Review Sanjay Gandhi National Park for Kids

This was one other place that was on the agenda to visit while we were still on our Xmas holidays and must say I am glad we did this one with all of the daughters friends. Before you read any further its a great place to go for a picnic with nothing much to see. We know some of us are enthusiastic and think you can do this alone too, but trust me this one you cant, its not like the Byculla Zoo if that’s the bench mark you want to set. Read our review of the Byculla Zoo here. For the only reason, its a huge piece of real estate that is being wasted. Let me not burst the bubble yet so read on how we made this place a lot more fun and whats really in there.

We left at around 9.30 a.m. from Worli and were there at the Park at about 10.30 a.m. so if you were thinking its a really long drive maybe not. As we drove in we first took the kids to the washroom near the train ride but really it was just too bad. With such few visitors wonder what the lady there is doing. Anyways moving on we reached the station and bought tickets for the mini train. The kids were all charged and en route we managed to see a few deers, vultures(that were really far) and some chicken. The kids enjoyed the train ride in any case and loved passing through the mini tunnels. I got nostalgic thinking of our train rides to Lonavala and how we as kids loved those tunnels and how we hooted and got all excited while passing through those tunnels. We enjoyed all the junk food in the train and the Mahananda lassi out of plastic bags. Anyways coming back, the train ride lasted all of 10 minutes so we walked the same route again to see the deers properly and nibble don our sandwiches and biscuits.

We then headed for the boat ride and this one was a lot of fun. The moms were at work paddling their way through a small lake. It was all reminiscent of the mt. Abu and Mahabaleshwar days where we went boating and it was such a big attraction. The kids tried their legs at boating too and enjoyed just looking around as a new activity that they haven’t experienced too often. Soon after we drove to the Lion Safari and this to us was the most disappointing of the lot. Such vast lands all for 1 Lion, 1 white tiger and 2 Bengal Tigers. You need to buy your tickets and wait in the queue to get on the bus and catch seats on the left side of the bus.

The image of the lions is what I got from the Sanjay Gnadhi National Park website but we didn’t see this or manage to get a descent picture of the lion.

The kids were really disappointed to see this as all the animals were asleep and the distance was too much for the kids to actually enjoy watching  the animals.

We then spread our picnic mats at a spot near the bus stop of the safari under an old Banyan tree and removed all our boxes of some nutritious food. The kids enjoyed the food, juice and chocolates in the end and were also quite fascinated eating out in the open like this. In a true sense this was their first picnic in a city like Bombay.The kids then played in the play area for a short while as the moms were sapped out of energy. We soon made our way back only to reach home in 45 mins.

It was an absolutely fun morning and the kids had a lot of fun not because it was the best place to visit but only because were a group of 6 kids. Its a place i would recommend only if you are going in a group. While at the park I felt really sad at the state of affairs at the zoo, such a vast area, so many people at work and all they had to manage were 4 animals. The government really needs to do something or some corporate needs to take onus of one of the last few green patches left in this city.

Review: Worth a visit only if you are in a group of 5 – 6 kids.

To Carry: Water Bottle, Caps/Hats, sunglasses, Snacks to last your children for a good 4 hours, Sanitizer, Camera & a stroller. If you plan to do a little picnic do carry your picnic mats,disposable plates, glasses & bags. Do carry an extra pair of change for your kids. The place is quite dusty and muddy.

Clothing: Light cotton, preferably tights & tee or pants that cover their legs in case of any bites, allergies.

Bathrooms: They are quite dirty and you may prefer the bushes

Address: Near Borivali East train station, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center.

Phone: (022) 2886-0362/0389

• Open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance fee is 20 rupees.
• 30 minute tiger & lion safaris operate from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and 2.20 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. Closed Mondays. Cost is 30 rupees.
• 15 minute boat rides are offered on the lake from 9 a.m to 12.30 pm and 1.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. Cost is 15 rupees.

These timings are subject to change so please do call the authorities.