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Nature is a gift bestowed upon man by God, especially when it comes to the Borivali National Park. The park’s unimaginable beauty and charm has left people in Mumbai absorbed and astonished. It is a precious and a valuable gift which Mumbai cannot afford to lose.
The plant and the animal kingdom are the greatest richness of the country. Borivali National Park is also a place under the genre which safeguards the endangered species. With more than 1000 species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 251 species of birds including migratory and water birds, 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians and a large variety of fish, insects and other life forms, the calm and serene environment in the lap of mother nature is a true delight and a best place for an emotional retreat.
Here you find how the plants and animals live in harmony with one another and with nature. A visit to the Borivali National Park gives a chance to explore the nature at its best. The lake includes within its limits, the world famous Kanheri caves and two other famous lakes Tulsi and Vihar.
History of Borivali National Park
The foundation of the park is quite strong and dates back to the year 1969. During the time, the park was called Krishnagiri National Park. It was in 1983, that it got its name ‘Borivali National Park’ which later on became famous as ‘Sanjay Gandhi National Park’. The vast and bewitchingly colorful landscape extends to about 86.96 sq. km.
Special attractions in and around Borivali National Park
The exciting and thrilling Lion Safari is the center of attraction of this park. Visitors experience such an adventurous ride through the forest/park. The Kanheri caves are yet another must visit of the park. These caves are famous for their excavations dating back to very ancient times.
The fauna of the Park consists of panther, jungle cat, mongoose, python, wild boar, langur, sambar monkey and crocodile. A variety of water birds, of prey and quails, vultures, owls, ring fishes, parakeets are found. Amphibians, fishes, four-horned antelope, mouse deer, turtles, snakes and a large variety of butterflies and moths also flourish in the park.
The vegetation comprises of tropical dry deciduous forest which contains secondary - growth trees such as Karanj, teak, Umbar, Peepal, Vad, Neem, Khair, and fruit trees like Mango, Jambhul etc. About 1,000 species of flowering plants and species of Ziziphus, Acacia, Flame of the forest, Euphorbia, Red silk cotton are also in the park.
Best Time to Visit Borivali National Park
The National Park is mostly visited by tourists between September and March.
Timings
The park is open on all days between 7.30 am and 7.30pm.
Location
State: Maharashtra
District: Mumbai
How to reach Borivali National Park
Being centrally located in the Mumbai Metro, getting there is a very easy thing. The Chattrapathi Shivaji bus terminus is very close to the place. The airport and the railway station are also not too far. Moreover, Mumbai is of course dotted with countless services spread across the city.
Nearest airport: Mumbai has its own airport.
Nearest railway stations: There is a railway station at Mumbai.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Mumbai is well connected by road to Pune, Nasik and other important cities of the state.
Tourism Department
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Sanjay Gandhi National Park,
Phone: 91- 22- 28860362, 91- 22- 28860389, 91- 22-28421174
Climatic Conditions
The climate here is hot and humid throughout the year and the weather is fine and pleasant in winters.
Clothing
Light cotton clothes in summers and light woolens in winters are recommended.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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