Lifestyle
At Mumbai's Highest Point in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) wonderful views await you, to add to the thrill, for the next few weeks on the way you'll find lovely karvi flowers that bloom only once in eight years
Updated : Aug 26, 2016, 06:17 PM IST
About 1,500 ft above sea level, ensconsced in Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s core area, is the Jambhul Maal (plateau), the highest point of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Accessing it requires special permits from SGNP’s Nature Information Centre (NIC) and a naturalist.
When you reach the top, if the sun is on your side, you’ll be able to see all three lakes: Tulsi, Vihar and Powai (and even some parts of Hiranandani) that provide the city water, Vashi Bridge to the east, and the western stretch from Bhayandar upto Santacruz. All this standing among evergreen forests you won’t find elsewhere in the city. But the journey too is truly as precious as the destination. One reason is that this year the karvi, which blossoms only once in eight years, has bloomed, and the other reason is the routes themselves.
The longer one, starting at Bamboo Hut, spanning about 8 - 9 km, is a gentle climb that takes you through some of the best habitats of the forest, past seasonal streams and amidst birds galore. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot sambar crowned with rugged antlers.
Whereas the shorter one, starting from Kanheri, is a steeper climb. 2.5 - 3 km, it goes through rocky surfaces, dense forest cover and rain-kissed blooms. Whichever route you choose, you’ll lose signal, but return refreshed thanks to the healing hand of nature.
The Bamboo Hut route
Date: 27th August and most weekends
Organiser: SGNP’s NIC
Timing: 7am to 4pm
Charges: Rs.750
Contact: 022 2886 8686
*For updates, check SGNP’s FB page. or call NIC. They will help you with a naturalist if you want a private trail