Caves and National Parks in Mumbai
Mumbai is known for its glamour, Bollywood, night life and extraordinary lifestyle. While the city has many modern buildings and spectacular sky scrappers, the city has significant architectural heritage.
Mumbai has many interesting destinations for travelers to explore. Visiting the ever beautiful National Parks and Caves are all value adds to a Mumbai Trip. While there are many famous National parks and Caves in Mumbai, we found these 9 Best National Parks and caves that will make your day.
So why wait? Go ahead and explore these out of the world caves and National Parks, that are simply spectacular and a great memory to have. Have a look!
Most Popular Caves in Mumbai
1. Kanheri Caves
Word Kanheri came from the Sanskrit word “Krishnagiri” which means Black in colour. These caves are there from ancient times and have many interesting histories inside them. It is believed that they were formed in the 1st century BC and 9th century AD.
The place was a university when India was ruled by Kushanas and Mauryas.
Location : Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Visiting Time : 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM, Tuesday-Sunday / But Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee : INR 5
2. Jogeshwari Caves
Unlike others, these caves aren’t that popular but their richness in history and marvellous architecture makes them great and visit-worthy. These caves are named after the main idol Goddess Jogeshwari.
There are sculptures of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman and Dattatreya. Finding the way in these huge caves can be slightly difficult for you, but it definitely is a great visit. Just watch out for your head!
Location : Gupha Tekdi, Jogeshwari West, Mumbai
Visiting Time : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee : Free
3. Elephanta Caves
These caves were made in the 5th century and have many marvellous sculptures today as well. There are 7 caves inside which are rich in Hindu and Buddhist origin related details.
Trimurti Sadashive sculpture is the centre of attraction in these caves. It is basically a rock-cut sculpture which is 20 feet above the ground. You can take a boat ride from Gateway of India to reach there on time.
Location : Gharapuri Island off the coast of Mumbai
Visiting Time : Rs. 250 per person
Entry Fee : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Most Popular National Parks in Mumbai
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Along with Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park has so many things to leave you amazed. Its trekking trail, nature walks and workshops attract the attention of visitors. There are some wild animals too, to welcome you.
Location : Borivali East
Visiting Time : 7.30 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee : 15 rupees for Indians and 200 rupees for foreigners.
2. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is famous for its temple and atmosphere here. You can find the Big Squirrel and many kinds of birds in this gorgeous Sanctuary. The green grass and tree of the forest will make you click pictures of this stunning scene.
Safari tour are also available here. Bhimasankar temple is one of the 12 jyotirlinga’s (Naturally created Shiva Temples).
Location : Bhimashankar
Visiting Time : Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee : 10 per person with wheeler riders, 50 per person Four wheeler and 100 per person Heavy vehicles
3. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
This destination is full of fun and adventure. It is inside the Koyana Wildlife Sanctuary but a number of Tigers make it one of its kind. There are a number of big trees like harpullia arboreal, scolopia crenata and turbine malabarica.
Location : Koyna
Visiting Time : 7 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee : 25 Rs- per person for entry plus, Rs. 25 for 2-wheeler parking. Professional Camera-Rs.100/-
4. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
This is one of the greatest bird sanctuaries near Mumbai has more than 300 species of birds. When the monsoon season starts sanctuary becomes heaven by chirping and flying of these beautiful birds.
The best time to visit the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is between the months of June and July when the monsoon begins.
If you want to catch the migratory birds, we suggest that you pay a visit in October or in March.
Apart from bird watching, at this sanctuary, you can also go on nature trails and explore the Karnala Fort. Carrying your camera to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary? Be prepared to shell out Rs. 100 for capturing these glimpses.
Location : Panvel
Visiting Time : Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee : 35 Rs- per person for entry plus, Rs. 25 for 2-wheeler parking. Professional Camera-Rs.100/-
5. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
There are 90 species of butterflies that makes this sanctuary one of the most visited sanctuaries of Mumbai. There are many birds and animals to entertain you. This park also has Indian Squirrel which is rarely found species.
All those beautiful creatures and trees can make your trip very special.
Location : Roha
Visiting Time : 8 am to 8 pm
6. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
If you love to Sambar Deer and Bengal tiger then this wildlife Sanctuary can be top of your list. It holds everything from sitting by the lake to having a Safari tour which makes it very different from other destinations of Mumbai. There are many things including lighthouse and fort which can give knowledge of Indian History.
Most of the visitors came here from October to January. But if you wish to have a stunning look of the forest then you must come here in the months of June and September.
Location : Koyna
Visiting Time : 9.30 am to 8 pm
We hope exploring Mumbai would be amazing now, considering these great caves and National Parks that are simply out of the world. Se this side of Mumbai and make memories that would remain lifetime. These heritage sites are not just impeccable but so rich in history that can make one awestruck.
Let us know how you spend your Mumbai vacation, we would live to hear from our avid readers!
