If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing a flamingo boat safari, you can do so now in your very own Mumbai! No need to fly to Kenya, Peru, Chile, or any other country to see flamingos, because Mumbai has its own flamingo season. Pack your bags and set out on this adventure!
In our Luxe For Less series, we find you the most premium experiences that you can be a part of without breaking the bank.
Flamingo Boat Safari In Mumbai
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
There are plenty of spots in Mumbai from where you can watch flamingos, such as the Sewri Mangrove Park and the Karave Flamingo Point in Nerul. However, the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is the best place to watch them up close. It was declared a sanctuary in 2016 and has been a flamingo hotspot for many years.
The Thane Creek is not just any creek – it’s a birdwatching hotspot and also a Ramsar Site. This means that it is protected under international conservation standards. If you’re someone who’s deeply interested in knowing more about different birds, this creek is no less than heaven!
Peak Flamingo Season
The peak flamingo season begins in December and ends by June, with the peak season being in January and February. During this peak season, over 2.5 lakh flamingos migrate to Mumbai from the Rann of Kutch in search of food and warmth. From May and June, the flamingos start their departure journey from Mumbai to the Rann of Kutch.
Flamingo Boat Safari In Mumbai
The adventure starts with a scenic nature walk through the sanctuary where you meet your Lead Naturalist. They’ll guide you throughout the safari and give you important information about the vibrant flamingos.
After a short boat ride through the creek, you’ll be able to see the magnificent birds going on about their day. You’ll be given a handy guide and binoculars to spot over 200 different species of birds, including the pale pink flamingos. You’ll see them flying and fishing in the creek, and the sight of thousands of flamingos will surely leave you mesmerized!
We visited the bird sanctuary with Tern Travellers India who conduct 2 to 3 safaris daily. So, we recommend booking your slots in advance. You can DM them on their Instagram handle @theterntravellersindia or contact 99872 82746!
They offer different slots starting from as early as 6:30 AM in the morning and tickets start from INR 899 on BookMyShow.
Tips For A Memorable Flamingo Boat Safari Experience
- We advise you to wear dull colors in shades of brown, green, or other such colors to camouflage with nature.
- Visit the site during low tides to get the best flamingo views.
- Make sure that you carry sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun and winds.
- Wear comfortable running shoes and avoid wearing sandals or heels.
- Do not forget to carry a mosquito repellent – there are plenty of mosquitoes in the creek!
- Do not interact or distract the birds by baiting them or throwing items at them! Also, don’t interrupt or shoo them away.
- It is best recommended to visit the creek in the morning to get the best views possible.
Interesting Facts About Flamingo
- Do you know that flamingos aren’t always born pink? The newly hatched babies are dark grey in color and it takes several rounds of molting for them to get the iconic pink color we associate them with.
- A group of standing flamingos is called a ‘stand’ while a group of dancing flamingos is known as a ‘flamboyance’.
- Flamingos absorb color from the food they eat. As their diet contains a high concentration of carotenoids, their bodies get the characteristic pink color.
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
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Address: Mangrove forest, Coastal Marine Biodiversity Center, Airoli Creek, Diva Nagar Rd, Thane, Maharashtra 400708
How to get there: You must first reach Airoli Railway Station situated on the Harbour Railway Line. From the station, walk to the Airoli Bus Station. Here you’ll get plenty of buses taking you to Airoli Sector 10 Bus Stop. From here, you can walk for a few minutes to reach the entrance.
Summing Up
The Flamingo Boat Safari is a unique experience that you must totally not miss out on! The peak season is between January and February, so visit it as soon as possible.
FAQs
Why Do Flamingos Come To Mumbai?
Mumbai’s untreated sewage water in its creeks makes it a hub for rich algae and shrimp. This is why many flamingos migrate to Mumbai in search of food.
What Do Flamingos Symbolize?
Flamingos are popular as symbols of love, grace, and beauty.
Why Is The Thane Creek Important?
Thane Creek is important because it is one of the largest creeks in Asia. It hosts many migrating birds on the Central Asian flyway and is a key biodiversity hotspot.
