“There is an unreasonable joy to be had from the observation of small birds going about their bright, oblivious business”
― Grant Hutchison
Birds have been one of the marvelous creatures created by God. Bird watching is one of the best joyful activities that you can do in your free time. It gives immense joy and peace looking at the colorful and beautiful birds. There are around ten thousand species of birds on the earth but no one person has seen them all.
Mumbai, the city of dreams and the city of big buildings and Bollywood is also blessed with some rich variety of wildlife. When summer is around the corner, it is an excellent idea to go bird watching in Mumbai. There are many bird sanctuaries in and around the city which is home to thousands of species of birds. It will be a very good place to visit with your loved ones and spend some time. Many tourists visit and book hotels in Mumbai to have a comfortable trip in the city.
Here are the top 10 bird sanctuaries in and around Mumbai.
1-Essel world bird park
In the Essel world bird park, you can witness a range of different kinds of birds such as Rainbow Lorikeet, African Grey Parrot, Carolina Wood Duck, and the Chattering Lory, etc. there are around 400 species of birds in this park. It will take around 3 hours to completely explore this park. Being close to Essel world amusement park, it is a fun place to be with kids. Many families book hotels in Mumbai and visit this place along with their loves ones to spend a thrilling adventurous time.
Location- Gorai, Mumbai
Timing- 10.30 am to 5 pm
Entry fee- Rs. 390 (adults), Rs. 290 (children), Rs, 190 (senior citizens)
2-Karnala bird sanctuary
Spread over an area of 446sq km, Karnala Bird Sanctuary houses several resident bird species including local and migratory birds. The key species founds are Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, grey fronted green pigeon, different species of butterflies and the Malabar trogon, etc. it is located on Panvel, which is around 50 kilometers from Mumbai. You can book hotels on hourly basis or dayuse hotels in the city and then visit Karnala. Winter is the best time to visit this place when the migratory birds come to visit the park.
Location- Karnala
Timing- 7 am to 6 pm
Entry fee- Rs. 30 (adults), Rs. 25 (children)
3-Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park can be a very good place for bird watchers to spend some time watching the different species of birds. The park is home to a very good variety of plants and animals. If you are on the public walking trails in the park, you will come across beautiful birds that are perched up high in the trees. Morning is the best time to visit this park to do some bird watching. Some notable birds that you can see are kingfishers, sunbirds, flycatchers, and hornbills. You can book hotels in Borivali in Mumbai for a comfortable stay.
Location- Borivali East, Mumbai
Timing- 9 am to 5.30 pm
Entry fee- Rs. 55 (Adults), Rs. 22 (Children)
4-The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is located in the Solapur region of Maharashtra. Established in the year 1979, this place falls under the biogeographic region of the Deccan Peninsula. It is famous for the preservation of one of the endangered birds The Great Indian Bustard. This sanctuary is the home to several species of birds, both local and migratory.
Location- Solapur
5-Mayani Bird Sanctuary
Built on an old British dam, Mayani Bird sanctuary is a great place to go to spot migratory birds. It lies in the Satara region of Maharashtra which is around 336 kilometers from Mumbai. This place is home to around 600 migratory birds. Some of the notable birds are Atolia sps, storks, kingfisher, black ibis, and the common spoonbill. The evening is one of the best times to visit this sanctuary. Many couples book couple-friendly hotels in Mumbai and visit this place to spend a romantic evening.
Location- Kankatre
Timing- 7 am to 9 pm
Entry fee- Rs. 50 per person
6-Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary has been declared as an important bird area by the government of Maharashtra. It is one of the least explored destinations by birdwatchers and nature lovers. It aims at protecting the flamingo species of birds. Other than flamingos, the other birds seen are ibis, Eurasian curlew, ducks, osprey, falcons, and marsh harrier. Many bird lovers book Hotels in Mumbai and spend their time watching them at this place.
Location- RRT Road
Timing- 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fee- Free
7-Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary
Spread over an area of 1765 kilometers, Nandur Madhmeshwar bird sanctuary is housed in the Niphad tehsil of the Nashik district. It is located near the Nandur Madhmeshwar Dam which is a meeting point for Kadwa and Godavari rivers. Some of the notable birds are grey hornbill, peafowl, heron, buzzard, egret, flamingo, pintail, glossy ibis, and white stork. It is at a distance of 204 kilometers from Mumbai
Location- Niphad
Timing- 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee- Rs. 20 (adults), Rs. 10 (children)
8-Mayureshwar Bird Park
Mayureshwar Bird Park is around 226 kilometers from Mumbai and it offers a mesmerizing sight of rare and exotic birds like laughing dove. Summer or early monsoon is the best time to visit this place.
Location- Pune
Timing- Sunrise to Sunset
Entry fee- Rs. 30 per person
9-Maharashtra Nature Park
Maharashtra Nature Park is home to more than eighty species of birds. Located close to Mahim Creek, it attracts lots of tourists all around the state. Some notable bords that can be seen here are bulbuls, cuckoos, and parrots. Winter is the best time to visit this place since you can spot some migratory birds as well.
Location- Mahim
Timing- 8 am to 5 pm
Entry fee- Free
10-Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary
Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary is situated at a distance of 210 kilometers from Mumbai, closer to Pune. It is a hotbed for wildlife travelers who wants to spend some peaceful time amidst nature. You can find a rich variety of flora and fauna in this place. You can also spot some good variety of birds while you are in here as well. To spend some time from the hustle bustle of the city during their trip, many couples make plans during their stay at couple-friendly hotel in Mumbai and visit this place.
Location- Khed
Timing- Sunrise to sunset
Entry fee- Free
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