103 sq.km of pure wilderness in the heart of Mumbai city and
surrounded by a population of 20 million people.
The SGNP is amongst the most easily accessible National
Parks in the country, well connected by road and rail networks. Given here are
the directions and travel details to access SGNP from different directions in
Mumbai. All distances given are from the Main Gate at Borivali (this entrance
lies on the Western Express Highway).
From South Mumbai and Western suburbs: From South & Central Mumbai, SGNP
can be easily accessed by road from the WEH. Given here are the distances from
various locations in South and Central Mumbai, as also in the western suburbs.
Navy Nagar, near southern tip of Mumbai: 45 km,Nariman
Point: 41 km,Worli: 30 km
Sion: 27 km, Bandra: 23 km, Versova, Andheri: 15 km, International
Airport: 18 km
Domestic Airport: 16 km From Central Mumbai & South Central
Mumbai: It is advisable to reach Sion and drive along the Sion – Dharavi Road
to connect the WEH at Bandra. Continue north towards SGNP.
From Eastern suburbs
and Thane: From the eastern suburbs of Ghatkopar – Mulund, and from Thane
urban, there are two approach routes to SGNP.Via Powai: Drive along LBS Marg to
reach the Gandhi Nagar Jn. From here, take the A S Road (Adi Sankaracharya
Road) that passes the IIT - Powai stretch.
Don't plan anything on Monday as All the Activities (Accept
Gandhi Tekdi & Kanheri Caves) are not Working on Monday & Also During
lunch Time (1:30pm - 2:30pm)
Things to do in SGNP.
Tiger & Lion Safari
Make your visit a memorable one as
you watch the big cats at Tiger & Lion Safari from the safety and comfort
of a closed vehicle. Get upfront and close with the big cats at tiger and lion
safari cages. The expansive safari cages enable the visitors to watch these big
cats from the safety of a closed vehicle and in a simulated wild landscape. The
wildlife interpretation centre at the ticket booking counter helps us better
understand the different wild animals and their natural history better. Adult 61.00
Child 24.00 you can book online or at the National Park
Boating
Take a pedal boat Just a stone throw away from the main
gate is the idyllic artificial water body which allows one to use the pedal
boats and go peddling on the scenic, refreshing lake created to facilitate just
this experience. Rate Two Seater 36.00 Four Seater 73.00 Book Online or at the National
Park
Van Rani
Most Popular Tourist attraction in SGNP.
Literally meaning the jungle queen, this toy train facility
is one of the oldest attractions in SGNP. Go chugging along the circuitous
narrow gauge, route covering the perimeter of the Gandhi Tekdi hillock.Rate Adult 31.00, Child 12.00
Book Online or at the National Park
Kanheri Caves
A 2400 year old Buddhist Cave Complex the
Kanheri Caves Situated within the national park is a 2400 year old complex of
some 160 rock-cut caves popularly known as the ‘Kanheri caves’ a protected archaeological
site. Kanheri is derived from Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, which literally means
black mountain. Visitors can view the magnificent relics of Buddha and the
Bodhisattvas and walk along the pillared corridors of the prayer halls chiselled
out in the rocky outcrop.
A 2,400-year-old complex sits within the park, housing more
than 100 caves cut out of rock forming a protected archaeological site. The
word ‘Kanheri’ is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Krishnagiri’, which literally
means ‘Black Mountain’. View the magnificent relics of Buddha and the
Bodhisattvas and walk along the pillared corridors of the prayer halls. One can
drive, walk, and take a bus ride or even cycle up to here.
103 sq.km of pure wilderness area forming roughly 20 % of
Mumbai’s geographical area
The SGNP has always been the perfect getaway destination for
Mumbaikars in search of some respite from the chaos of this densely populated
metropolis. But there is so much more to the park than a haven away from the
noise. It is a breathing ecosystem with much to offer.
These are the popular tourist attraction in SGNP
TREKS AND TRAILS
Shilonda Trail
This peaceful trail starts along the plains just before the
Kaneri? Foothills and winds along gently into a good long hike heading
northwards. Once the home of a tribal settlement that has now moved away,
nature has completely reclaimed this territory. The trail reveals the gradual
gradation in the vegetation: from scrubland at the beginning to dense, tall
evergreen forest ahead. This route is met – at more than one point – by rapid
forest streams and wading through this knee-deep crystal clear water is nothing
less than therapeutic for the city-weary soul.
Malad Trail Line
This trail runs along the western edge of the park and is
dotted with varied vegetation beginning with dry-deciduous (Teak, Red Silk
Cotton, Palash, Laburnum tree, Bamboo thickets, to name a few) and gradually
gives way to evergreen growth. Another gentle trail, this one ambles along to
an artificial water hole where you might be able to witness signs of wildlife
activity from the previous night. But walk along further, and you find yourself
at the very edge of the forest in the suburb of Malad, where the conflict
between forest and this ever-expanding city is strikingly apparent.
Kanheri/ Upper Trail
If you’re up for some Sunday morning legwork, this one is
for you. This trail provides great opportunities for birding and exploring
natural habitats as these evergreen forests are host to a rich diversity of
life forms. Well-shaded for the most part, this hike takes you to a small
opening along a rocky edge of the mountain, a bit like a balcony. The
astounding view from here is a sight for sore eyes. Cross the gurgling
waterfall along the way (watch your step on the moist, moss-covered rocks), and
a short climb later, you’ll be at the top of Kanheri Caves. The view juxtaposes
the crowded suburbs of Mumbai with the calm forests of SGNP.
Bamboo Hut Trail/ Gaumukh Trail
Among the most popular birding trails in the forest, this
one is gentle but long. It leads you to the highest point in the park at 1,000
feet above sea level and to the well known Gaumukh point at the top of Kanheri
Caves. Right at the base of the trail (means at the start?) is a serene and
picturesque water hole, which the locals refer to as ‘Phansacha? Paani’ (what
does it mean). This waterhole is a magnet for wildlife all through the year and
if you avail of the requisite permissions from the forest department, you can
sit in one of the two tall watchtowers overnight and experience some thrilling
wildlife moments in the forest.
Highest Point Trail
At other times continue walking along the Bamboo Hut trail,
cross streams, negotiate rocky hill slopes, and breathe in the beautiful forest
vistas as you continue to quench your thirst for a nice invigorating trek. If
you do manage to reach the highest point, then you have a surreal panorama of
the 3 lakes viz. Tulsi, Vihar and Powai in front of you against the back drop
of the city. Along the way you will pass through ‘Ashok Van’ – a dense groove
of Sita-Ashok (Saraca indica) trees. Make sure you spend some time here in this
well shaded and peaceful place. According to the legend of Ramayana, the demon
Ravana had also held Sita in captivity in one such similar grooves. The highest
point trek is indeed a trekkers delight and that too right within the financial
capital of India.
Kashimira Trek
This interesting trek begins closer to the Lion Safari Gate
inside SGNP and proceeds further north
of the forest. The trek route entices the trekker with the silence only this
forest can offer amid the bustling city.
Nagla Block Trail
One of the most exhilarating trails lies along the
Mumbai-Agra highway at Sasupada. Around 17 per cent of SGNP ’s land lies in the
relatively pristine forestland beyond the Bassein/Bhayander creek and is a
favourite among butterfly and bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. A nature
interpretation centre sits at the base of the gentle hilly walk. This trail
reveals the confluence of mangrove and forest ecosystems in all their grandeur
and this patch of forest harbours some of the most undisturbed and healthy
growth of ecologically significant mangrove vegetation along the island of
Mumbai.
In 2003, a tigress was found to have taken up residence in
this area. No one had answers to where she had come from and where she
eventually went. But that is the beauty of nature, it never ceases to surprise
us. Hit the Naga Block Trail and make your own discoveries.
These National Park are today jungle and its protections is our duty as it is our property as a trekker there are few do's and don't from Sanjay Gandhi National Park Administration which I personally really liked.
- Do not Feed Wild Animal: You will be fine Rs.25,000/- if you do so or 3 years of Imprisonment or both under wild life protection act 1972. IPC
- Don't speed up you motor make much louder noise that wild animals if found charges are upto Rs.2000/-
- Don't Make noise you will be annoying any lion tiger leopard
- Don't loiter around whatever you will throw it will be consume by wild animals which could be dangerous for them
Get in touchIn case of an emergency in Mumbai and adjoining areas of
Thane district, please call Thane Forest Division Control room. The SGNP team manages such emergencies within the Park
area, while also assisting the Thane team outside the Park area. You can call
either of the two control room numbers and they will coordinate to ensure that
the Forest Department team responds to your call, and if necessary reaches your
premises in the shortest possible time.
SGNP Control Room: 022-28866449
Thane Forest (Territorial) Division Control Room:
022-25445459
If you would like to get in touch with the members of the
Mumbaikars for SGNP project, please
email them at mumbaikarsforSGNP @gmail.com
Mumbaikars for SGNP is also on social media and you can become a
member of the project’s facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSGNP /
Don't forget to check out my Gallery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
(** All Infomation Are available to public on SGNP website)
Stay safe and keep yourself
healthy spread love around and keep travelling
Hum Traveller "Where life
mean travel"
