Deep within the bowels of this amazing city of ours, there exists a green lung that is one of the most abused public spots. Officially it is known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. More commonly known as the Borivli National Park. An entrance gate that is dwarfed by a flyover, the park is a mere blur in the windows of the people zipping on that flyover.
For a select few, this park is one of the last remaining oasis in this concrete jungle of ours. The worst time to come visiting this place is on a Sunday, when the hordes amass upon this green lung and choke it to gasping point with their abusive ways.
The best season to come visit this place is from June to September. These few months, this place transforms into a magical world. A modern day, city version of wonderland. The sheer variety of colours on display make it a dream come true for every photographer/painter worth their salt.
During the rest of the year, it would be advisable to visit it during weekdays. If a weekend visit is unavoidable due to the rat-race, then its best to enter before 7 am so that you get 3-4 hours of peace before the rowdy picnickers invade the place.
Like a jewel with multiple sides, the park begins to reveal its secrets to those observant enough. Go take a walk in the park or pedal away to glory. Hit the toy-train to take a step back into time, when life was slower and simpler. If you feel its too kiddish for you, then get off it and follow the track as the train chugs away from you.
If the railroad is not up your lane, then get off the track and follow the path of the river that snakes its way through the park. Another alternative would be to walk down to the tourist information center and take off on a safari into the wildlife enclosure. Here you can get up close and personal with the lions, tigers and leopards that reside there. A note of caution here, although the animals here are well cared for, do not attempt to tempt fate unless you have nine lives to your credit.
By now you must be running a little low on energy and the first of the crowd invasion coming in. So, hop across to the restaurant across the entrance and refuel yourself for life in the concrete jungle.
