Sanjay Gandhi National Park

The Basics

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is full of beautiful greenery and features two large lakes (Tulsi and Vihar), which provide Mumbai with much of its municipal water. It's also home to a wide variety of wildlife including birds, leopards, and even tigers, as well as a Jain temple. However, most visitors (and day tours) to the park make a beeline for the Kanheri Caves, striking monastic Buddhist cave dwellings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a must-visit for those with an interest in history and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Wear solid footwear and be prepared to walk, particularly if you plan to visit the caves.

• Sunscreen and insect repellant are a must throughout the year.

How to Get There

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located on the northeastern outskirts of Mumbai, about an hour's drive from the airport and two hours from Colaba in South Mumbai (though travel times can take significantly longer during periods of peak traffic). To reach the park by train, travel 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Mumbai Central Railway Station to Borivali, then take a taxi or rickshaw or walk the half mile (0.9 kilometers) to the park.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park is during the cooler, drier winter months (roughly October through March). Temperatures pick up in April and can be oppressively hot in May and June, while July through September see a lot of rainfall. If you plan to see the park’s highlight, the Kanheri Caves, avoid visiting on a Monday, when the caves are closed.

The Kanheri Caves

The star attraction at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves include 109 basalt cave structures dating back as far as the first century BC. These caves once housed a Buddhist monastery and feature intricately carved rock-hewn art, with pillars, cisterns, and a range of dwellings, as well as a huge meditation hall.