In short
- General entry costs ₹45 for children aged 5 to 12.
- Ride the Van Rani toy train and go pedal boating.
- Book a 45-minute Tiger and Lion Safari by bus.
In this article
Families can easily spend a full day inside the Recreation and Wildlife Zones. The park provides safe, structured activities tailored for younger visitors. You pay separate fees for these specific activities on top of your main entry ticket.
What are the best things to do in Sanjay Gandhi National Park with kids?
The most popular children's activities are the Van Rani toy train, the boating lake, and the Tiger and Lion Safari.
Head directly to the Recreation and Wildlife Zones. The Van Rani narrow-gauge mini train weaves through the forest for a 30-minute scenic ride. At the nearby boating lake, you can rent two-seater or four-seater pedal boats. Mandatory life jackets are provided at the ticket counter.
Is the Tiger and Lion Safari suitable for children?
Yes, the safari is a safe, 45-minute guided bus ride through a fenced forest area.
The safari gives families an easy way to spot captive big cats without intense hiking. Lines for the safari buses get long on weekends. Buy your tickets immediately upon entering the park to secure a spot.
Can kids visit the Kanheri Caves?
Children can explore the ancient Kanheri Caves, but you should prepare for uphill walking.
The cave complex spans over 100 rock-cut monuments. Cave 3 features 34-foot-tall Buddha statues that capture attention. Bring a flashlight so children can clearly see the fading ceiling paintings inside Cave 34.
What safety rules apply to families at the park?
You must not feed, tease, or disturb wild animals, including the macaque monkeys.
Single-use plastics are banned inside the park. Security may check your bags at the gate and ask for a deposit if you carry reusable plastic water bottles. Keep children away from restricted forest trails unless you have prior permission and a registered guide.
What should we pack for a day with kids?
Bring mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, and breathable cotton clothing.
Sturdy walking shoes are required for moving between the caves and recreation zones. Add sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun. Bring small denominations of cash to pay for internal shuttle buses and extra activity tickets.
How much are tickets for children?
The general entry fee is ₹45 for children between 5 and 12 years old.
Indian adults pay ₹85, and foreign nationals pay ₹287. These prices only cover general entry to the park. You must buy separate tickets for the toy train, boating, safaris, and Kanheri Caves.
Questions travellers ask
Is the toy train working in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Yes, the Van Rani narrow-gauge mini train operates in the Krishnagiri Upavan recreational area. It requires a separate ticket and takes about 30 minutes to ride.
Are leopards found in Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Yes, the park supports a rare urban population of around 40 Indian leopards. However, the captive big cats you see on the safari bus tour are kept in a separate fenced area.
Is Monday closed for Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
Yes, the park is strictly closed to all general visitors every Monday.
