Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park has a picturesque location in the verdant hilly regions of Borivali in Mumbai. Also known as Borivali National Park, it harbors a varied species of flora and fauna, a rare national park that lies within the precincts of a city. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park sprawls over 104 sq km.

The history of park takes it to the 4th century BC when Soapra and Kalyan were two ports that had trade links with ancient lands of Greece and Mesopotamia. This forest was the via media between these two ports. During the pre-independence era the park was known as Krishnagiri National Park. In 1969 the park increased its territory and a separate forest division was created under the Indian Forest Service department and with this appeared Borivli National Park named after the nearby Borivali area. In 1981, the name was changed to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, after Sanjay Gandhi, the son of Indira Gandhi who died in an air crash.

The park is a bustling forest with verdant greenery and an estimated 800 types of flowering plants; 284 kinds of birds; 5,000 species of insects; 36 types of mammals; 50 reptiles and 150 species of butterfly.

Home to many endangered species of plant and animal, Sanjay Gandhi National Park had the world largest moth, the Atlas moth. A wonder of nature - Karvi, a flowering plant, blooms here once in 7 years, cascading onto the slopes with a shade of mauve. If you are lucky enough you may also encounter a small population of wild leopards. It is all here - extravagantly wild and seductive charm of nature that is sure to sweep you off your feet.

How to Reach Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is well connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra. Santa Cruz is the domestic airport that is about 16kms from the park. The airport has a regular flights connecting Mumbai to all the major cities of India. About 20 Kms is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport that is again a link to the park with all the major countries of the world.

You can also opt for train services and get down at the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, which is at a distance of 40 km from the national park. Borivali station is the nearest railway station connected to Mumbai CST and other Mumbai central railway Terminuses. There are good roads connecting the park to all major cities.