A Park for All Seasons

In the hot, dry, summer months the park is a riot of colour as gulmohur and the flowering silk cotton trees envelop the otherwise brown forest in a crimson blush. In the monsoons, streams, swollen with rain, tumble over boulder-strewn watercourses. The rains draw trekkers, bird-watchers and nature lovers of all ages to this verdant paradise.

 Krishnagiri Upvan or Recreational Area 

The Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, the lion safari park, deer-park and gardens are located in this area. A mini train winds along a picturesque, 15-minute route over bridges and through tunnels, past the foothills of the samadhi and the deer-park. Boating facilities are available on the lotus-studded lake on the Dahisar river and picnic areas have stalls where you could sample Bombay's famous bhel-puri and pani-puri. The Aarey Milk Colony and Film City are located close by and are well worth a visit.

The rock caves at Kanheri are an indication of the large monastic settlement, which flourished in the 1^st Century A.D. One hundred and eight monk cells or viharas are cut into the volcanic rock and the cells are provided with stone beds and cisterns for storing water and connected by walkways.

Nature trails snake through the mysterious depths of the forests and provide nature lovers with an opportunity to explore the park at leisure. Enthusiasts could explore the Yewoor trail and the lesser known Silonda trail with the help of the Forest Department.

 The Lion Safari & Deer Park 

For the less adventurous, who want to view wildlife without undertaking long treks, the 13-hectare lion safari park in the recreational sector is a boon. Visitors are driven through the park in mini-buses and could have a close view of the great cats. The deer-park, also in the recreational area, has a number of chital, some sambar and four horned antelopes.

  Tulsi and Vihar Lakes 

The Tulsi dam was built over a hundred years ago and the reserve forests surrounding the lake are some of the finest catchment forests to be found. The area around the lakes may be visited with special permission.

Area: 104 sq. kms.
Best Time to Visit: All year.
By Rail: Borivli is a 50-minute train journey from Churchgate Station in South Mumbai. On Sundays and public holidays, a regular bus service is available between Borivli Station and Kanheri Caves, passing through the recreational area. Taxis are also easily available to the park.
By Road: Depending on the traffic, the trip could take around 75 minutes from Churchgate, driving along the Western Express Highway.