Flamingos in Mumbai? This was my exact reaction when I first saw an article about flamingos in the Times of India in March 2020. I was surprised. Despite flamingos visiting Mumbai every winter, it was just recently that their significant presence in India became widely known. However, these stunning pink and coral-colored birds have been a part of the Mumbai landscape for a long time.
Flamingos migrate annually from Kutch (Gujarat) to Mumbai (Maharashtra), where they inhabit the Sewri and Uran mudflats and the Thane Creek area. You can spot these stunning birds from the Airoli bridge as you travel toward Mumbai from the north. In May 2022, I had the opportunity to visit the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary and witness over 50 flamingos feeding on blue-green algae and shrimp in their natural habitat. It was a truly delightful experience. Therefore, I decided to write this article sharing every detail about my visit.
A little bit about flamingos
Flamingos belong to the wading bird family and have tall, thin legs and pink or reddish feathers. They are native to parts of Africa, southern Europe, and South America and call wetlands, shallow lakes, and other bodies of water their home. Flamingos love to live in large groups called colonies and feed on small crustaceans, algae, and tiny aquatic organisms. They use their bristle-like beaks to skim through water and filter food. Flamingos are also known for their elaborate courtship rituals that involve displaying and preening their feathers.
Best time to visit Flamingo Sanctuary, Thane Creek
Flamingos begin their migration in October and remain in their destination until May, but the best time to observe them is typically from December to March. Also, check the tide report before visiting the sanctuary, as the flamingos prefer low tides over high tides. However, Thane Creek is an excellent location for birdwatching throughout the year. Moreover, you might find flamingos all season, especially those too old to make the journey back to Kutch. You can either explore this place on your own or take a guided boat tour from the Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Center.
Timing: Mon – Fri (10 AM to 5 PM), Sat (10 AM to 4 PM), and Sunday (closed)
Entry: ₹50 (Adult) and ₹25 (Child)
About Thane Creek
Thane Creek is a tidal estuary situated at the mouth of the Ulhas River and fed by the waters of the Arabian Sea. The creek is an essential ecosystem for several plants and animals, including mangroves, crabs, and fish. Moreover, it is an important economic hub for the local community, as it’s home to several industrial and commercial establishments. Despite its importance, Thane Creek has faced numerous environmental challenges, including pollution and over-development. But in recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the creek and its natural resources through conservation initiatives and sustainable development practices.
How to reach?
To get to the entrance, take the local train to Airoli Station and walk to the Airoli Bus Stop. Next, take bus C-54 and disembark at the Airoli Sector 10 stop. The entrance is just a 7-minute walk from the bus stop.
Exploring the Flamingo Sanctuary at your pace
The best way to explore the Flamingo Sanctuary is by walking, but you can also get a unique view by taking a boat tour. Start your day at the Coastal & Marine Biodiversity Centre museum. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including viewing stations, a topographic model of Thane Creek, and media stations. Next, visit the counter to purchase a ticket and head straight to the Mangrove walk trail. The trail passes through dense forest and includes a short boardwalk on a bamboo bridge to the waterfront. As you walk, keep an eye on the mud flats, where you may spot a variety of crabs and birds. On reaching the viewpoint, I highly recommend staying for 30-40 mins as it will allow you to observe the flamingos and spot other species. We spotted over ten varieties of birds and many kinds of crabs from the viewpoint.
Things to remember before visiting the creek
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as walking over the bamboo bridge can be tough wearing loose slippers and sandals.
- Carry a water bottle and some light snacks.
- Watch the wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding them food.
- Don’t forget to carry your camera and binoculars to get a closer look at the flamingos.
Sharing some photos from my trip to the Flamingo Sanctuary
If you have questions about Thane Creek, feel free to leave a comment. If you’re looking for more awesome nature spots in India, here’s a list.
