On the edge of Borivali Station (Mumbai West), a massive arch will lead you into Sanjay Gandhi National Park. My Relationship with the park dates back to the day I first set my foot on Mumbai soil. The sprawling IIT campus in Powai, which equals to my two year hostel life, is the other end of the national park. In a way I have been living inside the park all along.

The wilderness in the park is comparatively more raw than the well maintained campus am used to. Its a shame that it took me two long years to actually go around. Turns out I ended up not exploring anything close to what I intended. Hence sticking to only one interesting element in the park-The Kanheri caves.

History Time! Quoting Wikipedia, These caves date from the first century BCE to the 10th century CE. One hundred and nine caves have been carved from the basalt. Most of the caves are used as the Buddhist viharas, meant for living, studying, and meditating.

Park entry fee is available online and at entry points. We took the government bus that periodically leaves starting point to reach the foothills of the caves which charges extra. There is a nominal entry fee for the caves separately as well.

It is essentially series of caves with Buddha engravings and towering statues. The central Vihara (Praying hall) is probably the sole distinct tourist attraction. In terms of architecture, not much remains. As we went up through winding staircase, we encountered water source flowing from top making miniaturized falls and slippery rock beds.

At the extreme top you get access to meadow with paths leading inside forest that goes uphill. Beautiful flowers and a grand view from top makes the journey worthwhile.

There is a shop selling water and cold drinks on entrance. Expect occasional roadside foods to fill your tummy in case you plan to trek the whole route. Else get on the returning bus that takes roughly 20 minutes to bring you back on gate.

Tip offs

• We went on public holiday. DO NOT GO ON HOLIDAYS.
• To support my previous caps locked statement, families come here with a picnic atmosphere. You can guess the rest.
• Take a car. Its expensive but might be more worthy if you plan to cover the whole forest (beyond caves).
• Plastic water bottles are not allowed and will be confiscated at the gate. Strangely they sell the same inside and you will encounter them en route. <Insert Corruption Meme here>
• There are animals. Snakes were roaming in the vicinity of water. Be careful.
• Its in city limits. Yaaay.

My Recommendation

Its old. Really really old. The rocks you will touch on the way underwent test of time and stood strong. You will be touching pieces of history. Just look at this huge Buddha engraving on the doorway.

Yeah this one was a damper post. I know. Will come back with something better.

Promise.

Sayantan