Mumbai is known for many attractions, from the picturesque Marine Drive to the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, one of the city’s most popular gems is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), one of the few national parks in the world to be situated within urban limits. Located in Borivali, SGNP welcomes visitors from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and remains closed on Mondays. With entry tickets starting at INR 124, the park is gearing up to introduce an exciting new leopard safari experience.
Recently inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, who also serves as the guardian minister for Mumbai’s suburban district, this new leopard safari is an extension of the park’s existing lion and tiger safaris. The leopard safari promises an engaging yet controlled environment, prioritizing visitor safety alongside the well-being of the animals.
SGNP is home to a leopard rescue and rehabilitation centre, where rescued leopard cubs from various regions of Maharashtra are cared for. Until now, these leopards have not been accessible for public viewing due to the absence of a dedicated safari. The newly planned project, with an estimated cost of INR 5 crores, will feature a 30-hectare enclosure that mimics the leopards’ natural habitat, ensuring a safe, immersive safari experience.
Currently, SGNP houses around 17 leopards, with numbers expected to grow in the future. Visitors can look forward to witnessing leopards in their natural behaviors. The safari will also offer valuable educational insights into leopard conservation, their ecological roles, and the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in an increasingly urbanized environment. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting initiative!
What To Do At Sanjay Gandhi National Park
At Sanjay Gandhi National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as paddle boating on the serene Dahisar River while taking in the stunning views. A popular spot within the park is Gandhi Tekdi, where an easy hike through the lush forest leads to the Gandhi Smarak, offering breathtaking views of Mumbai.
Additionally, the park is home to the Kanheri Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with caves dating back over 2,000 years, their name stemming from the Sanskrit term for ‘black mountain.’ For those seeking adventure and knowledge, a buggy tour lets you explore hidden gems of the park, including informative centers like the Cat Orientation Centre, Taxidermy Centre, and the Orchidarium, each providing a unique insight into the park’s diverse wildlife and plant life.
