Introduction

Mumbai, in all probability, is the world’s only city that has a National Park within its boundaries. And Borivili National Park is undoubtedly the largest park (single green patch) in the world located within city limits. A flight landing in town during the day gives a nice aerial view of the city forest surrounded by concrete and shantytowns. It’s the teeming city’s green lungs and plays a vital role in purifying the pollution of the city. Officially known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Park lies on the northern fringes of suburban Mumbai, near the Borivili neighborhood. Get off at Borivili station to reach the Park.

At times it is difficult to believe that within an hour’s suburban train ride from Mumbai Central, one can be surrounded by a 104-sq-km jungle with leopards, among other animals, inhabiting in it. Urban development and slums are forever chipping away at its boundaries, but this refuge of green and calm for Mumbaikars is holding firm. Its hilly terrain reaches a maximum height of 480 meters (1574.8 feet). Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake within the Park provide the city's water requirements.

The park is a vibrant forest. 800 Types of flowering plants, 284 kinds of birds, 36 types of mammals, 62 reptiles and 150 species of butterfly inhabit this genuine jungle. Naturalists particularly look forward to a seven phenomena to see Karvi (Strobilanthes Callosa), a flowering plant, bloom. It carpets the slopes with a shade of mauve. The park is also home to a small population of leopards. Occasionally they have veered into neighborhoods. In fact in June 2004, leopards accounted for 20 human deaths within a short span on the Park fringes. Eight leopards were caught and relocated. In 2003, pug marks and droppings of a tiger were found in this region. Although the tiger was never spotted, it did bring some excitement to city folks as the last tiger sighted in the wild was way back in the 1920s. But one can still see a tiger, albeit in a fortified area. The Park has lion and tiger safaris in two separate areas within the Park.

Tree and plant lovers will find kadamba, teak, karanj, shisam, and species of acacia, ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton and a number of other varieties of flowers. While wildlife experts can look out for leopard, spotted deer, black naped hare, barking deer, porcupine, palm civet, mouse deer, rhesus macaque, bounet macaque, Hanuman langur, Indian flying fox, and sambhar. One can also spot hyena or four horned antelope. The family of reptiles include crocodiles, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, Daboia, Bamboo Pit Viper and Ceylonese Cat Snake, and more.

Avian species are well represented in the form of Jungle owlets, golden orioles, racket-tailed drongos, minivets, magpies, robins, hornbills, bulbuls, sunbirds, peacock, and woodpeckers. Migratory and local birds such as paradise flycatcher, kingfisher, mynas, drongos, swifts, gulls, egrets, and herons have also been spotted.

For most Mumbaikars, the place is mostly about views of hills, valleys, lakes and open expanses. A stroll here has a therapeutic effect.

Special Attributes

World’s only National Park within city limits

Nuisance

The site is peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Avoid bright colored clothing

Connectivity

Connected by train and cabs

Enjoyed by

Pure nature buffs

Exposure

Minimal, there's lot of tree cover

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Enjoy the views and soak in the serenity

Type of site

National Park