Things To Know About Sanjay Gandhi National Park

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, previously known as the Borivali National Park, is no ordinary park. Attracting more than two million tourists a year as one of Asia’s most visited parks, this lush green marvel has immense historic, geographic, ecological and artistic significance. From a tiger resident population to over 2,000-years-old Buddhist caves, there’s almost nothing this park doesn’t have. Here are six facts about this Mumbai landmark that will fascinate you.

It’s huge

Covering an area of 104 kilometers squared (40 square miles), the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is considered to be the largest park in the world located within city limits. This dense forested park features elevations ranging from 30 meters (98 feet) to 480 meters (1,570 feet). Its lush green cover counters much of the air pollution in Mumbai, leading to it being called the lungs of the city.

Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Lakes

Historic Significance

Tucked away within the lush greenery are the Kanheri Caves, about 109 rock-cut cave temples dating to the first century B.C.E. These caves, believed to have once been Buddhist shrines and places of meditation and study, are adorned with paintings of the Buddha and ancient Indian carvings. The park itself dates back to the fourth century B.C.E. when it was part of the transit route of the ancient port town of Sopara (in present-day Thane), and Kalyan which traded with Mesopotamia among other ancient civilizations.

Home to tigers and lions

If the lakes, greenery or historical sites don’t interest you, maybe the park’s wildlife will. The park claims to be home to more than 20 lions and about four tigers housed in separate semi-confined areas. Visitors can opt to take a 20-minute lion or tiger safari to observe these fascinating creatures. The park also features a large number of leopards as well as a range of other indigenous animals including the spotted deer, Indian flying foxes, Hanuman langurs and sambar deer.

Lion safari, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Tiger Safari, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Jain Temple

The park is also home to a temple for followers of the Digambara school of Jainism. The temple features three huge idols ranging around 30 feet in height. Locally known as the Trimurti Digambar Jain Mandir, the temple frequently hosts Jain saints and organizes religious ceremonies.

1. Toy train

Park

Toy train

The park has its own toy train or tram, called Van Rani (jungle queen) which runs on a narrow gauge railway. Over 25 years old, the train was discontinued in 2001 due to its poor condition, upsetting much of the city. Luckily service resumed in 2004 after renovations. The tiny train, with a seating capacity of about 25, goes through various bridges and tunnels by part of the jungle inhabited by deer.

Railtracks, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai | © Mohit S/Flickr

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