Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Introducing Sanjay Gandhi National Park

It’s hard to believe that within 90 minutes of the teeming metropolis you can be surrounded by the jungle of this 104-sq-km protected area (28866449; adult/child Rs 10/5; 7.30am-7pm Tue-Sun). Here, bright flora, birds, butterflies and elusive wild leopards replace traffic and crowds, all surrounded by forested hills on the city’s northern edge. Urban development and shantytowns are starting to muscle in on the edges of this wild region, but for now much of it remains a refuge of green and calm.

One of the main attractions is the lion & tiger safari (Rs 30; every 20min 9am-12.40pm & 2-5.20pm Tue-Sun), departing from the tiger orientation centre (about 1km in from the main entrance). Expect a whirlwind 20-minute jaunt by bus through the two separate areas of the park housing the tigers and lions.

Inside the main northern entrance is an information centre with a small exhibition on the park’s wildlife. The best time to see birds is October to April and butterflies August to November.

Another big draw are the 109 Kanheri Caves (Indian/foreigner Rs 5/100; 9.30am-5.30pm Tue-Sun) lining the side of a rocky ravine 5km from the northern park entrance. They were used by Buddhist monks between the 2nd and 9th centuries as viharas (monasteries) and chaityas (temples), but don’t compare to the caves at Ajanta, Ellora or even Lonavla.

For information on the park, contact Mumbai’s main conservation organisation, the Bombay Natural History Society (22821811; www.bnhs.org; Colaba Causeway) in Kala Ghoda.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009