Also called as Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
The best way to go here is though Airoli (sector 19). Entry fee is Rs 50. Boat ride charges to be paid separately. The address is –
Coastal marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli Creek, Diva Nagar Road, Mangrove forest, Maharashtra 400708, India
There are 2 ways to access this mangroves sanctuary. The best way is reach the above location, take an hour long boat ride and see hundreds of flamingos fluttering around you.
We did not have the luxury of time. Hence we choose another route, which is actually a compromise. But as they say “something is better than nothing”. There is a location on the Eastern Express Highway of Mumbai called as Bhandup Pumping station. One end of the Mangrove forest (Biodiversity centre) is Airoli (the best location for bird watching) and the other end is Bhandup, a quaint suburb of Central Mumbai. There are vast salt pans as well, here. From Ghatkopar (my home) to Bhandup mangrove forest is 14 km one way and we decide to go cycling all the way.
It is our first experience of such long-distance cycling. Our little group is headed by 2 cyclists pros and adventurers – Pushpa Patel and Paritosh Dagli (Founders of TripItUp – adventure organisers) to guide us all the way till the end. We take around 45 minutes to reach our destinations. Lo and Behold !! There are so many birds today, we are in for a surprise. Our group leader Pushpa has a pair of binoculars and a book, serving as a guide to bird watching. We see Egrets, Cranes, Ducks, and a couple of Pink flamingos as well.
Young flamingos hatch with grayish-red plumage, but adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta-carotene obtained from their food supply. A well-fed, healthy flamingo is more vibrantly coloured, thus a more desirable mate; a white or pale flamingo, however, is usually unhealthy or malnourished.
Wikipedia
The birds very commonly seen here are – Indian Rolle; Green bee-eater; Sraus Crane; Black-headed Ibis; Wooley necked stork; Painted Stork; Common babbler; Rosy Starling.
It is an amazing experience. After spending an hour here and taking a number of pictures, we finally leave to head back to our abode. Another 14 km of cycling back home. I am famished but totally enjoyed this little excursion.
