A visit with the GreenLine team to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

'AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE WILD'

- Nodiyal Jaikishan and Arokia Eliyas (Std. IX)

26th November 2012 was an experience-filled day for us. The hustle and bustle of the Diwali vacations did not stop the many nature lovers and enthusiasts from the different schools of Mumbai visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park – a trip made possible by the Greenline Team!

Earlier known as the Borivali National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the major national parks existing within the Mumbai metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world! Its rich flora and fauna attract more than two million tourists every year. The 2400 year old KANHERI CAVES sculpted out of the rocky cliffs which lie within the park are a visitor’s delight. It is said that they were sculpted by Buddhist residents starting in the first century! The undulating green lands of the park have a natural environment where people love to retreat to for moments of quiet meditation. The great view of the forest hills, lakes and green areas have a therapeutic effect on the mind, body and soul. The park is nestled in the hill ranges around the suburbs of Borivali, Mumbai. It occupies most of the northern suburbs. To the west lies the township of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar. To the east lie Bhandup and Mulund. To the south lies the Aarey Milk Colony. To the north reaches of this forest lies the Thane district. The park is naturally blessed with two lakes, the Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake which meets parts of the city's water requirements. 

This park houses various species of animals, birds and exotic plants. Some of the birds found here are woodpeckers, kingfishers, sunbirds, etc. The beautiful peacocks can capture anyone’s heart with their lovely bright colours. The park boasts of many varied animals and reptiles. These include spotted deer, wild bear, sambar deer, Hanuman langurs, etc. Snakes like the cobra, monitor lizards, pythons, are also found here. The Tulsi Lake houses a number of crocodiles that makes an interesting site in the park. The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the park houses over 1000 plant species, land and water birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fish. The Golden Orioles, rocket tailed dronges, robins, sunbirds, peacocks and woodpeckers are the amazing birds that find shelter in the park.

An ambitious nature lover can view the wild animals from a close range through the Lion Safari and the Tiger Safari!  The Lion Safari is a 20 minute ride through a fenced forest in one of the park's green buses. There are a total of about 25 lions and lionesses. We saw two lions up close from inside the caged buses! There are four tigers that are kept semi-confined in fenced areas that are toured by the buses. Besides the safaris, there are several public walking trails in the park. A boating facility with a two person pedal-powered boat on rental provides further recreation for the visitors. There is also the famous Jain temple, Trimurti that provides solace to the searching soul.

 A day at the Sanjay National Gandhi park was indeed an enriching and memorable one for all of us. We learnt that nature, with its flora and fauna, is indeed a blessing for each us, and we need to respect and nurture this gift.