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Introduction
Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park in Maharashtra is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Mumbai City & Thane district, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali) is one of the world’s largest urban national parks located entirely within Mumbai megacity limits.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Districts | Mumbai City & Thane |
| Year of Notification | 1969 |
| Total Area | 87 sq km |
| Landscape | Deciduous forest hills, basaltic rock caves, freshwater lakes, and bamboo brakes. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake (supplying drinking water to Mumbai) and Dahisar River |
| Nearest Airport | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai (BOM) – 15 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Borivali Railway Station (BVI) – 3 km (Direct Access) |
| Best Time to Visit | Round the year (October to April best) |
Location
The national park lies in the Mumbai City & Thane region of Maharashtra. 3 km from Borivali Railway Station on Western Railway Line.
History
Formerly Krishnagiri National Park (1942); renamed Borivali National Park in 1969 and Sanjay Gandhi NP in 1981.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 87 sq km, the park’s terrain features Deciduous forest hills, basaltic rock caves, freshwater lakes, and bamboo brakes.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Deciduous forest hills, basaltic rock caves, freshwater lakes, and bamboo brakes.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Indian Leopard (over 45 wild leopards living inside Mumbai city limits!), Spotted Deer (Chital), Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Hanuman Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Python, and Monitor Lizard.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Records over 250 bird species including Sunbird, Crested Serpent Eagle, Paradise Flycatcher, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Kingfisher, and Owls.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park is sustained by: Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake (supplying drinking water to Mumbai) and Dahisar River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Kanheri Rock-cut Buddhist Caves (109 caves, 6 km inside park), Lion & Tiger Safari (2 km), Trimurti Temple (3 km), Marine Drive Mumbai (35 km).
Weather & Climate
Humid coastal climate (18°C to 36°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai (BOM) – 15 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Borivali Railway Station (BVI) – 3 km (Direct Access)
- Road Connectivity: 3 km from Borivali Railway Station on Western Railway Line.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park is from Round the year (October to April best).
Accommodation
Forest Department Rest Houses & Tents inside park.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Global model for urban leopard-human co-existence and forest preservation within a megacity.
Visitor Tips
Visit Kanheri Caves via the eco-friendly electric bus running inside the park.
Did You Know?
- One of the world’s largest urban National Parks enclosed within megacity limits.
- Houses over 45 wild leopards living alongside Mumbai’s 20 million residents.
- Contains 109 ancient rock-cut Kanheri Buddhist caves dating from 1st century BC.
Last Updated: August 2026