Navi Mumbai is a planned township located on the west coast of India in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest planned cities in the world and contains a wealth of biodiversity including several sites where flamingos can be spotted.
Uran Flamingo Sanctuary
One of the best places to see flamingos in Navi Mumbai is the Uran Flamingo Sanctuary located near Uran village. This wetland area is home to thousands of migratory birds including a large flamingo population.
The sanctuary spans over 12 sq km and consists of mangrove forests, mudflats, creeks and saltpans. During the winter migration season between October and March, it hosts over 30,000 birds of various species including flamingos, gulls, terns, ducks, waders and more.
Flamingos can be spotted feeding in the shallow wetlands and mudflats. The optimum time to visit is during high tide when most of the birds are concentrated in the smaller areas of exposed wetlands.
It’s quite an incredible sight to witness thousands of flamingos crowded together wading through the water and feeding. The sanctuary provides watchtowers and hides which are excellent vantage points for observing the birds.
Best time to visit
The winter months from November to February are the best time to view flamingos at Uran Flamingo Sanctuary when migrant bird populations are at their peak.
How to reach
Uran Flamingo Sanctuary is located about 46 km from Mumbai. It can be reached in 1.5 hours by road. Navi Mumbai is only 18 km away from the sanctuary, a 30 minute drive. Taxis and private vehicles are the most convenient way to reach here.
TS Chanakya Wetland
TS Chanakya Wetland is another top birding hotspot located on the eastern side of Navi Mumbai near Airoli and Vashi. During winter, it hosts migratory birds like flamingos, ruffs, stints, gulls, ducks and more.
The wetland spans 15 hectares along the Thane Creek. It contains a mosaic of mangrove swamps, mudflats, saltpans and shallow water pools. This provides diverse habitat supporting a high density of resident and migratory birds throughout the year.
Flamingo sightings peak from November to March but some individuals remain through the summer. They are usually found feeding in large flocks in the intertidal zones and wetlands within the park premises.
The wetland area is open from 6 am to 6 pm everyday. There are nature trails, bird hides and watchtowers for convenient bird watching. Guided tours are also available on weekends.
Best time to visit
Winter months from November to March are best for flamingo sightings at TS Chanakya Wetland.
How to reach
TS Chanakya Wetland is located in Nerul East right next to Seawoods Station. It can be easily accessed by rail or road.
Flamingo Spotting Sites along Mumbai-Goa Highway
The Mumbai-Goa highway stretch passing through Navi Mumbai has some excellent viewing points to observe flamingos and other migratory wetland birds. These include:
Mahape Creek
The Mahape Creek is located parallel to the Mumbai-Pune highway near Ghansoli. During low tide, the exposed mudflats attract feeding flocks of flamingos, stilts, sandpipers and more. It’s possible to view them right from the highway bridge.
Karave Creek Bridge
The bridge over Karave Creek near Kamothe often has flamingo congregations feeding in the marshes below. Pulling over on the bridge allows birdwatchers to scan the wetlands using binoculars.
Belapur Mangroves
North of Belapur near the Flamingo Hotel, is a stretch of mangroves that shelter migratory birds. Flamingos breed here and can be spotted along with herons, egrets, gulls and other waterbirds.
Best time to visit
The winter migration season from October to March is the best period for flamingo sightings along the highway. Early mornings and evenings typically have the largest flocks feeding.
How to reach
These sites are easily accessible by road via the Mumbai-Pune highway. They can also be viewed from local trains running parallel to the highway. However stopping is prohibited along the highway so visitors must use designated bridges or viewpoints to spot birds.
Other Spots for Flamingo Sightings
In addition to the major flamingo haunts, there are a few other locations in and around Navi Mumbai where flamingo spottings occur:
- Panje wetlands
- Koparkhairane creek
- Vashi creek bridge
- Airoli bridge
- Thane creek near Vashi
- NRI complex wetlands
Although not reliable year-round sites, during the winter migration these spots can have flamingo congregations feeding or roosting, especially at low tide. Birdwatchers should always be on the lookout when visiting these areas.
Best Practices for Flamingo Watching
Here are some tips for responsible flamingo watching:
- Use binoculars for viewing flamingos from a distance; avoid approaching too close and disturbing them.
- Move slowly and keep noise to a minimum.
- Wear dull or camouflage clothing to blend into the surroundings.
- Visit during the early mornings and evenings when birds are most active.
- View flamingos from designated watchtowers or hides when available.
- Follow all rules and regulations at protected areas and sanctuaries.
- Do not litter or leave any trace behind.
Where to Stay in Navi Mumbai for Birdwatching
Navi Mumbai has a range of accommodation options suitable for bird watching visitors:
Budget Hotels
- OYO Flagship
- Hotel Sky Inn
- Hotel Excellency
- Hotel Heritage
Mid-range Hotels
- The Regenza by Tunga
- Fortune Select Exotica
- Courtyard by Marriott
- The Park Hotel
Luxury Hotels
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Vivanta by Taj
- Renaissance Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton
Aim for hotels situated along the Thane creekside or near wetlands for easiest access to birdwatching hotspots. Luxury hotels like Vivanta by Taj and Renaissance offer great views over the wetlands from the rooms and even have in-house naturalists who can help with bird identification and finding hotspots.
Best Time of Year for Flamingo Watching in Navi Mumbai
The migratory season from October/November to March is considered the best time for flamingo watching in Navi Mumbai when the highest concentrations flock to the wetland habitats. Here is an overview of the season:
Months | Flamingo Numbers | Other Birds | Tips |
---|---|---|---|
October – November | Flocks start arriving | Waders, gulls, terns | Morning birdwalks to spot arrivals |
December – January | Peak congregations | Ducks, sandpipers | Best photography opportunities |
February – March | Numbers start declining as flocks depart | Stragglers remain | Watch courtship displays before departure |
Although the migratory period is best, some flamingos oversummer in the wetlands, so sightings are possible year-round.
Conclusion
Navi Mumbai has a diversity of wetland habitats that attract large seasonal populations of flamingos. Top spots like Uran Flamingo Sanctuary, TS Chanakya Wetland and sites along the Mumbai-Goa highway offer convenient and accessible flamingo watching from October to March. With a little preparation and planning, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can experience the spectacular sight of thousands of flamingos flocking to the wetlands and mudflats of Navi Mumbai.