In a concrete jungle like Mumbai, you don’t expect to see a whole lot of wildlife. But like that strangely empty Virar local train or a stretch of road that isn’t dug up, the city is capable of surprises. In the same vein, what if we told you there’s a hidden place in Mumbai where you can see flamingos?
Where Is It?
The Seawoods Flamingo Point in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai. It’s quite close to Delhi Public School and right beside the famous Palm Beach Road.
What To Expect?
Fun. Expect a lot of fun as the people are scarce and the flamingos are in large numbers here. These migratory birds come from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Some of the feathered friends are also international travelers – coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran! At the Seawoods Flamingo Point, you get an unobstructed view of them doing their thing – feasting on the algae in the waters.
For the best experience, you should stay back till evening. There’s also a watchtower that’ll give you some amazing shots of flamingos if you’re carrying a camera.
Alternate Destinations In India To Go Bird Watching
If you aren’t in Mumbai and would love to meet some feathered friends, here are some places you can visit!
1. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
Home to over 310 bird species, this freshwater wetland is near the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. You’ll get to spot bird species like Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Indian Skimmer, and Common Pochard. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary was recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The wetlands also house 1% of the South and Southwest Asian population of Dalmatian pelicans and more than 20% of the common cranes.
2. Thane Creek, Maharashtra
It’s one of the largest creeks of Asia and has a rich biodiversity of birds, fish, butterflies, and molluscs. You can get amazing close-ups of species such as Sulawesi fruit bat, Mozambique tilapia, and the river tern. Of course, you can also spot flamingos here. Along with birds, you’ll even get to enjoy the mangroves and the ambiance they create.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50
3. Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Feel the birds tug at your heartstrings if you’re a big fan of nature. Vellode Bird Sanctuary is one of the biggest wetlands in Tamil Nadu. They play a major role in protecting bird species and are home to both migratory and non migratory birds. If you want to get a look at the migratory birds, the best time to visit is between October to December. You’ll hear chirps of several different species like pintail ducks, teals, cormorants, and darters.
4. Deepor Beel, Assam
Deepor Beel is Assam’s only Ramsar site. There’s a freshwater lake that attracts a lot of migratory birds, which in turn attract bird watchers and nature lovers from everywhere. There are approximately 200 species of birds out of which 70 are migratory. Along with various species of feathered friends, you’ll even find 38 species of amphibians and 50 different kinds of fish.
5. Nanda Lake, Goa
Go on a different path the next time you’re in Goa and visit the Nanda Lake wetlands. This freshwater wetland is the abode of migratory waterbirds like Black-Headed Ibis and Wire-Tailed Swallow. Even flamingos visit this location.
6. Pala Wetland, Mizoram
These wetlands in Mizoram are home to 222 birds, 11 amphibians, and 21 reptiles! They’re also an active contributor to the irrigation of wet rice for the Mara people. Herbivores like sambar deer thrive in this wetland. It even inhabits endangered species like the Hoolock Gibbon and Phayre’s Leaf Monkey! If you’re looking for flamingos, the best time to visit would be between October to December!
Summing Up
You should definitely add the hidden spot in Mumbai to watch flamingos. Even the other spots will let you catch glimpses of a lot of endangered species and different kinds of birds!
FAQs
When Can We See Flamingos In Mumbai?
Between December and January, you can see flamingos in Mumbai.
What Is The Best Time Of Day To See Flamingos?
The best time to see flamingos is early in the morning, between 6:00 am to 10:00 am.
