Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park In Mumbai, Maharashtra

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), located in the heart of Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the most visited national parks in Asia and a unique urban wildlife sanctuary. Spread over 87 square kilometers, it serves as the lungs of Mumbai, providing a vital green cover to the bustling metropolis.

Established in 1969, the park is a biodiversity hotspot within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 270 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 170 species of butterflies, and 1,300 species of plants, making it an ecological treasure. The park is famous for its leopard population, making it one of the few national parks in the world where big cats coexist with a major city.

Other wildlife includes spotted deer, sambar deer, Hanuman langurs, Indian civets, rusty-spotted cats, Indian palm civets, and crocodiles in the park’s water bodies. The park also houses the Kanha Shanti Van, a conservation area for rescued lions and tigers. A major attraction within SGNP is the Kanheri Caves, a series of over 100 ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 1st century BCE, showcasing carvings, stupas, and prayer halls.

The toy train (Van Rani), boat rides, trekking trails (like the famous Shilonda and Gandhi Tekdi trails), and cycling paths make SGNP a favorite weekend getaway for Mumbaikars. With its rich biodiversity, historical significance, and recreational activities, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a one-of-a-kind national park that blends wildlife conservation with urban life, making it a must-visit destination in Mumbai.

Flora And Fauna

• Indian Leopard
• Rhesus Macaque
• Bonnet Macaque
• Spotted Deer