Coastal & Marine Biodiversity Centre, Diva koliwada — Attraction in Navi Mumbai

A Date with Flamingos - Memories for Ever

Our visit to the Biodiversity Center, Airoli followed by Boat Safari on 17th April 2022 was an overall awesome experience.

The predeparture info provided by Shraddha Ghorpade was vital. Our tour guides Shubham n Akshay explained nuances very well and were always to the point. The boat ride is about an hour or so..

It was really a exciting to watch a good number of Flamingos in their natural habitat.. especially when the flock is taking off in style .... the fun is in their huge numbers and their attractive color-combo... they are mainly divided into two groups... Greater (larger) and Lesser (smaller) birds.. they are shy and don't prefer proximity with humans..so we have to watch them from a distance.. carry your binoculars or to capture clear close-up images or videos it's better if you have good cameras...

It's really a nature's wonder and a mistry for the mankind how a fragile bird travels so long (from Siberia) and reaches the pre-decided destination. And then re-migrate to their original location year after year with arithmetical accuracy.. that too without any external high-tech support of GPS or Google maps !!! Just amazing.. probably Flamingos come with built-in fitting of navigational apparatus.....

It was painful to see empty water bottles and other garbage items floating in the creek. It shows how irresponsible behavior of a few can cause immense damage to our environment. Thus, the challenges before the activists involved in nature's protection are tremendous. Miles to go. However, I hope and wish nature lovers like us will always stand by and support such activists.

Before I conclude, I thank Aditya Samant and his team for a wonderful...

Yesterday we went to the Airoli coastal and marine bird park for Flamingo boat ride booking. The center is following all safety precautions and procedures due to the covid pandemic. The staff is very helpful. Phone booking number is available but due to large number of phone calls, they are unable to do phone booking for the boat ride. The place is very clean and well maintained. Clean washroom was available. Like any other Sanctuary eatables are not available. You should carry water if you plan to spend time strolling in the park. Please make sure that you don't litter the Sanctuary. Carry an extra bag to put away any waste/ empty bottles etc There is ample parking area available. They have a four seater ride which we have booked. They also have 12 seater boat if you have more members. This month almost all rides on 12 seater boat are over. Its better to go there prior and do the booking yourself. They have a nice museum and a AV show about this park which was very nice. Especially if you have kids in family, they will enjoy this part. There is also a trail which is a wooden bamboo bridge which goes through the mangroves out on the creek. You can see the Flamingos from there during low tide. Yesterday we had gone for booking and was low tide so we went to that area. A small group of Flamingos was there but very close. So we could take good photos. Its better to see the park at one occasion and take boat ride another time. One can go there at low tide, see some Flamingos and museum and do the booking. Next month schedule will be out by this month end. They said more Flamingos will arrive in January so better you can wait or go again in Jan like we are planning...

Discovering Mumbai's vibrant flamingo spectacle reaches new heights at this exceptional spot, undoubtedly the best place to witness these graceful birds. The flamingo safari is a mesmerizing experience, offering a close encounter with these elegant creatures in their natural habitat.

The ever-changing tide adds an extra layer of intrigue to the safari, reminding visitors of the dynamic beauty of nature. However, it's crucial to check the timings beforehand, as they vary with the tide. This consideration ensures that guests can optimize their chances of witnessing the flamingos in all their glory.

The highlight, of course, is the flamingo safari itself. It's a captivating journey, allowing you to observe the flamboyant birds in their bustling colonies. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides amplify the experience, providing fascinating insights into the flamingos' behavior and habitat.

Despite the exceptional safari, it's important to note that the boardwalk is currently in a state of disrepair. The worn-out conditions detract slightly from the overall experience. Hopefully, the management addresses this issue soon, as restoring the boardwalk would greatly enhance the comfort and safety of visitors.

In summary, this destination stands out as the premier spot for flamingo enthusiasts in Mumbai. The captivating safari offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these iconic birds, despite the current setback with the boardwalk. As nature enthusiasts, we eagerly anticipate the restoration of the boardwalk, envisioning an even more remarkable experience for...