary. Water bodies are present in this area. Many wildlife and bird observers visit this place for observation and research.
Pankhand Dam:
In the north-eastern part of the sanctuary, the Pankhand Dam has been constructed across a small forest river. It is a boon for forest animals and birds.
Visiting Hours:
7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
(Timings may change seasonally)
Closed on Mondays
Importance:
The Green Lung of a metropolitan city like Mumbai
Extremely important for environmental conservation, research, and tourism.
During fort trekking, you need various essential items. You can explore and purchase them through the links below.
Historical Background of Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
Earlier, this region was known as a dense forest area.
Buddhist caves were excavated here between the 1st century BCE and the 10th century CE.
During British rule, after the establishment of the Forest Department, 20.26 sq. km of land was brought under the sanctuary area.
Bungalows were constructed for observation and supervision of the sanctuary.
Due to the presence of black basalt rocks, the region was later named Krishnagiri.
After India’s independence in 1947, this area came under the Government of India.
In 1974, the park was named Borivali National Park.
In 1981, it was renamed Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Sanjay Gandhi Rastriya Udyan, Borivali, Mumbai.
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