Treks And Trails

103 sq.km. of pure wilderness area forming roughly 20 % of Mumbai’s geographical area. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park has always been the perfect getaway destination for Mumbaikars in search of some respite from the chaos of this densely populated metropolis. But there is so much more to the park than a haven away from the noise. It is a breathing ecosystem with much to offer.

Shilonda Trail

Credit: P R Masurkar

This peaceful trail starts along the plains just before the Kanheri foothills and winds along gently into a good long hike heading northwards. Once the home of a tribal settlement that has now moved away, nature has completely reclaimed this territory. The trail reveals the gradual gradation in the vegetation: from scrub-land at the beginning to dense, tall evergreen forest ahead. This route is met – at more than one point – by rapid forest streams and wading through this knee-deep crystal clear water is nothing less than therapeutic for the city-weary soul.

Malad Trail Line

Credit: Dr. Anish Andheria

This trail runs along the western edge of the park and is dotted with varied vegetation beginning with dry-deciduous (Teak, Red Silk Cotton, Palash, Laburnum tree, Bamboo thickets, to name a few) and gradually gives way to evergreen growth. Another gentle trail, this one ambles along to an artificial water hole where you might be able to witness signs of wildlife activity from the previous night. But walk along further, and you find yourself at the very edge of the forest in the suburb of Malad, where the conflict between forest and this ever-expanding city is strikingly apparent.

Kanheri/ Upper Trail

Credit: P R Masurkar

If you’re up for some Sunday morning legwork, this one is for you. This trail provides great opportunities for birding and exploring natural habitats as these evergreen forests are host to a rich diversity of life forms. Well-shaded for the most part, this hike takes you to a small opening along a rocky edge of the mountain, a bit like a balcony. The astounding view from here is a sight for sore eyes. Cross the gurgling waterfall along the way (watch your step on the moist, moss-covered rocks), and a short climb later, you’ll be at the top of Kanheri Caves. The view juxtaposes the crowded suburbs of Mumbai with the calm forests of SGNP.

Bamboo Hut Trail/ Gaumukh Trail

Credit: Dr. Anish Andheria

Among the most popular birding trails in the forest, this one is gentle but long. It leads you to the highest point in the park at 1,000 feet above sea level and to the well-known Gaumukh point at the top of Kanheri Caves. Right at the base of the trail is a serene and picturesque water hole, which the locals refer to as ‘Phansacha Paani’. This waterhole is a magnet for wildlife all through the year and if you avail of the requisite permissions from the forest department, you can sit in one of the two tall watchtowers overnight and experience some thrilling wildlife moments in the forest.

Highest Point Trail

Credit: P R Masurkar

At other times continue walking along the Bamboo Hut trail, cross streams, negotiate rocky hill slopes, and breathe in the beautiful forest vistas as you continue to quench your thirst for a nice invigorating trek. If you do manage to reach the highest point, then you have a surreal panorama of the 3 lakes viz. Tulsi, Vihar and Powai in front of you against the back drop of the city. Along the way you will pass through ‘Ashok Van’ – a dense groove of Sita-Ashok (Saraca indica) trees. Make sure you spend some time here in this well shaded and peaceful place. According to the legend of Ramayana, the demon Ravana had also held Sita in captivity in one such similar grooves. The highest point trek is indeed a trekkers delight and that too right within the financial capital of India.

Kashimira Trek

Credit: Dr. Anish Andheria

This interesting trek begins closer to the Lion Safari Gate inside SGNP and proceeds further north of the forest. The trek route entices the trekker with the silence only this forest can offer amid the bustling city.

Nagla Block Trail

Credit: Dr. Anish Andheria

One of the most exhilarating trails lies along the Mumbai- Ahmedabad highway at Sasupada. Around 17 per cent of SGNP’s land lies in the relatively pristine forestland beyond the Bassein/Bhayander creek and is a favourite among butterfly and bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. A nature interpretation centre sits at the base of the gentle hilly walk. This trail reveals the confluence of mangrove and forest ecosystems in all their grandeur and this patch of forest harbours some of the most undisturbed and healthy growth of ecologically significant mangrove vegetation along the island of Mumbai.

In 2003, a tigress was found to have taken up residence in this area. No one had answers to where she had come from and where she eventually went. But that is the beauty of nature, it never ceases to surprise us. Hit the Naga Block Trail and make your own discoveries.