Maharashtra Nature Park: Everything You Can Do In This Natural Haven In Dharavi

The Maharashtra Nature Park, once known as the Mahim Nature Park, is an amazing case of ‘from rags to riches’, only that we mean it in the most environmental sense. The 37-acre land was once one of Mumbai’s biggest dumping grounds located on the banks of the Mithi river. In 1994, due to many years’ efforts, this vast and sprawling space was turned into a gorgeous forest park with a large eco-system, and a blanket of over 12,000 trees in it!

Located right by the edge of Dharavi, Maharashtra, the forest park is a large, densely forested area with a brambly path for people to walk on. On your walk, you will come across different Gulmohar trees, teak trees, lasora trees, brambles and bushes. Once in a while, you may chance upon a white egret or a butterfly sporting gorgeous colours. Besides the park, they also have an amphitheatre, a library on environmental books for researchers, an art gallery, and audio-visual hall for seminars, an activity hall, and an education center building. The park has its very own permaculture composting space, where they show you how compost is made and used. Just head there on a weekend and surround yourself with some fresh air and greenery!

Nature Trails: You can wander through several nature trails in Maharashtra Nature Park that are full of gulmohar, teak, and medicinal plants. Along the way, keep an eye out on butterflies, white egrets, and other such creatures.

Butterfly Garden: The butterfly garden is the showstopper of the park, with a variety of over 78 species of butterflies. Make sure you get there early in the morning as soon as the park opens for the best views.

Educational Activities: Since the park has spice, medicinal plant, vermicomposting, and other such sections, we suggest booking their guided tours (for groups of kids or students) that are ideal for understanding the ecosystems present.

Nursery Shopping: One can even buy plants at the cheapest rates inside the Maharashtra Nature Park Dharavi, and the shopkeepers also give you tips and tricks for recycling and reuse. You can pick up roses for INR 70 and the Ashoka plant for INR 20.

Wildlife Spotting: If you're lucky, you may spot kingfishers, chameleons, dragonflies, and even crocodiles on your way. But you must be careful around them.

Visit the Maharashtra Nature Park Mumbai between November and March for the most pleasant weather and excellent outdoor opportunities. Arrive early in the morning around 8:30 AM for bird watching and to enjoy the calm-fresh atmosphere.

- Keep the place clean and avoid littering the park.

- Wear comfortable shoes and carry your drinking water. 

- Be very alert when on Nature Trails as crocodiles have been sighted in some areas. 

- Photography is allowed, provided you respect nature and all wildlife.

- If you are a butterfly lover, head for the Butterfly Garden straight in the morning.

- The canteen is operational, but it may not be open all the time; so we suggest carry some light snacks.

- Don't miss visiting the plant nursery, it's an excellent place to get affordable and healthy greens for your home.

Get down at the Sion station on the Central Line or Chunabhatti station at Harbour Line and take the auto to reach here. From Sion station, it is walking distance and takes 8-10 minutes. If you are taking your own vehicle, you can take the Sion-Bandra Link Road. 

Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 for students, INR 20 for individuals, and INR 100 for foreigner. Parking is available at INR 30.