I had been trying to take the Flamingo tour in Mumbai for a long time, but due to one reason or the other, it never materialized. Sometimes, you can explore the farthest corners of the world but what's there in our own backyard remains unexplored. However, this time, I was in the right place at the right time and in Jan 2020, I contacted the Coastal and Marine Biodiversity centre in Airoli (+91-99876 73737, daily timings - 9am to 6pm) to book my spot for the boat tour (Rs 330 on weekdays and Rs 430 on weekends - ride timings are dependent on the low tide).
At their Sector 10 centre, I explore the area a little bit and check out some butterflies and birds, before setting my sights on the big one -
I arrive at the jetty 10 minutes before time. The way these tours are organized have impressed me quite a bit. Each boat carries 24 people (twice a day, depending on the tide). It is one of the most wonderful nature trips you can take in this concrete jungle called Mumbai. The ride along the 10 km thick mangrove cover from Airoli to Vashi, takes around 90 minutes
We have to wait for other passengers and I was surprised that the boat left exactly at 1 pm & not as per the Indian Standard Time, which can be 15-30 mins later (or more) than the scheduled time.
Flamingos mostly thrive in muck which works in its advantage as this keeps predators at bay. They generally roam in large groups and their most captivating moments are their synchronized flight.
Airoli and Sewri jetties are 2 spots in Mumbai, which offer us the glorious chance to catch these flamingos in action. The Flamingos flying in tandem is a sight for sore eyes. I simply could not get enough of these wonderful birds.
Apart from the pink migratory birds, there are other birds to spot as well - waders, egrets, spotted eagle, sandpiper, heron, black bellied tern etc.
Flamingos come from as far as Siberia and make Mumbai their base in the winter months (via Rann of Kutch). Imagine doing it year after year without GPS ! The boat ride is a visual delight - you never want this spectacle to end.
Every time they took flight, there were oohs and aahs from the passengers on the boat.
The sea and Mumbai high rises provide a different background for the flamingos in flight -
During the journey back to Airoli, I spot other birds doing their own thing. It's only a guess if they are feeling left out or relieved that everyone in the boat is focusing their attention on the pink beauties !
It is remarkable that in a city like Mumbai and its shrinking mangrove cover, there is a species which is thriving against all the challenges. I am sure if the students and children are exposed to animals and birds from a young age, they would be more sensitive to them and maybe, do a lot more in saving them from extinction. This is a perfect trip where parents can take their children and educate them about the wonders of our planet.
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