In a few months from now, you will not have to go out of the city if you want to escape its hustle and bustle and disappear into nature for a weekend. Whether you are outdoor person who loves to trek, or someone who just wants to curl up with a book and catch up on sleep, Sanjay Gandhi National Park officials are busy sprucing up their facilities to create a cosy retreat which will cater to all your needs.
"We want to give our visitors the true experience of living in a forest. They can live in tents surrounded by lush trees, go for a trek, observe the wildlife, go cycling. We are trying to get these facilities ready as soon as possible so more people visit the park and stay for a few days. We want Mumbaikars to know that if they want to relax and unwind, they don't need to go too far from the city," said Vikas Gupta, Director and Chief Conservator of Forests, SGNP.
Spread over an area of 104 sq. kms, SGNP park is a combination of flora-fauna and a piece of Buddhist history, the Kanheri caves. It is also a one of it's kind national park as it is situated bang in the middle of a metropolis like Mumbai. The forest is ripe with over a thousand species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 251 species of birds including migratory ones apart from 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians and fish.
Here are a few projects that SGNP officials are working on:
Air-conditioned tents: The park has always had tents that can be booked if you want to spend a few days soaking in the beauty of the park. There are five family tents (four people each) in all, of which two have now been air-conditioned to add more comfort. Moreover, two dormitories are also being built, which can house 12 people each. The tents are located not too far from the entrance of the park, as well as close to the boarding point for the lion/tiger safari buses. While the AC tents are already in use, the remaining will be ready in another 45 days. The authorities are in the process of determining the rates.
Star-gazing and rock-climbing: These are two interesting features tailor-made for nature lovers. SGNP officials are scouting out points where star-gazing sessions can be held for visitors. Since the terrain is ideal for a good trek, rock-climbing sessions are also in the pipeline. The park is planning to rope in naturalists to organise these two activities so visitors get a more informed experience. Both should be kicked off by November-end.
Battery-operated vehicles: Moving around within the park will be made easier with battery-operated vehicles that will ferry passengers from the gate through different routes to specific locations like the Kanheri caves, boarding point for the safari etc. SGNP officials are aiming for 15 of these vehicles, each able to seat 14 people, to be ready in three months, that is January. At present, authorities are figuring out parking facilities for the cars.
Butterfly garden: SGNP is home to around 170 species of butterflies, while the entire United Kingdom has just 60 species. The butterfly garden was planned so that visitors can be educated about these beautiful creatures and observe them in their natural habitat. Rare butterflies like the Southern Birdwing, Small Orange Tip, Striped Albatross, Blue Mormon, Blue Oak Leaf, have been spotted at the park. The garden has several nectar plants which attract butterflies. While a landscape designer will soon be roped in to put finishing touches, the garden is already attracting swarms of butterflies. It will be ready in 2 months.
Garden of fragrance: As you walk through the lush greenery in the premises, you will be treated to the natural fragrance that emanates from forest flowers. This new project is designed especially to cater to your sense of smell. The garden of fragrance will be home to 50 types of fragrant herbs, plants and trees, which SGNP officials hope will be a hit with nature lovers. Naturalists will guide visitors in terms of identification. The colourful garden will also have a walking track and a small water body. Final landscaping will take a month.
New Signages: In all, 110 new signages will come up in SGNP. Some signs that aren't in good shape will be replaced, while new ones will be placed at other points so it is easier for visitors to figure out what is located where considering the vast expanse of the park. The new signs will be uniform in colour and text, and reflective in nature as compared to the conventional ones that just give directions. The project will be ready in 3 months.
Basic amenities: Five toilets, include a major one at the park's entrance, will be renovated. Three are currently under repair. The water kiosks across the park will also be renovated so visitors get access to clean drinking water.
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