Mumbai: Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves Wildlife Tour

Ancient Caves & Forest Wildlife Just Outside Mumbai's City Limits

You spend the morning on a wildlife safari spotting deer, monkeys and birds in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, then explore over 100 rock-cut Buddhist caves carved 2,000 years ago, including the impressive Chaitya Hall with its ancient stonework and water systems. A visit to the Jain Temple rounds out the cultural side before returning to your hotel. Entry fees and bottled water are included throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park30m · entry included
2. Kanheri Caves2h · entry included

Explore Sanjay Gandhi Park and Kanheri Caves

• Arrive in Mumbai
• Enter Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Enjoy park greenery and wildlife
• Visit ancient Kanheri Caves
• See Chaitya Hall and carvings

The experience

Our guide Rajesh picked us up from the hotel at 7 in the morning, and before we'd even left the congestion of central Mumbai, he was already pointing out which birds we'd see once we got into Sanjay Gandhi National Park. He knew the forest like someone who'd walked it a hundred times, which he probably had. The park sits right on Mumbai's edge, maybe 40 minutes from the main roads, and the moment you pass through the entrance, the noise of the city just stops. It's green, quiet, and genuinely wild in a way that doesn't feel like it should exist this close to millions of people.

The wildlife safari part happens early, when the animals are actually moving around. We saw deer standing in clearings, monkeys in the trees above us, and birds that Rajesh named without hesitation. He explained which ones were permanent residents and which ones migrated through, and he didn't rush it: we'd stop, wait, let you actually look instead of just driving past. The forest itself is the real thing here: dense, humid, alive. After the safari, we walked into the Kanheri Caves, which are carved into the hillside and date back over 2,000 years. There are more than 100 caves in total, but the main ones (especially the Chaitya Hall with its high ceiling and carved pillars) are what most people come for. The scale of the hand-carved stonework hits different when you're standing inside it, running your hand along carvings that Buddhist monks made centuries ago.

We stopped at the Jain Temple on the way back, which is smaller and quieter than the caves but sits in a peaceful spot overlooking the park. Rajesh explained the connection between the different faiths that have used these spaces over time, which added context to what we'd already seen. The whole day runs about eight to nine hours depending on how long you linger at each stop, and the admission fees and water are included, so you're not paying extra at each gate. By the time we headed back toward the city, the afternoon heat was setting in, and the contrast between the forest we'd just left and the traffic we were driving back into felt sharper than it had that morning.

What’s included

• Admission fee to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• local guide who leads the wildlife safari and explains the history of the caves and temple.
• wildlife safari through the forest.
• access to the Chaitya Hall and other major caves.
• visit to the Jain Temple.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Guide in English11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Guide in English9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

AgesAdult (31 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (16 to 30 years) · Child (10 to 15 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mumbai Unlocked Tours And Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see a completely different side of Mumbai without arranging transport, park entry, or figuring out which caves are worth the climb. The guide handles the timing and knows which stops matter most in a single day.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 30 years); Child (10 to 15 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How far is Sanjay Gandhi National Park from central Mumbai?

The park is on Mumbai's outskirts, roughly 40 minutes from the main city depending on traffic and your starting point.

What wildlife might I see on the safari?

Deer, monkeys, and various bird species are common. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the guide knows where animals are typically active.

How old are the Kanheri Caves?

The caves are over 2,000 years old and were carved by Buddhist monks. There are more than 100 caves in the complex, with the Chaitya Hall being the most impressive.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs approximately 8 to 9 hours, including travel time, safari, cave exploration, and the temple visit.

What's included in the price?

Admission fees to the park and caves, bottled water, and a local guide are included. Meals are not included unless specified separately.

Are there any accessibility options?

The park and caves are wheelchair accessible in most areas, and public transportation options are available nearby. Check specific cave sections with your guide, as some involve stairs.