A large protected forest within city limits featuring leopards, lakes, and the ancient rock-cut Kanheri Caves dating back over 2,000 years.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, spanning around 104 square kilometers within Mumbai's municipal limits. The park is home to leopards, deer, and over 250 bird species, along with the Tulsi and Vihar lakes. Inside the park, a paved road leads roughly 6 km to the Kanheri Caves, a complex of over 100 Buddhist rock-cut caves carved between the 1st century BCE and 10th century CE, featuring carved facades, stupas, and inscriptions. Visitors can explore the park via nature trails, a toy train, boating on the lake, and a small lion and tiger safari enclosure, or combine wildlife viewing with the historic cave complex.
| Admission | Adult INR 85 park entry (approx $0.90 USD); Kanheri Caves additional INR 600 for foreigners/INR 35 for Indians (approx $6.33/$0.37 USD) · Child Reduced park entry fee for children |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM (park); Kanheri Caves 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Mondays |
| Typical visit | Half day to full day |
| Best time | October to February; early morning for wildlife spotting |
| Getting there | Nearest railway station is Borivali (Western Line), a short auto-rickshaw ride from the park entrance |
| Address | Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066, India |
Good to know
- Best for
- nature lovers, families, hikers and cyclists
Weather through the year in Mumbai
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Location
Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066, India
19.2147, 72.9106 View on map
Highlights
- Kanheri Caves, over 100 Buddhist rock-cut caves
- Leopard population within city limits
- Boating on Tulsi Lake
- Toy train and nature trails
- Over 250 recorded bird species
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes for the walk or cycle to Kanheri Caves, roughly 6 km from the main gate
- Buses run periodically from the park entrance to the caves for those who prefer not to walk
- Carry water and sun protection, as there is limited shade on the caves route
- Kanheri Caves are closed on Mondays
When to visit
Early morning entry between October and February for wildlife activity and cool air; the park is closed on Mondays and the post-monsoon months of September and October are greenest.
Accessibility
Park pathways are mostly flat and paved near the entrance; Kanheri Caves involve significant walking and some rock-cut steps, not wheelchair accessible
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Frequently asked questions
Can visitors see leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Leopards do live in the park but are rarely seen by day visitors; sightings near the boundary have occasionally been reported to local authorities.
How far are the Kanheri Caves from the park entrance?
Approximately 6 km, reachable by park shuttle bus, bicycle, or on foot.