‘Sanjay Gandhi National Park’ – Wilderness in the City

Many people outside the city are unknown to this wilderness which lies within the backyard of Mumbai. With an area of over 100 sq km, SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) spreads across Mumbai suburban and Thane. It gets over 2 million visitors annually.

SGNP offers incredible biodiversity which is home to different kinds of birds, distinct mammals including the evasive leopard, over 100 species of butterflies and numerous kinds of insects and reptiles. The forest also adorns itself with different kinds of flowering and non flowering trees amid diversity of habitat.

One can also marvel at the ancient buddhist caves of Kanheri which is just 5 km from the main gate. Mumbai also gets its supply of fresh water from Tulsi and Vihar lakes situated in the heart of the jungle.

My interest in nature started from my initial excursion to SGNP some 10 years ago. Since then I have visited the forest many times. It gives me the solitude I require. Whatever little I have learned in nature study, SGNP has been my natural history book and still is. I have been with it all seasons all the year round.

Nature makes me feel like home. Once you have spent time with nature, you belong to it.

I belong to the trees, wild flowers, grass, butterflies and all other denizens small and big. I am a part of this forest and it’s a part of me. I never feel lonely here whereas in the city I suffocate.

Rivers, rocks, trees, plants, animals, and birds all play their part in the balancing act of nature. Only we humans do not.

I make an attempt here through my posts to show the wealth of Mumbai’s city forest as observed in different months and seasons. Keep reading this section to introduce yourself to the magical world of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

-Clement D’souza