Sanjay
Gandhi National Park, also known as the Borivali National Park, is the
only national park situated inside the Mumbai city. It was given the
status of a national park in the year 1974 and since then, it has been
playing home to some of the most exotic species of animals and birds.
Located in the hill ranges around Borivili, the national park is the
perfect place for the nature lovers coming to Bombay city of India.
Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is especially known for its Lion
Safari, through which one can view the 'Big Cat' from just six feet
away.Children also love coming to this park, which boasts of a rich flora and fauna, along with a colorful toy train. Borivili National Park experiences a hot climate in summers, while the winters are cool and refreshing. So, the best time for coming here comprises of the months of September to March. It is the time when the heat is no longer fierce and humidity is at its minimum. Given below is more information on the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Flora
The entire vegetation inside the Borivali National Park can be divided into two main parts - South Indian Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen. Further dividing the flora will give us the combination of moist teak-bearing forest, mangrove scrub, southern moist mixed deciduous forest, and western subtropical hill forest in the national park. The trees that are commonly found here include teak, Karanj, Shisam, and species of Acacia, Ziziphus, Euphorbia, Flame of the Forest, Red Silk Cotton, etc.
Birds
The birdwatchers will find Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary just like a heaven. As per the wildlife experts, there are over 251 species of birds inhabiting the national park, comprising of both water birds and land birds. One can also see migratory birds frequenting the park. The main bird species of Borivili National Park are Woodpeckers, Magpies, Jungle Owlets, Hornbills, Racket-Tailed Drongos, Minivets, Robins, Peacock, Golden Orioles, & Sunbirds. At times, one may also come across Paradise Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Swifts, Gulls, Egrets and Herons here.
Wildlife
Sanjay Gandhi National Park boasts of a rich and a wide variety of wildlife. Lions and Leopards are the pride of the park. Other major animals found here include Palm Civet, Black Naped Hare, Hanuman Langur, Barking Deer, Hyena, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Bounet Macaque, Spotted Deer, Indian Flying Fox and Porcupine. The reptiles inhabiting the Borivali National Park comprise of Pythons, Cobras, Monitor Lizards, Russell's Viper, Bamboo Pit Viper and Ceylonese Cat Snake.
