Sanjay Gandhi National park
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About Sanjay Gandhi National park
Far From City: 15 kms from city center
Cost:
About Sanjay Gandhi National park
Weather:
Time Required:3-4 hours
Open Time:National Park - 7:00 AM - 6:30 PMKanheri Caves - 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Cost:
Entry: INR 48 per adult.INR 25 for children above five.Kanheri caves: INR 5
History of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The park was named 'Krishnagiri National Park' in the pre-independence era. Covering only twenty-six square kilometers in the area back then, the park was expanded to its present size in 1969 by appending other reserve forest properties to the park. An independent unit of the Forest Department called 'Borivali National Park Sub-division' was set up later in this area. The Krishnagiri National Park was created in 1974 and later renamed as 'Borivali National Park'. In 1981, it was again renamed as 'Sanjay Gandhi National Park' in memory of former Prime Minister, Sanjay Gandhi.
The forest lied on an important trade route of the 4th century between India and Mesopotamia. The Kanheri Caves, situated in the centre of the park, were an important Buddhist learning centre and a pilgrimage site for the Buddhist monks between the 9th and the 1st centuries BCE. The caves were chiseled out of huge basaltic rock outcroppings.
Main attractions in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Toy Train:The park features a vintage toy train called Van rani (jungle queen) that runs on a narrow gauge. The train ride lasting about 15 minutes takes you along the foothills of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial on Pavilion Hill, traverses a couple of bridges and tunnels and passes over the Deer Park. You may spot a lot of deer roaming freely around the huts of native people.
Lakes:The Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake are the two artificial lakes inside the national park. The view of the Western Ghats in the backdrop is jaw dropping especially during monsoons when cloud covers are almost at level with the peaks.Another attraction is a boating service that is available near the Van rani start point and is perfect for calm evening alone or in the company of family on the small lake. There is a bridge on this lake where you can stand and watch the boats in the water. The bridge is used as a marker for limiting the boats to one side.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Lion Safari
The Lion and Tiger Safari are major attractions of the SGNP. Started with the motive of promoting eco-tourism. The safari is a twenty-minute ride through a fenced area of the forest with close views of Lions and Tigers. There are around twenty lions in the national park and four tigers. The safari charges are INR 64 for adults and INR 25 for children.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Cycle On Rent
In a bid to reduce air pollution, authorities started the initiative of a cycle rent service to help tourists commute inside the national park. The cycles can be rented out at a nominal price of INR 10 per hour by submitting a photo identification at the entrance office. The cycle routes are restricted till the tour route and can be taken only up till the Kanheri Caves.
How to Reach Sanjay Gandhi National park
It is located towards the north of Mumbai. You can take the local train to Borivali from Churchgate, which will take about an hour. From there you can take an autorickshaw right up to the park gate. The nearest railhead is the Borivali railway station.
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