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{{Multiple issues|
{{more footnotes|date=April 2013}}
{{travel guide|date=June 2017}}
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{{Infobox protected area
| name = Sanjay Gandhi National Park
| alt_name = Borivali National Park
| iucn_category = II
| photo = Entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.JPG
| photo_alt =
| photo_caption = Main gate of the park
| photo_width =
| map =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map_width =
| relief =
| label =
| label_position =
| mark =
| marker_size =
| location = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharastra]], India
| coordinates = {{coord|19|15|N|72|55|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref =
| length_km =
| width_km =
| area_km2 = 87
| area_ref = <ref name=Narkar_al2017/>
| elevation =
| dimensions =
| designation =
| designated =
| established = 1996
| named_for = [[Sanjay Gandhi]]
| visitation_num = 2 million
| visitation_year = 2004
| visitation_ref =
| governing_body = [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/|title=Presentation}}</ref>
| administrator =
| operator =
| owner =
| world_heritage_site =
| website = {{url|https://sgnp.maharashtra.gov.in/}}
| url =
}}
'''Sanjay Gandhi National Park''' is a {{convert|87|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} [[Protected areas of India|protected area]] in [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]] State in [[India]]. It was established in 1996 with headquarters at [[Borivali]].<ref name=Narkar_al2017>{{cite journal |author1=Narkar, N.S. |author2=Mhaiske, V.M. |author3=Patil, V.K. |author4=Narkhede, S.S. |author5=Malave, D.B. |year=2017 |title=Socio-Economic Impact of Tourism Activity on Local Stakeholders of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai |journal=Journal of Tree Sciences |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=105−114 |doi=10.5958/2455-7129.2017.00032.2 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323304640}}</ref>

The rich flora and fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. Tourists also enjoy visiting the 2400-year-old [[Kanheri caves]] sculpted out of the rocky cliffs which lies within the park.

==History==
[[Image:Mumbai 03-2016 94 Kanheri Caves.jpg|thumb|left|7-metre-tall [[Buddha]] statue at entrance to the largest Kanheri cave]]

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park area has a long written history dating back to the 4th century BCE. In ancient India, [[Sopara]] and [[Kalyan, India|Kalyan]] were two ports in the vicinity that traded with ancient civilisations such as [[Greece]] and [[Mesopotamia]]. The {{convert|45|km|abbr=on}} land route between these two ports was partially through this forest.<ref name="hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.sanjaygandhinationalpark.net/history.html|title=Historical Information|work=Sanjay Gandhi National Park|publisher=Sanjaygandhinationalpark.net.|access-date=30 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408153619/http://www.sanjaygandhinationalpark.net/history.html|archive-date=8 April 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The [[Kanheri Caves]] in the centre of the park were an important [[Buddhist]] learning centre and pilgrimage site sculpted by Buddhist monks between the 9th and the 1st centuries BCE.<ref name="ancient">{{cite web |url=http://bhramanti.com/kanheri.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010512115631/http://bhramanti.com/kanheri.html |url-status=live |archive-date=12 May 2001 |title=Kanheri Caves |access-date=28 January 2007}}</ref> They were chiselled out of a massive [[basaltic]] rock outcropping.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=326138&rel_no=1 |title=Mumbai's Ancient Kanheri Caves
|access-date=31 January 2007}}</ref>

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (formerly Bombay Municipal Corporation) acquired the catchment areas of the Tulsi and Vihar lakes, and also added the land from the government dairy of Aarey under protection. The Krishnagiri National Park was established under the Bombay National Park Act in 1942. At that time the area of the park was only {{convert|20.26|km2|abbr=on}}. The dairy development board began operations near Krishnagiri National Park in 1954, but outside the area of the park. In 1969, 2076 hectares of land of the Aarey Milk Scheme (now known as Aarey Milk Colony) was transferred to the forest department. However, this area was not notified as reserved or protected forests. In 1976, an area of {{cvt|68.27|km2}} was officially designated as Borivali National Park.<ref name="HT1">{{cite web|title=Metro-3 row: 1,501 hectares of Aarey Milk Colony is part of Borivli national park in Mumbai, say experts|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/metro-3-row-1-501-hectares-of-aarey-milk-colony-is-part-of-borivli-national-park-in-mumbai-say-experts/story-8v7IzKFYfmKLUijPypm8TI.html|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=20 February 2017 |date=20 February 2017}}</ref>

The Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM), Nagpur sent an official communication to the Regional Manager, FDCM, Thane on 22 July 1980 stating that the {{cvt|2076.073|ha}} of revenue land that was transferred from Aarey Milk Scheme were to be included in Borivali National Park. The communication also directed that 575 ha of the revenue land should be used to build a recreational zone, while the remaining 1501.073 ha will remain a part of the Borivali National Park. On 10 October 1980, another communication from the FDCM, Nagpur to Thane directed the latter to declare the area as either as reserved or protected forests to allow the department to have stricter legal control. However, no such declaration was made. The park was further expanded to a total area of {{cvt|82.25|km2}} in 1981. The park was renamed Sanjay Gandhi National Park in 1996, after [[Sanjay Gandhi]]. The same year, some forests from the Thane division were merged into the park, further expanding its total area to {{cvt|103.84| km2}}.<ref name="HT1"/>

==Geography==
The park occupies most of the northern suburbs of Mumbai. To the west lie the suburbs of [[Goregaon]], [[Malad]], [[Kandivali]], [[Borivali]] and [[Dahisar]]. To the east lie the suburbs of [[Bhandup]] and [[Mulund]]. To the south lies the [[Aarey Milk Colony]] and the university campus of [[IIT Bombay]]. The northern reaches of this forest lie in [[Thane]] city. The park and these areas surrounding it, except Thane city are all part of Mumbai. It is the only protected forest located within the limits of a city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/sanjay-gandhi-national-park-in-mumbai-1539867|title=Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Essential Visitor's Guide|website=TripSavvy|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref>

The region is hilly with elevations between {{cvt|30|and|480|m}}. The park has two lakes, [[Vihar Lake]] and [[Tulsi Lake]], which meet a part of the city's water requirements. The park is said to be the lungs of the city as it purifies much of the air pollution of the city.

==Biodiversity==
[[Image:KNP-Bombay.jpg|thumb|Dense forest]]
[[Image:SGNP-Bombay.jpg|thumb|River in the park]]

The park is a bustling forest, with an estimated 800 types of mauve. This flower is native to the park and the surrounding regions, including Karnala, the Yeoor hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon’s Film City. The park is also home to a small population of leopards.

==Wildlife==
The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the park houses over 1,000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 5,000 species of insects and 40 species of mammals. In addition, the park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 150 species of butterflies and a large variety of fish.<ref name="msfd">{{cite web|url=http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/SNGPborivali.htm|title=Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai.|work=Wildlife/National Parks|publisher=Maharashtra State Forest Department|access-date=28 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210193131/http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/SNGPborivali.htm|archive-date=10 February 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>Mirza, Zeeshan. & Pal, Saunak. (2008) A checklist of reptiles and amphibians of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Cobra, II (4), 14–19.</ref>

===Flora===
Kadamba, teak, karanj, shisham, and species of acacia, ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton and a number of other varieties of flowers. Karvi or karvy, a flowering plant that blossoms once in eight years, can be found in the park.

====Mass flowering of karvi====
{{Main article|Strobilanthes callosus}}
[[File:Strobilanthes callosus.jpg|thumb|''Karvi'' flower (Strobilanthes callosus)]]
The ''karvi'' (or ''karvy'') [[shrub]], as it is locally called in the [[Marathi language]], only blooms once in eight years in a mass flowering covering the forest floor in a lavender blush. It grows in abundance in the [[Western Ghats]] hills near Mumbai and throughout the Sanjay Gandhi National Park as in other parts of its natural range. In the Sanjay Gandhi National Park its last blooming occurred in 2016, and it is scheduled to bloom here again in late August-early October 2024. Termed by nature enthusiasts as 'nature's miracle,' the flowers are densest on some of the inner paths and trails that lie undisturbed in the park. It survives best on the vast sloping expanses of the hillsides, with the [[Kanheri caves]] area of the park being one of the best places to observe large areas of blooms.<ref name="Nature lovers on the Karvy trail; Times of India">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110811030238/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-22/mumbai/27921087_1_bloom-sanjay-gandhi-national-park-plant Nature lovers on the Karvy trail]; TNN, 22 September 2008; ''[[The Times of India]]''</ref><ref name="City gears for lavender Karvi’s once-in-eight-years bloom; The Indian Express">[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/City-gears-for-lavender-Karvis-onceineightyears-bloom/347666/ City gears for lavender Karvi’s once-in-eight-years bloom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817062032/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/City-gears-for-lavender-Karvis-onceineightyears-bloom/347666/ |date=17 August 2008 }}; by Nitya Kaushik; 12 August 2008; [[The Indian Express]] Newspaper</ref>

In the state of Maharashtra, the mass flowering of ''karvi'' has been observed to occur in Mumbai in the same year as in the [[hill station]] of [[Khandala]] and one year earlier in [[Bhimashankar]] and [[Malshej Ghat]], beyond [[Kalyan, India|Kalyan]].<ref name="The Karvy blooms; July 2000">The Karvy blooms; By Shantanu Chhaya; 24 July 2000; Bombay Edition: Bombay Times; ''[[The Times of India]]'' Supplement. A copy of this original Newspaper article is posted online at "mumbai-central.com": [http://www.mumbai-central.com/misc/karvy.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406202617/http://www.mumbai-central.com/misc/karvy.html |date=6 April 2010 }}</ref> Near Mumbai, the ''karvi'' is also found in [[Karnala Bird Sanctuary|Karnala]], the [[Yeoor]] hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of [[Goregaon]] including [[Film City]].<ref name="City gears for lavender Karvi’s once-in-eight-years bloom; The Indian Express" />

=== Fauna ===
[[File:Monkey Brothers.jpg|thumb|Monkeys in SGNP]]
[[Image:Deerborivalinationalpark1.jpg|thumb|[[Chital]] (or spotted deer) at SGNP]]
[[Image:SGNP minizoo Leopard.JPG|thumb|Leopard in mini zoo at SGNP]]
The forest cover in the park helps provide the ideal habitat for many wild animals. [[Chital]] (or spotted deer), [[rhesus macaque]] and [[bonnet macaque]] are some of the wild [[mammal]]s often spotted inside the park. Other large mammals found in the park include black-naped or [[Indian hare]], [[muntjac]] (barking deer), [[porcupine]], [[Asian palm civet]], [[chevrotain]] (mouse deer), Hanuman or [[grey langur]], [[Indian flying-fox|Indian flying fox]], [[sambar deer]] and [[leopard]]. One can also spot [[striped hyena]] or [[four-horned antelope]].

Reptiles living here include [[crocodile]]s in the Tulsi Lake, [[Pythonidae|pythons]], [[cobra]]s, [[monitor lizards]], [[Daboia|Russell's vipers]], [[trimeresurus gramineus|bamboo pit viper]] and [[Boiga ceylonensis|Ceylonese cat snakes]].<ref name="msfd"/>

In 2003, [[pugmark]]s and droppings of a [[Bengal tiger]] were found in the park. Although the tiger was never widely sighted, it did bring some excitement to city folks as records of tiger being found here are quite old and forgotten now with the last tiger being shot down 80 years earlier in the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/mumbai-leaps-into-tiger-territory-1.360214|title=Mumbai leaps into tiger territory}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/09/03202701/A-tiger-on-Malabar-Hill.html?h=B|title=A tiger on Malabar Hill |author=Livemint |website=www.livemint.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/br/2005/08/30/stories/2005083000221500.htm|title=The Hindu : Book Review : India's natural history}}</ref> Conservation was also proposed for the interlinked [[habitat corridor]]s and nearby forest areas in the state along with upgrading their status as tiger habitat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/60399.cms |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 December 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103084111/http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/60399.cms |archive-date=3 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

A total 172 species of [[butterfly|butterflies]] have been reported here, of which the spectacular ones are [[blue Mormon]], the phenomenal artist of camouflage, [[Kallima horsfieldii|blue oak leaf]], bright [[Delias eucharis|Jezebel]] and large yellow and white [[Anthocharis cardamines|orange tip]], [[Danaini|tiger butterfly]], [[Eggfly|eggflies]] and sailers. There are a number of moths too. The largest moth is the size of a sparrow (30 cm).

'''Avifauna:''' Some of the birds found in the park are [[jungle owlet]]s, [[golden oriole]]s, [[racket-tailed drongo]]s, [[minivet]]s, [[magpie]]s, [[Petroicidae|robins]], [[hornbill]]s, [[bulbul]]s, [[sunbird]]s, [[peacock]], and [[woodpecker]]s. Migratory and local birds such as [[paradise flycatcher]] and various species of [[kingfisher]]s, [[myna]]s, [[drongo]]s, [[Swift (bird)|swift]]s, [[gull]]s, [[egret]]s, and [[heron]]s have also been spotted.<ref name="msfd"/>

<gallery>
Image:Leopard in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.JPG|[[Leopard]] at SGNP
Image:Monkey123nationalpark.jpg|[[Hanuman langur]]
File:Spotted deer in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.JPG|Spotted deer in Deer Park
File:Myna Acridotheres.jpg|Myna (''[[Acridotheres]]'')
File:Monkey with baby P1010447.JPG|Monkeys near Kanheri Caves
</gallery>

==Threats==
The park has faced a number of problems similar to those faced by national parks elsewhere in the world, involving conflicts between natural and human interests.

In the early 2000s a road, as proposed, would have cut through the park. Animal activist Tarun Nayar went to court to halt this project.

The lack of space in Mumbai has pushed residential colonies right up to the park boundary. This boundary is poorly fenced and wild animals often wander into human habitations. Slums have mushroomed around the park as well. Corruption among local politicians and Mumbai's influential builder lobby are commonly seen as responsible for a perceived shrinking of the park.

In June 2004, [[leopard]]s were responsible for the deaths of 20 humans within the span of a week. This was not the first attack: for the past 10 years, there have been attacks attributed to leopards stalking children and adults outside the park fringes. After an outcry was raised and the situation reached alarming proportions, eight leopards were caught and relocated.

The leopard threat still continues in and around Thane district today with repeated sightings as well as attacks on pets and humans. On 16 July 2012, a seven-year-old girl was killed in Mulund right outside her home by a leopard. A year later, a 40-year-old woman was attacked and killed by a leopard in Bhiwandi, Thane City in 2013. Five days later, a 14-year-old shepherd survived a leopard attack in the same region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/teen-injured-in-leopard-attack-in-thane/article3706649.ece|title=Teen injured in leopard attack in Thane|date=31 July 2012|access-date=18 March 2018|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> In 2014, a two-year-old child went missing from Ghoong village in Wada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/leopard-attack-50-men-search-for-5-days-but-cant-find-2-yr-olds-body/15569191|title=Leopard attack: 50 men search for 5 days but can t find 2-yr-old s body|date=1 September 2014|website=mid-day.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> August 2015 saw four leopard attacks in Thane city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/4-leopard-attacks-in-2-months-leave-Ovala-residents-on-edge/articleshow/48450125.cms|title=4 leopard attacks in 2 months leave Ovala residents on edge - Times of India|website=indiatimes.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> In one incident, a leopard and her cub dragged a one-year-old [[Rottweiler]] off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/stream/leopard-attack-in-thane-female-leopard-cub-caught-on-cctv-snatching-pet-rottweiler-dog-500482/|title=Leopard Attack in Thane: Female Leopard & cub caught on CCTV snatching pet Rottweiler dog|first=Rashmi|last=Mishra|date=12 August 2015|website=india.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>

===Poaching===

Unfortunately, Sanjay Gandhi National Park has seen many poachers in recent years. Usually, leopards are attacked. In many cases, these animals had been poisoned, and claws or other valuable body parts were cut off and sold. Poaching could soon wipe out Mumbai's leopard population.

===Fire===

During the summer and any time before the monsoon, fires burn in the park, at least once every two weeks. This has resulted in the loss of rare trees and the loss of habitat for wild animals. The locals are often suspected of burning the trees on some of the outskirts of the forest to build their homes there.

==Tourism==
[[File:BoatingLake.jpg|thumb|Lake for boating inside national park]]
[[File:LotusFlowersInsidenationalPark.jpg|thumb|Lotus flowers inside national park]]
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is said to be one of the most visited [[national park]]s in Asia. According to estimates, around 2 million visitors visit this park annually. Collection at the gates in November 2004 touched {{INRConvert|9.8|m}}.

The Krishnagiri Upavan is an area of approximately {{convert|5.5|km2|abbr=on|2}} reserved as an easily accessible public recreation zone inside the park, while access to the remaining area is restricted. Among the several attractions of the Krishnagiri Upavan is a mini-[[zoo]], a crocodile park and the lion and tiger safaris through the natural habitats of these animals. A narrow-gauge train travels around the tourist zone showcasing parts of the forest's rich biodiversity. [[Boating]] facilities such as two-person, pedal-powered boats are available for a nominal fee. Two watchtowers afford panoramic views of the park.
[[File:Boating-lake.jpg|alt=Two splashes in a misty blue lake at SGNP|thumb|Misty lake at SGNP]]
Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to the Kanheri Caves, especially during festivals such as [[Maha Shivaratri]]. Nature trails and treks are also popular. [[Rock climbing]] enthusiasts often visit the national park as the numerous rock faces there and at the Kanheri Caves offer a great opportunity for rock climbers. The national park witnesses thousands of morning walkers every day, like the elderly, the youth, and children visit it for a breath of fresh air. It is also an abode for sports lovers who can be seen practicing cricket, badminton, and even marathons among other sports. Regulars opt for a nominal annual fee, and senior citizens are offered discounted rates. There are many smaller parks within the national park with flower gardens, mini-waterfalls, resting spots, sunrise/sunset views, the occasional deer and the misty boating lake.

<gallery>
Image:Mumbai 03-2016 99 surroundings of Kanheri Caves.jpg|SGNP view from Highest Point Trail
File:MiniWaterfallInsideNationalPark.jpg|Mini waterfall inside a park within national park premise
Image:Village-in-Bombay.jpg|Villages in the park
Image:gandhitopi.jpg|Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
</gallery>

===''Van Rani'' narrow gauge train===
[[Image:Rej.jpg|thumb|Narrow gauge Toy train]]
The park also features a "toy train" that runs on a [[narrow gauge railway]]. Named ''Van Rani'', which means "jungle queen," it was operational for about twenty-five years before it was discontinued in 2001 because of the poor condition of the track. The circuitous route covers a {{convert|2.5|km|abbr=on|2}} distance. However, in 2004, fresh bids were announced for the repair of the track, which was estimated to cost around {{INRConvert|3|m|year=2004}}. The tracks were repaired and the train was restarted. It offers a 15-minute ride along the foothills of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at {{convert|190|m|abbr=on}} Pavilion Hill traverses a couple of bridges and tunnels, and passes over the Deer Park.

====Boating====
Boating services are available near the ''Van Rani'' starting point with 2- and 4-seater [[pedalo]]s for sailing in the small lake, which has a view bridge where visitors can stand and watch the boats in the water.

===Tiger and lion safaris===
[[Image:SGNP Lion Safari.JPG|thumb|Sleeping lion at SGNP lion safari]]

Main attractions of the park are lion and [[Bengal tiger|tiger]] safaris for encouraging [[eco-tourism]].<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/To-spot-the-Bengal-tigers-visit-Borivali-National-Park/310431/ To spot the Bengal tigers, visit Borivali National Park; by Nitya Kaushik; May 16, 2008; The Indian Express Newspaper] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002125207/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/To-spot-the-Bengal-tigers-visit-Borivali-National-Park/310431/ |date=2 October 2012 }}</ref> The lion safari is a 20-minute ride through a {{convert|12|ha|abbr=on|2}} fenced forest area in one of the park's green buses. The park is home to an estimated 25 lions and lionesses, of which only 2 can be safely seen at close range from the caged buses. The remaining 23 have been relocated or placed in fenced areas far away from the roads used by the green buses. During visiting hours, some of the resident lions are let out into the enclosure and can be viewed from the safety of the bus. There are 4 tigers that are kept semi-confined in a {{convert|20|ha|abbr=on|2}} fenced area that is toured by the buses. A {{convert|5|m|abbr=on|2}} high and {{convert|2200|m|abbr=on|2}} long protective fencing surrounds the area. This is done so that all visitors can safely view lions and tigers in their natural habitat.<ref name="mtn">{{cite web|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/safari/lion-and-tiger-safari-at-sanjay-gandhi-national-park.html|title=Sanjay Gandhi National Park Safari|publisher=maharashtratourism.net|access-date=28 January 2010}}</ref> Here the visitors are caged in the bus so the big cats can roam like in the wild. Two other tigers roam in a much larger area. There are many claims that these tigers and lions are tranquilized in the interests of tourism.

===Walking trails===
There is a number of public [[walking trail]]s in the national park. The popular ''Ashok Van'' trail winds through thick forest to a dense cluster of [[Ashoka tree]]s that are a welcome halfway resting spot. The return journey is usually via the ''Gaumukh'' trail that leads to an open volcanic rock face and ends at the Kanheri caves. A more challenging route is called the 'View Point' trail and leads to the highest point in Mumbai, which affords a panoramic view of the city and its three lakes – [[Tulsi Lake]], [[Vihar Lake]] and [[Powai Lake]]. New jungle trails at Sanjay Gandhi National Park allow visitors to see the more unexplored parts of the park for a nominal fee. They are the {{convert|4|km|abbr=on|2}} ''Shilonda Trail'', the {{convert|5|km|abbr=on|2}} ''Malad Trail'', and the {{convert|6|km|abbr=on|2}} ''Yeoor Trail''.<ref name="cook">{{cite news|url=http://goindia.about.com/b/2009/01/10/new-nature-trails-at-sanjay-gandhi-national-park-in-mumbai.htm|title=New Nature Trails at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai|last=Cook|first=Sharell |date=10 January 2009|work=About.com:India Travel.|access-date=28 January 2010}}</ref>

Local [[Conservation biology|conservation]] NGOs such as the [[Bombay Natural History Society]] (BNHS)<ref name="City gears for lavender Karvi’s once-in-eight-years bloom; The Indian Express"/> and [[World Wide Fund for Nature - India]] (WWF-India)<ref name="The Karvy blooms; July 2000"/> bring groups of urban residents from Mumbai and elsewhere, sometimes in collaboration with other organisations, for regular guided nature education walks in the [[Trail#Walking trails|nature trails]] of Sanjay Gandhi National Park<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/wet-and-wild/476303/0|title=Wet and Wild - Indian Express|website=www.indianexpress.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mid-day.com/news/2002/mar/21720.htm BNHS~ WWF to prevent garbage at Borivali park]; 11 March 2002; [[Mid-Day]]</ref> and organise special trips when the rare ''karvi'' flowers are in full bloom which only happens once every eight years.<ref name="Nature lovers on the Karvy trail; Times of India"/>

===Jain temple===
[[Image:Mumbai 03-2016 102 Teenmurti Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|''Trimurti'' or three idols]]
;Trimurti Temple
In the forest, there is a famous [[Jain]] temple called ''Trimurti'' (meaning "three idols") or ''Trimurti Digambar Jain Mandir''. This temple is widely visited by [[Digambar]] sect of the Jain community. It has three huge idols of Lord [[Rishabha (Jain tirthankar)|Adinath]] and his two sons, Lord [[Bahubali]] and Lord [[Bharata Chakravartin|Bharata]]. The statue of Rishabhanatha is 31 feet in height and the tallest off all the three; on either side are the statues of Bharata and Bahubali, each being 28 feet tall. There is a 51-foot ''kirti stambh'' (literally meaning "pillar of glory") also present here.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jaintirthyatra.com/Tirth-Details/256/Shri_Aacharya_Shantisagar_Smarak_Shri_1008_Aadinath_Bahubali_Digamber_Jain_Mandir_Trust_Teenmurti_Podanpur.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003131358/http://www.jaintirthyatra.com/Tirth-Details/256/Shri_Aacharya_Shantisagar_Smarak_Shri_1008_Aadinath_Bahubali_Digamber_Jain_Mandir_Trust_Teenmurti_Podanpur.aspx |archive-date=3 October 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Many ''muni maharaj'' (Jain saints) often stay here and preach to their followers before moving on.

===Kanheri caves===
{{main|Kanheri caves}}
The Kanheri Caves are a protected archaeological site at {{Coord|19|12|30|N|72|54|23|E}}. The caves were sculpted by [[Buddhist]] residents around the 1st century BCE. The area was a settlement that once served as inns for travelers. The word ''Kanheri'' comes from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Krishnagiri'' which means "black mountain".

;Buddhist Viharas

Seven Buddhist caves older than Kanheri Caves have also been discovered very recently. Detailed exploration and documentation is awaited from The [[Archaeological Survey of India]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Seven ancient Buddhist caves found in Mumbai|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Seven-ancient-Buddhist-caves-found-in-Mumbai/articleshow/50609347.cms|access-date=17 January 2016|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|work=The Times of India|date=17 January 2016}}</ref>
<gallery>
Image:Mumbai 03-2016 93 Kanheri Caves.jpg|Vihara prayer hall, one of the larger Kanheri caves
Image:Mumbai 03-2016 95 Kanheri Caves.jpg|Buddhist caves at Kanheri
</gallery>

== Access ==
The park's main entrance is located in the northern Mumbai suburb of [[Borivali]], {{convert|0.9|km|abbr=on|2}} east of Borivali railway station, which is connected by road and rail to Mumbai and Maharashtra. The [[Western Express Highway]] (NH 8) passes by the park entrance. Buses are available on holidays and Sundays from Mumbai to the park. Also, chartered vehicles can be hired for groups to visit the park.

The park can also be accessed from [[Goregaon]] (BNHS, Film City).

The park is accessible from eastern side as well, through [[Mulund]] (Vasant Garden) and through [[Thane]] from two locations - [[Yeoor]] and [[Tikuji-Ni-Wadi]], near the Nature Center.

The nearest airport is [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport]] at Santa Cruz {{convert|18|km|abbr=on}} from the park. Nearest railway stations are Borivali and Goregaon on [[Western line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)]], which are connected to [[Churchgate railway station]] & also Mulund and Thane on the [[Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)]], which are connected to [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]].

=== Park hours ===
The main gates open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 5.30 p.m. The park also provides monthly and yearly passes for morning walks. The access timing for pass-holders is 5.00 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. only and personal transport vehicles are allowed within the park till the Kanheri Caves by paying a nominal amount at the main gate.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
Parts of the article referred to from the [[Times of India]] article dated 5 July 2004
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140503002921/http://www.caves.res.in/journal/c.htm Amol Patwardhan (2014)] Butterflies of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Ambient Science, 1(1): 7-15.
* [https://www.flickr.com/groups/sgnpmumbai/pool/ Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Flickr Group photos]
Kasambe, R. (2012): Butterfly fauna of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Mumbai. Bionotes. 14 (3): 76–80

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://sgnp.maharashtra.gov.in/}}
* [http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/place_detail.php?place_id=7 SGNP link on Maharashtra FD Website] of "Sanjay Gandhi National Park Borivali, Mumbai 400066".
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170110234211/http://hikeden.com/customerexplore/details/220 A detailed Review of Kanheri Caves and : Read this before you go.]
{{National Parks of India}}
{{Mumbai topics}}
{{Tourist attractions in Mumbai}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Parks in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Malabar Coast moist forests]]
[[Category:National parks in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1969]]
[[Category:Mumbai Suburban district]]
[[Category:Borivali]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Maharashtra]]

Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Revision history

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