Serenity amidst the fastest city of India

Deepak Amembal, a Mumbaikar to the core, puts together a delightful photo-blog of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park for Ek Titli

View from the top

At the northern tip of Mumbai, in Borivili, lies the magnificent Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It encompasses an area of 104 sq km and is surrounded on three sides by India’s most populous city. It is noted as one of the few national parks existing within a metropolis limit in Asia and is one of the most visited parks in the world.

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

Beautiful butterflies are a common sight at the park

The region is hilly with elevations between 30 m and 480 m. The Park encompasses two lakes, Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake, which meets 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.

An estimated 800 types of flowering plants; 284 kinds of birds; 5,000 species of insects; 36 types of mammals; 62 reptiles and 150 species of butterfly call it their home.

It is the breathing space for stressed out Mumbaikars who wish to go birding, or just a walk in the forest!

It is an invigorating trip that one would not mind, whether one has interests in history, culture or just plain adventure.

Pictures from Sanjay Gandhi National Park:

How to get there:
Nearest Railway Station: Borivili on the Western sector.
Entrance fee to the Park: Rs20/-per head and Rs.50/-per vehicle.
Entrance to Kanheri caves: Rs.5/-per head.
Timings: 07:30 hrs to 17:30 hrs.

Buses available from Main entrance to the caves at regular intervals at Rs.30/-per head.

Author: Deepak Amembal

Deepak is an ardent photographer and can be reached at the following links:
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