Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is a protected park in Mumbai, known for its forest landscape, outdoor activities and Kanheri Caves. Its main visitor entrance is at Borivali East on the Western Express Highway.
- Location: Borivali East, Mumbai, on the Western Express Highway.
- Scale: The park covers 87 square kilometres.
- Opening pattern: The park is open throughout the year.
- Getting there: Borivali railway station is about 1 km from the park gate.
Which park entrance suits your visit?
The Borivali entrance is the park’s main visitor gate and the clearest point to plan around for a first visit. Official park guidance gives approach routes to the gate from Thane and the eastern suburbs, while the Maharashtra Tourism Department identifies Borivali railway station as the nearest station.
If you are coming by train, the Mumbai Suburban District government places the park about 1 km from Borivali station. From there, you can take an autorickshaw or taxi to the gate. Buses and taxis from different parts of Mumbai also serve the park.
Before setting out, decide whether the visit centres on a walk, a cycle ride, boating or the caves. That helps you plan your arrival around the main gate and the activities to fit in. For background on how the park developed, read this history of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and its place in Mumbai.
How do you get to Sanjay Gandhi National Park from the hotel area?
From Hotel Shambuji, the park is about 8 minutes by car. The main gate is at Borivali East, so use that entrance as your destination when planning the drive from the Thane area.
If you are travelling by rail, head for Borivali station and continue to the gate by autorickshaw or taxi. You can also use a bus or taxi from other parts of Mumbai. The park’s main approach is on the Western Express Highway.
Allow time for the journey to the entrance as well as getting from the gate to the activity in mind. For entry arrangements and parking details, see the guide to Sanjay Gandhi National Park tickets, hours and parking.
What can visitors do inside the park?
SGNP offers outdoor activities including trekking, cycling, boating, nature walks and wildlife observation. The Shilonda Trail is one of the park’s notable trekking routes, and the artificial lake is used for boating.
Kanheri Caves add a cultural stop within the park. These Buddhist rock-cut caves date to the 1st century BCE and include prayer halls, viharas and carvings. A visit to the caves can be paired with time outdoors, keeping routes within the park’s designated areas.
For wildlife observation, keep a safe distance from animals and do not feed them. Stay on designated trails and follow park timings. These guidelines help protect both visitors and the park’s wildlife.
When should you plan your visit?
The park is open throughout the year, and the Maharashtra Tourism Department recommends June through February as the best period to visit, covering the monsoon and winter months. Conditions and the experience of a trail can vary across that stretch, so build the plan around the activity in mind.
Boating hours and availability can be time-sensitive. For current details on boating and access, check the Maharashtra Tourism Department's official site before you go.
If boating is part of the plan, the artificial lake offers paddle boats, rowboats and shikaras. Keep the activity’s operating details in mind when arranging the rest of the visit, particularly if you also want to walk a trail or see the caves.
What should you know before leaving?
Pack a reusable water bottle and avoid bringing plastic. Inside the park, follow designated trails, observe park timings and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Do not feed animals.
Plan the route from the main gate around key priorities: a trail, the lake, wildlife observation or Kanheri Caves. When combining activities, leave room for the journey between the entrance and the places on the itinerary, rather than treating the gate as the whole outing.
FAQs
Where is Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
The park is in Mumbai, with its main visitor entrance at Borivali East on the Western Express Highway.
Which railway station is closest to the park?
Borivali railway station is the nearest station, about 1 km from the park gate. Autorickshaws and taxis can take visitors from the station to the entrance.
Can visitors see Kanheri Caves inside the park?
Yes. Kanheri Caves are within SGNP and include Buddhist rock-cut caves, prayer halls, viharas and carvings.
What activities are available at the park?
Activities associated with the park include trekking, cycling, boating, nature walks and wildlife observation. The Shilonda Trail is a notable trekking route.