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Wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai offer a surprising escape from the bustling city life, providing a haven of peace and nature amidst the urban jungle. Beyond the towering skyscrapers and busy streets, these lush green sanctuaries are home to a stunning variety of wildlife. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking a serene retreat, exploring Mumbai’s wildlife sanctuaries is a refreshing experience. From vibrant migratory birds to elusive leopards, there’s something for every wildlife enthusiast. In this blog, we’ll explore Mumbai’s top 10 must-visit wildlife sanctuaries, showcasing diverse flora, fauna, and breathtaking landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the wild!
Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Mumbai
Here is a list of 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Mumbai that one must visit:
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Photo: Aalokmjoshi / Wikimedia Commons
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a natural bouquet in the middle of Mumbai, measuring about 104 square kilometres and providing quite an oasis of green amidst the urban sprawl. The pageant park is richly inhabited by different species of wild animals such as leopards, spotted deer, monkeys, and over 270 species of birds-one that any keen lover of wildlife will always visit. Kanheri Caves were also housed in the park, which dates back to the 1st century BCE. Undoubtedly, it features one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai, a popular spot for trekking and nature walks.
Location: Borivali East, Mumbai
How to Reach: Easily accessible via Borivali Railway Station and local transport
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: INR 58 for adults, INR 31 for children
2. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary contains the gentle sway of nature and is nestled in the Western Ghats. It covers an extensive area measuring 85 square kilometers and boasts a rich biodiversity with a wide variety of bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Home to various beautiful waterfalls and trekking routes, this sanctuary attracts several adventure-seeking visitors. Pilgrimage and nature lovers visit the famous Tungareshwar Temple situated within this place. The area stands tall as one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai because of the pristine beauty surrounding it; hence, it is perfect for a quiet day outdoors from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Vasai, Palghar district
How to Reach: Accessible via Vasai Road Railway Station and local buses
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Incredible Mother Earth / Wikimedia Commons
A bird watcher’s dream come true, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary has a vast variety of resident and migratory birds. It is on the Mumbai-Goa highway, covers an area of 12.11 square kilometers, and boasts more than 150 bird species, which include the rare Malabar whistling thrush and ashy minivet. Apart from bird-watching, another attraction here is the trekking around Karnala Fort, which offers a real panoramic view of the surrounding sanctuary. It is one of nature lovers’ best options for examining wildlife sanctuaries near Mumbai.
Location: Panvel, Raigad district
How to Reach: Accessible via Panvel Railway Station and local transport
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for children
4. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled between the Great Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a little-known, sprawling entity that is over 52.71 square kilometers. The sanctuary provides a habitat for highly varied wildlife, from leopards to sambar deer, wild boars, and tree dwellers like the Indian giant squirrel. The dense forests, scenic landscapes, and the migratory birds that visit make for one of the leading centers of attraction for nature lovers visiting this place. Now, being among the wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai, it offers a serene atmosphere considerably; thus, an excellent place for trekking, bird watching, and snapping since these are always part of being close to nature.
Location: Murud, Raigad district
How to Reach: Reachable via Roha Railway Station, followed by local buses
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for children
5. Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons
The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary presents a one-of-its-kind ecosystem of coastal wetlands with 1,690 hectares in area. It is a wondrous sight during the arrival of these migratory birds. Many thousand birds come together at this place every year in incredible flocks. Besides flamingos, this sanctuary also harbors different types of waterbirds and marine life. It is one such best wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai for birdwatching, offering boat safaris that take one close to such beautiful birds; hence, the place is well worth visiting for a day’s outing trip both for locals and tourists.
Location: Sewri, Mumbai
How to Reach: Accessible via Sewri Railway Station and local buses
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 100 for adults
6. Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons
Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Mumbai, spread across 320 square kilometers. The sanctuary is surrounded by the picturesque Tansa Lake, which serves as a vital water source for the wildlife residing here. It is home to various species, including leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and many bird species. The sanctuary’s serene environment and lush landscapes make it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, ranking it among the best wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai.
Location: Shahapur, Thane district
How to Reach: Accessible via Asangaon Railway Station and local buses
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for children
7. Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Annari du Plessis / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located a bit farther from Mumbai, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary offers wildlife enthusiasts a peaceful and less crowded experience. Covering approximately 10 square kilometers, the sanctuary is famous for its abundant deer population and also houses species like wild boars, hyenas, and various birds. The sanctuary’s natural beauty, with hills and valleys, makes it an ideal place for photography, hiking, and wildlife spotting. It’s one of the lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries near Mumbai, perfect for those seeking a quieter experience away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Location: Sangli, Maharashtra
How to Reach: Accessible via Sangli Railway Station
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults
For any wildlife enthusiast or people who want to return to nature, the wildlife sanctuaries in Mumbai act as perfect quick getaways from the city’s hustle. These sanctuaries offer different ecosystems, sightings of various wildlife species, and historic attractions. Make the painful journey and delve into these hidden gems. Book your trip now with TripXL to see and experience beauty in Mumbai at its finest!
Cover Photo: Hollingsworth, John and Karen / Wikimedia Commons
