Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Located within the city of Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has the distinction of being the only wildlifepreserve located within a city in the world. Spread over 104 sq km, the park is popular with wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It has the reputation of being the most visited national park in Asia. Close to two million people visit the park annually. The park was earlier known as Borivali National Park and was renamed in 1990 after Congress leader and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s son Sanjay.

The park attracts lots of wildlife, nature enthusiasts and those seeking adventure who flock to the park to trek and to observe the wildlife. Ashok Van and Gaumukh are the trails commonly used by the trekkers. The View Point trail is the most ambitious which takes you to the highest point in the park and offers a panoramic view of Mumbai and Tulsi, Vihar and Powai lakes. Shilonda Trail (4 km), Malad Trail (5 km) and Yeoor Trail (6 km) are other popular trails.

Though home to a wide variety of wildlife, the lion and tiger safari within the park attracts the most number of visitors. Lion and tiger safari, which lasts about 20 minutes, are conducted by the forest authorities and no private vehicles are allowed inside the enclosure. Barking deer, Hanuman langur and Indian flying fox, birds like jungle owlets, golden orioles can be spotted. Migratory birds also flock to the park during season. The best time to see birds are October to April. August to November is the best time to spot butterflies.