In a bustling metropolis like Mumbai where you’re always on the move, it becomes easy to feel restless. Every nook and cranny of the streets are buzzing with people living their own life. But, amidst all this chaos is a huge patch of green that offers a solace and a chance to rekindle with nature. If you have an empty day with no intention of spending it indoors, make your way to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and spend a day of peace there.
Get Your Morning Fitness In By Cycling
Give your morning a healthy start and your body a breath of fresh air as you cycle your way through the asphalt roads of the national park. Sanjay Gandhi National Park has a beautiful trail for you to cycle and explore the greenery. There are rentals in and around the park at very affordable rates, so you don’t have to worry about getting your own cycle. While exploring, be prepared to come across deer and monkeys, minding their own business. You can also stop by stalls set up by the villagers that sell fresh watermelons, bananas, cucumbers, and corn salads.
Prices: INR 80 for 2 hours
Explore The Kanheri Caves
Trek or bike your way to these 2,000 year old caves that hold relics of Buddhism. It’s believed that there was once a monastic settlement that occupied these 109 caves or Buddha Viharas. You can witness the inscriptions, sculptures, and paintings carved on the walls that depict the history of Buddhism in the state. They beautifully display the Buddhist stupas, ingenious water channels, and a monastery. You can spend a good hour exploring the caves and clicking some great pictures.
Spot Wild Cats On A Safari
It’s time to sprinkle some thrill on your trip to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Head to your pick up point and get yourselves tickets for the tiger safari Despite the name, you may get to see both lions and tigers in your 20-minute journey with some curious deer darting about. The park houses three lions and four tigers, so if you’re lucky, you might get to spot more than one of these wild cats that roam about freely in the fenced jungle. There’s no need to fret about your safety as you’ll be caged safely in the minibus.
Price: Starting at INR 81
Paddleboat At Tulsi Lake
After exploring wildlife on the land, hop on a paddleboat in Tulsi Lake and float around the calm waters as you learn about the different wildlife species from the Nature Information Center’s guided activities. Or, you can simply unwind just by sitting near the cool water and listening to the sounds of nature. It’s a great location to expel the fruitful exhaustion of a productive day.
Price: Starting at INR 85 for two
Joy Ride In The Vanrani Toy Train
End your day with the last attraction of the park on this toy train. Van Rani, standing for Forest Queen, takes you through the wildlife encompassed forest, giving you one last glance at everything Sanjay Gandhi National Park holds within. It’s a safari that lasts about 15-20 minutes and you’ll even pass through a tunnel. You’ll also pass a memorial location of Mahatma Gandhi in this train ride.
Price: Starting at INR 50
Summing Up
Along with all of these fun-filled activities, you can choose to spend your time in a quiet corner of the park and set up a picnic and unwind. They even host reading sessions for those interested.
FAQs
What Is Special About Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Also known as Borivali National Park, SGNP is home to over 251 different species of migratory birds, 40 species of mammals, and 5,000 different species of insects, making it a forest decked with flora and fauna within the concrete jungle of Mumbai.
Are There Tigers In Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Yes! There is two tigers and four tigresses in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Which Animal Is Protected In Sanjay National Park?
Tigers and lions are the protected species that roam freely in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Is It Safe To Walk In Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Yes! The path for walking is separated from the fenced forest within which the tigers and lions stay. So, you can walk around without a worry. However, you might be greeted by some monkeys and deer.
