Popularly known as Borivali National Park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the most renowned national parks in Mumbai. Spanning 104 km in Mumbai’s Borivali area, it is India’s only urban national park. The national park is revered as Mumbai’s green lung amid huge skyscrapers and is a famous spot for families to visit on holidays. From information about its timings and entry to top things to do at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, here’s a guide.
All About Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Entry Fee and Timings
The entry fees are as follows.
Indian Adults: INR 85
Children (5-12 years): INR 40 to INR 45
Foreign Nationals: INR 600
The timings of the park are 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. The park is closed on Mondays. Most of the attractions close after lunchtime so make sure you plan a day trip since the morning.
How To Reach Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Train
- The nearest railway station is Borivali railway station.
- Take a Western Line train to Borivali.
- Alight at Borivali and hire a rickshaw to the main gate, or you can also walk to the park.
- The distance is about 1 to 2 kms.
Metro
- The nearest metro station is the Rashtriya Udyan metro station.
- Take Metro Line 7 or the Red Line and alight at Rashtriya Udyan metro station.
- You can walk to the national park from the metro station.
Bus
- There are many BEST buses that will drop you off at the national park.
- They generally stop at the beginning of Western Express Highway, so you can easily walk to the park.
Top 7 Things To Do In Sanjay Gandhi National Park 2026
1. Experience Wildlife Safari
Embark on an adventurous wildlife safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is home to about 40 mammal species. You can opt for lion safari, tiger safari, or the recently added leopard safari here. You can easily spot samba deer, spotted deer, or chital, palm civets, black-naped hares, and even striped hyenas if you are lucky enough. The safaris run via bus, which you must book in advance, especially if you are coming on a weekend.
Lion and Tiger Safari: INR 50 to 60 per adult and INR 20 to 30 per adult.
2. Go Cycling
Cycle through the beautiful and scenic 10+ kilometers of dedicated tracks past dense forests and lakes. It is a perfect activity early in the morning for all the fitness enthusiasts as they get to cycle here in a pollution-free environment. You can easily rent bikes at the main entrance or even bring your own if you wish to. It’s the perfect group activity to do with your friends or even your partner.
Cycling: INR 50 to INR 150 for 2 hours
3. Visit Kanheri Caves
Explore the ancient Kanheri caves, which are a UNESCO-recognized complex with 109+ Buddhist rock-cut caves. These caves are from the 1st Century BCE and are about 8 kilometers away from the main gate. Witness the beauty of intricate carvings, stupas, meditation chambers, prayer halls, and hills around. You can either take the BEST buses or trek to these caves early in the morning. You can come here by cycling and enjoy this peaceful escape from urban hustle and bustle.
4. Go Boating
Witness the beauty of Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s artificial lakes upclose in paddle boats. They offer 15 to 20-minute rides on the lake amid lush greenery. They have options like 2-seater boats and 4-seater boats, so you can choose according to your company. It is an ideal activity for children and families, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can also have a nice, relaxing picnic near the lakes while devouring fruits that are sold by local sellers.
5. Embark On a Nature Trail
Trek the well-marked nature trails of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, like Gaimukh and Shilondha. It ranges from easy lakeside park, which is 2 km long, to moderate 7 km routes to Kanheri caves through the dense forests. Make sure you start early on the guided paths as you may get to spot quite a few animals like deer and langurs. They also have signboards across the path to help you navigate the space by yourself.
6. Hop On Van Rani Toy Train Journey
You cannot say you have explored Sanjay Gandhi National Park if you have not hopped on the fun Van Rani Toy train journey. The Van Rani or “forest queen” (as translated) is a toy train that takes you on a fun and quick ride around the national park. It’s a 25-minute-long ride around the main lake and picnic zones, chugging past gardens and deer parks. It is perfect for families with children.
7. Enjoy Birdwatching
Sanjay Gandhi National Park houses 250-plus bird species, and hence, you cannot miss out on spotting them. From malabar pied hornbills and racket-tailed drongos to migratory Asian paradise flycatchers near lakes and trails, get ready to witness some beautiful creations of god. Try to go for birdwatching between 7 am and 9 am, and bring binoculars for canopy views from the Shilonda trail or boating spots.Rare finds include white-bellied sea eagles and sirkeer malkohas amid teak forests.
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Summing Up
From safari to birdwatching, these are the seven things that you must do when you visit Borivali’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
FAQs
Is Sanjay Gandhi National Park Open On Monday?
No, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is closed on Mondays.
What Is The Walking Distance From Borivali Station To Sgnp Gate?
The walking distance from Borivali station to the SNGP gate is about 20 to 30 minutes.
Is Outside Food Allowed In Sgnp Mumbai?
No, outside food is not allowed in SNGP Mumbai.
How Do I Reach Sgnp By Metro In 2026?
Take Mumbai Metro Line 2A/7 (Red Line) to Rashtriya Udyan metro station. From here you can walk to the park as it is only 5 minutes away.
What Is The Best Thing To Do At Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
The best activity is exploring the Kanheri Caves at Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
