Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), commonly known as Borivali National Park (BNP) is a miraculously preserved green oasis in the center of an urban sprawl. This national park is One of the very few, perhaps the only one of its kind, that is surrounded by a metropolis, sustaining a sizable population of big cats like Panthers. It is hard to believe, that within just less than an hour or so, one is transported from the hectic and fast life of the city to a serene and tranquil atmosphere of pleasingly verdant wilderness, serving as an outdoor museum to preserve the flora and fauna of this area.

This rich and diverse forest holds more than thousand species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 251 species of birds covering migratory, land and water birds, 38 species of reptiles and 9 species of amphibians besides a large variety of fishes, insects and other life forms.

Panther is the largest predator of this forest, which can be easily seen in the late hours. Various other animals like Sambar (largest deer in India), Spotted deer, Chowrsingha (four horned antelope), Wild boar, Mongoose, Civet cat, Jungle cat, Langurs (leaf monkeys), Macaques may often be encountered. The park is very rich in bird and insect life specially butterflies, making it a truly naturalists paradise. Rocks and Hills near Kanheri (near the center of park) are ideal spots for Rockclimbers.

The forest cover of the park not only forms the catchment area for Tulsi and Vihar lakes, which are among the important sources of water for Mumbai, but also helps in keeping down the pollution levels of Mumbai by supplying fresh oxygen and acting as a sink.

The Kanheri caves located well within the park area are a major point of interest, presenting an accessible and interesting glimpse of the history and the culture of Buddhist India. Most of these 109 Buddhist caves chiseled out of the volcanic rock are simple small chambers, known as viharas (cells for monks). A few are larger & deeper chambers known as chaityas (for congregational worship). The main one which has colossal figures of standing Buddha, 7 m in height, on each side of the entrance porch, a colonnade of 34 pillars surrounding the interior halls and a overtopped stupa (shrine) at the far end, all carved in to the existing basaltic rock.

These caves are dated from 1st century BC to 9th century AD indicating an well-organised Buddhist establishment of monks which existed on an ancient trade route connecting a number of trade centers & Indian ports. In this area there are nearly more than 100 inscriptions, out of which, three are in Pallavi, two in Sanskrit, one in Devnagri & the rest are in Brahmi script. The most unique and rare Motifs, which appear at Kanheri caves are: 1. The eleven headed Avalokiteshwara. 2. Makara which appears on the Buddha's throne at about shoulder level. The presence of Burial ground-cemetery is also a rare & interesting site to visit.