With flamingo-spotting season returning soon, here’s our list of locations around Mumbai and guided tours to sign up for. (Story by Kanisha Softa)
Updated On: 2024-11-08 12:12 PM IST
Compiled by : Jyoti Shukla
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary: This tidal estuary, located at the mouth of the Ulhas River, and designated Ramsar-protected site offers views of flamingos. Explore the sanctuary by beginning their journey at the Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre Museum.
AT: Mangrove forest, Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli Creek, Diva Nagar Road, Airoli.
Pic Courtesy: Jitender Chandolia
Bhandup Pumping Station Bird Watching Area: A year-round hub for bird watchers, this spot in Mumbai draws thousands of flamingos
November end onwards. This bird-watching haven is also home to migratory and resident species like Rosy starling and Painted stork.
AT: Bhandup Pumping Station Bird Watching Area, Mulund East.
Pic Courtesy: Sreekumar Krishnan
TS Chanakya Lake: In November generally towards the end, small flocks of flamingos begin to arrive, testing the waters of Navi Mumbai’s Karave coast and inter-tidal lakes after travelling nearly 1,000 kilometres.
AT: TS Chanakya Birding Point, outside TS Chanakya Indian Maritime University Campus, Navi Mumbai.
Photo Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan
Seawoods Lake: This lake comprises of NRI Talawe and DPS Lake. During the high tide, birds travel from the creeks and move inland towards these water bodies where they rest and feed. These waters have become a resting ground for the birds and their juveniles, who seek the shallow waters to wait out the high tide and feed on blue-green algae.
AT: Sector 32, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai.
Photo Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan
Float with the flamingos: Begin your day with a bird-watching boat ride at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. This guided tour offers a unique flamingo boat safari paired with a bird-watching walk, providing an up-close experience with the vibrant birdlife of the creek.
FROM November 23 onwards, 7 am
MEETING POINT Near Airoli Creek Flamingo Sanctuary entry gate (confirmed upon registration)
LOG ON TO treksandtrails.org
COST Rs 950 (child); Rs 1,199 (adult)
Photo Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan
Creekside colours: This guided flamingo boat tour by a professional naturalist, invites participants to experience winter migratory waters along the creeks. Guests are encouraged to wear muted tones to blend with the surroundings, while binoculars will be provided for close-up view of the spectacular birdlife.
FROM December 1 onwards
MEETING POINT Flamingo Boat Safari Entry, Mulund East.
LOG ON TO theterntravellers.com
COST R899 onwards
Photo Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan