Sanjay Gandhi National Park, commonly known as the Borivali National Park, is situated at
Borivali in
Mumbai.
Covering an area of about 140 sq km, the park is an amazing natural retreat. The 20 km long Thane-Bassin creek passes through the forest, which is rich in mangroves on both sides. The Tulsi and Vihar lakes situated within the park are major sources of water supply to Mumbai and Thane.
The park is home to a diverse variety of animals, birds and insects. Notable among them are the spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, black napped hare, leopard, porcupine, palm civet and hyena; monkey species include rhesus macaque, bonnet macaque and the Hanuman langur (leaf monkey). The Indian
flying fox is considered to be the biggest of the bat species in the park.
A paradise for bird watchers, the park shelters Tickell's Flowerpecker, sunbirds, paradise flycatcher, trogon, white bellied sea eagle, several kinds of kingfishers, woodpeckers, drongos, green barbet, parakeets, racket-trailed drongo and blue flycatcher. A number of reptiles and snakes are also found.
'Krishnagiri Upavan' with an area of over 5 sq km is reserved as recreational zone inside the park, to cater to the educational and recreational needs. Amongst the several attractions of the Krishnagiri Upavan, the 12-hectare Lion Safari Park with crisscrossed roads, offer close encounter with lion. The 'Tiger Safari' established on 20-hectare area offers opportunity to see the tiger from close quarters.
The Kanheri Caves located within the park area is an important point of interest. On Mahashivaratri, the temple near the caves attracts a large number of pilgrims. Cottages and camping facilities are provided.
The park is opened from 09:00 to 17:30 hrs. November to February and April to May are ideal to visit the park.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the closest airport. The park is hardly 2 km from Borivali Railway Station. It is situated between the eastern and western express highways and can be accessed from Thane, Mulund and Borivali.
