Mumbai’s fast-paced lifestyle and expansive seafronts are charming, but ever so often, a change of scenery is just what you need. We are talking dense canopies, overgrown shrub-worn paths, cascading waterfalls, and glistening lakes! So if you are looking to spot floras and faunas, go trekking, or just explore in the lap of nature, we recommend taking a road trip to these best national parks near Mumbai.
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali
Located within the city, spread across 103 sq. km, SGNP is the perfect spot that blends nature trails, ancient caves, and glimmering lakes, and is saturated with wildlife. The forest area entails more than 250 species of birds, 35 mammals, 170 species of butterflies, and thousands of flora and fauna. Cycling tours are also organized within the park for those looking to explore on two wheels.
📍Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra–400066
🎟️INR 48 for adults, INR 25 for kids
🛣️1 km from Borivali station
🕝9.30 am – 6 pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
2. Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Panvel
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary on the outskirts of Mumbai offers an amalgamation of hiking and bird watching. A popular trekking spot, you can spot several resident and migratory bird species, as you trek your way up the fort. A guided bird-watching tour in Karnala will acquaint you with several beautiful birds that make the forest their habitat. Further, do not forget to keep an eye out for monkeys along the trails!
📍NH 66, Karnala, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra–410221
🎟️No entry fee
🛣️61 km from Mumbai, approximately 1 hr and 20 mins drive
🕝7 am – 4 pm (All days)
3. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ambegaon
Bhimashankar in the Pune district is known for its ancient temple shrine and its surrounding wildlife sanctuary. The evergreen forests in Sahyadri Hills are home to jackals, wild boars, and porcupines, and there have been reported sightings of tigers and leopards. However, it is more popular for spotting Maharashtra’s state animal—the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Given the distance from the city, this sanctuary makes for a great weekend getaway.
📍Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tungi, Pune, Maharashtra–410201
🎟️No entry fee
🛣️179 km from Mumbai, approximately 4 hrs and 30 mins drive
🕝No fixed timings; advisable to leave the jungle area by 5 pm
4. Tungareshwar National Park, Palghar
A dense forest region between Vasai and Virar, Tungareshwar National Park is a corridor between two national parks—SGNP and Tansa. This place boasts a rich biodiversity, including Barking deer, Black-naped hares, langurs, wild boars, and even leopards. A variety of reptiles and over 150 bird species are also spotted here. You will also find cascading waterfalls down little hillocks that turn into an enigmatic attraction every monsoon.
📍Tungareshwar Road, Usgaon, Maharashtra–401208
🎟️No entry fee
🛣️51 km from Mumbai, approximately 1 hrs and 45 mins drive
🕝No fixed timings; advisable to leave the jungle area by 6 pm
5. Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Thane
Easily one of the most beautiful national parks near Mumbai, Tansa holds a pristine lake and rare endemic species. With a lush forest area surrounding an enormous waterbody, it is a great spot for birds and animals to thrive. It is also popular among bird watchers as you can spot unique spotted and jungle owls.
📍Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Shahapur, Thane 421601
🎟️No entry fee
🛣️89 km from Mumbai, approximately 2 hours drive
🕝8 am – 6 pm
6. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Roha
A mix of forest, grasslands, and wetlands ecosystem, Phasand Wildlife Sanctuary resides in the Raigad district. Presently an eco-sensitive zone, it was once a hunting block for princely states. If you love exploring nature trails, four different routes pass through this sanctuary. Leopards and hyenas are the major carnivores residing here. Other animals include jungle cats, palm civets, sambhar, Barking deer, Bonnet macaques, wild boars, and Malabar giant squirrels. One can also spot a den of snakes so be very careful where you step!
📍Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Murud, Roha, Maharashtra–402401
🎟️INR 30 for adults, INR 20 for kids
🛣️142 km from Mumbai, approximately 3 hrs and 30 mins drive
🕝7 am – 6 pm