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Sanjay Gandhi National Park Mumbai: Exploring Nature’s Oasis in the Heart of Mumbai

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Sanjay Gandhi National Park, located in Mumbai, India, is a sprawling oasis of natural beauty amidst the bustling cityscape. Also known as Borivali National Park, it is a verdant expanse of wilderness that serves as a precious haven for both flora and fauna. Spanning over 100 square kilometers, the park offers a refreshing escape from the urban chaos, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. From dense forests and serene lakes to ancient caves and captivating wildlife, Sanjay Gandhi National Park showcases the rich biodiversity that coexists with the vibrant city of Mumbai. Whether you are a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, this national park offers a unique and rejuvenating experience right at the heart of Mumbai.

Must Read: Top 20 National Parks in India That You Need to Visit!

Geographical Location and History of Sanjay Gandhi National Park Mumbai:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated in the northern part of Mumbai, Maharashtra, stretching from the suburbs of Borivali to Thane. The park encompasses the ancient forests of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity. Established in 1969, the park was initially called Borivali National Park and was later renamed to honor Sanjay Gandhi, the son of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The park’s primary objective is to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems while providing recreational opportunities for the city’s residents.

Flora and Fauna in Sanjay Gandhi National Park Mumbai:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, boasting more than 1,300 plant species, including rare and endemic ones. The park’s vegetation ranges from moist deciduous forests to evergreen forests, creating a diverse habitat for a wide array of animal species. Some notable flora includes teak, shisam, karanj, and wild jasmine. The park is also home to over 270 bird species, including the rare Malabar pied hornbill and the elusive paradise flycatcher. Visitors might catch a glimpse of other fascinating creatures such as leopards, macaques, deer, wild boars, and reptiles like the Indian rock python and the monitor lizard.

Timings of Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.

The entry fee for Sanjay Gandhi National Park was as follows:

  • For Indian visitors: Rs. 53 per adult and Rs. 36 per child (age 5-12)
  • For foreign visitors: Rs. 106 per adult and Rs. 53 per child (age 5-12) Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s advisable to check the official website or contact the park authorities for the most up-to-date information

Attractions and Points of Interest of Sanjay Gandhi National Park Mumbai:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park offers a plethora of attractions and activities to engage visitors of all ages.

Here are some highlights:

Kanheri Caves: Within the park, the ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves of Kanheri provide a glimpse into Mumbai’s rich historical and cultural heritage. With over 100 caves dating back to the 1st century BCE, Kanheri Caves showcase magnificent sculptures, intricate carvings, and meditation halls.

Lion and Tiger Safari: The park features a Lion and Tiger Safari, where visitors can embark on a guided tour to observe these majestic big cats in a protected environment.

Nature Trails: Numerous walking trails crisscross the park, allowing visitors to explore its scenic beauty while immersing themselves in nature. The most popular trail is the Shilonda trail, known for its picturesque landscapes and abundant birdlife.

Boating at Tulsi Lake: Tulsi Lake, one of the park’s three lakes, offers boating facilities for visitors. It is a perfect spot to unwind and appreciate the serenity of the surroundings.

Conservation and Environmental Education:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park plays a vital role in preserving Mumbai’s fragile ecosystems and raising awareness about environmental conservation. The park authorities conduct various initiatives, including nature camps, wildlife awareness programs, and workshops for students and nature enthusiasts. The Van Rani initiative encourages women from local communities to participate in conservation efforts and provides livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism activities.

Conclusion:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park stands as a testament to the remarkable coexistence of a thriving metropolis and a thriving natural ecosystem. With its diverse flora, fauna, historical caves, and recreational activities, the park offers a unique experience for residents and tourists alike. By providing a sanctuary for wildlife and promoting environmental education, the park serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating nature in an urban setting. A visit to Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an immersive journey into the beauty and biodiversity that exists within the heart of Mumbai.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai:

What are the timings of Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.

What is the entry fee for Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 53 for adults and Rs. 36 for children (age 5-12). Foreign visitors pay Rs. 106 for adults and Rs. 53 for children (age 5-12).

Can I bring my own vehicle inside the park?
Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Visitors can either walk or use the park’s internal transportation facilities.

Are there any guided tours available in the park?
Yes, guided tours are available for various attractions within the park, including the Lion and Tiger Safari and the Kanheri Caves.

Can I go for trekking in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Yes, trekking is allowed in designated areas of the park. The Shilonda trail is a popular trekking route known for its scenic beauty and birdlife.

Are there any boating facilities available in the park?
Yes, boating facilities are available at Tulsi Lake, one of the lakes within the park. Visitors can enjoy boating amidst the serene surroundings.

Is it possible to spot wildlife like leopards in the park?
Yes, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards. However, sightings of leopards are rare as they are elusive creatures.

Are there any food options available inside the park?
Yes, there are food stalls and refreshment centers available within the park where visitors can buy snacks and beverages.

Are there any restrictions or guidelines for visitors in the park?
Visitors are expected to follow the park’s rules and guidelines, such as not littering, not feeding animals, and staying on designated trails for safety and conservation purposes.

Can I visit the Kanheri Caves within the park separately without entering the entire national park?
Yes, the Kanheri Caves can be visited separately without entering the national park. There is a separate entrance and ticket for the caves.
Please note that the information provided is based on my knowledge up until September 2021. It’s recommended to verify the current details and guidelines from official sources or the park’s website before planning a visit.

Inculcating Birdwatching as A Hobby by Riccha Arora

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Taking some time off from the cycle of monotonous life to indulge in a recreational activity is an opportunity to find expression in your life. Studies have shown that keeping a hobby has proven beneficial in decluttering one’s mind away from stressful thoughts. Furthermore, it is seen as a therapy to improve physical fitness and mental health.

Amongst several recreational activities such as Reading, Writing, Cooking, Gardening, Painting, Hiking, Photography, etc.- Birdwatching as a hobby is gaining immense popularity among various age groups. Today many people are showing more interest to go for eventful birding trails than ever before. The level of in-depth knowledge and sensitivity a birdwatcher carries for a winged species has led to the inception of several bird conservation organisations and trusts around the globe. Birds on the threshold of extinction are now being repopulated thanks to the proper measures taken by the government and other stakeholders along with tremendous awareness generated by birdwatchers.

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Here are five reasons why birdwatching is seen as an emerging trend-

#1) Build a Strong Connect With Nature

With increasing dependency on the virtual world, we are losing our connection with mother earth. The digitalisation and automation of several things might have eased our lives on many levels, however, it has also made us ignorant of the beautiful environment we are blessed to be a part of. Birdwatching as an activity is a reminder of our deep-rooted bond with nature. Through birding trails, one can get a chance to explore places filled with natural beauty.

Must Read: Club Mahindra Resorts in South India Feel Closer With Mother Nature in Your Southern Backyard

#2) A Fun, Frolic and Flexible Recreational Activity

As a recreational activity, birdwatching is becoming fashionable amongst many developed countries and several cosmopolitan cities for its flexible timings and amusing pathways that opens the doorway to a rich and gorgeous avian life. It can be tailored to suit one’s needs. You can either spend some time identifying birds in your backyard or take a trip to places where there is more probability of finding your target winged species.

#3) A Feasible and Economical Activity

The reason why adopting birdwatching as a hobby is that it is both feasible and economical, there is no cost nor any costly equipment attached to spotting a bird species or appreciating watching birds in general. However, to intensify the venture into a more memorable and knowledgeable experience one can also hire an experienced and educated field guide carrying good knowledge of birds in his respective region or a DSLR camera to photograph a bird that fascinates you a lot.

#4) Spread Awareness About Bird Conversation

Watching birds in their natural habitat is not only seen as a stressbuster but also re-energizes our physical body and mental soundness and educates us on how intimately we are connected with other inhabitants living on this planet. Spotting a bird invariably unfolds several topics concerning the biology, geography, sociology, politics, and history of the region. Witnessing a bird soaring in the sky is certainly amusing but it also touches the issue of their vulnerability in the current scenario and the steps one can take to prevent their permanent extinction. Birdwatchers have proven to be a boon when it comes to bird conversation. Just by spreading awareness about the importance of the survival of these species they have influenced many people to work in the direction of conversation.

#5) Awakens the Power of Meditation

Watching birds leisurely brings calmness and relaxation to mind. Navigating winged species in their natural habitat not only teaches one to live in the moment but also initiate self-introspection and self-examination. Birdwatching is an ideal way to improve concentration for those who find it difficult to concentrate through closed eyes and yoga exercises.

Today India is seen as the second most famous destination amongst birdwatchers after Papua New Guinea. In spite of carrying the highest population on this planet, it is interesting to see how this country has managed to shelter some of the endangered species within its periphery. Every winter the vast and stunning wetlands of Little Rann of Kutch, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Chilika Lake, Harike Lake, Carambolim Lake, Chambal etc transform into the interim home of Lesser Flamingos, Greater Flamingos, Bar-headed Goose, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Marbled Teal, Comb Duck, Common Teal, Mallard along with other waterfowls, waders, raptors, flycatchers, geese and ducks.

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While the verdant hills of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Sikkim are ruled by Pheasants and Partridge such as Cheer Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Blood Pheasant, and Blyth’s tragopan, their virgin forests are humble abode to many sought-after species such as Siberian Rubythroat, Indian Pitta, Himalayan Rubythroat long-tailed broadbill, Ibisbill, Collared Owlet, Mrs Gould Sunbird, Kashmiri Nutcracker, Red-headed Bullfinch etc.

One cannot close eyes to the arable lands of India which is playing host to the critically endangered species of the Bustard family such as The Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, and Bengal Florican.

This is a country where a bird named Forest Owlet considered to be extinct in 1883 was rediscovered in 1997 in the deciduous forest of Central India and a new bird species- Bugun Liocichla spotted in the forest of Arunachal Pradesh was introduced to the world in 2006. With such a diverse birdlife residing in the country, birdwatching in India is a tremendous experience that one should not give it a miss.

Story by : Riccha Arora

A sunny morning in March, during lockdown when I was casually sitting in my bedroom, got an idea to take up my interest to the next level and start writing the blogs.

Introducing myself as a housewife and now a mother of two years old, I have already posted blogs on social media on parenthood, travel and other topics related to the same. At the age when kids use to enjoy toys and outdoor games, I started living in a fantasy world of becoming a writer as I had always enjoyed writing. Time passed and my life took a turn. I got married and started enjoying my life to the fullest.

Achievement doesn’t mean degrees and a file full of papers you got in life but it means the compliment you received for your work. My posts which I use to write in my free time were always complimented by my near ones. After so many years when I again started following my hobby and how it become a passion, is no less than a surprise.

I am Riccha Arora, and this is my transformative journey from an unknown being into a person who is acknowledged for her writing and wants to inspire the world with her stories.

“Everyone’s life is an experience in itself it is up to the person how they showcase it. This real-life story is one of its kind which will make you realize the importance of self love and self-acceptance. A story that every woman must read.”

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