The Borivali National Park, officially known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is a rare National Park that lies within city limits. The park lies on the northern fringes of suburban Mumbai, India. It encompasses an area of 104 square kilometres and is surrounded on three sides by one of the world's most populous cities. It is possibly one of Asia's most visited National Parks with 2 million annual visitors. Within the Park, the ancient Kanheri Caves dating back 2,400 years were sculpted out of the rocky cliffs. he park is a bustling forest. An estimated 800 types of flowering plants; 284 kinds of birds; 5,000 species of insects; 36 types of mammals; 50 reptiles and 150 species of butterfly (which are 2.5 times the number found in the United Kingdom) call the forest their home. The park has also many endangered species of plant and animal. The world largest moth, the Atlas moth, was discovered here. Karvi, a flowering plant , blooms ... Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Biodiversity The park is a bustling forest. An estimated 800 types of flowering plants; 284 kinds of birds; 5,000 species of insects; 36 types of mammals; 50 reptiles and 150 species of butterfly (which are 2.5 times the number found in the United Kingdom) call the forest their home. The park has also many endangered species of plant and animal. The world largest moth, the Atlas moth, was discovered here. Karvi, a flowering plant, blooms once in 7 years, carpeting the slopes with a shade of mauve. In 2003, pug marks and droppings of a tiger were found in this region. Although the tiger was never spotted, it did bring some excitement to city folks as the last tiger was shot down 80 years earlier. A small section of the park is open to the public. A mini zoo was also created so that visitors can view the animals from afar. A safari also guides and educates visitors on the natural habitats of these animals. A now-defunct toy train used to travel around the tourist zone showcasing parts of the rich biodiversity. Many visitors do also travel to the Kanheri Caves, especially on an auspicious day in August. Nature trails and treks are also popular with some leading you to the Highest Point trail, the highest p eak Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Tourism A small section of the park is open to the public. A mini zoo was also created so that visitors can view the animals from afar. A safari also guides and educates visitors on the natural habitats of these animals. A now-defunct toy train used to travel around the tourist zone showcasing parts of the rich biodiversity. Many visitors do also travel to the Kanheri Caves, especially on an auspicious day in August. Nature trails and treks are also popular with some leading you to the Highest Point trail, the highest point in the city, to take a panoramic view of the city. Collection at the gates in November 2004 touched Rs 98 lakh (9.8 million rupees). Other recreation spots include a boating facility in the recreation zone of Krishnagiri in Borivali. |