Bhandup Pumping Station Birding Trail
A vibrant wetland and mangrove sanctuary in Mumbai, famous for its flamingo population and diverse birdlife. A hidden gem for nature lovers and photog...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peak flamingo season
Bhandup Pumping Station Birding Trail
Best Time
Peak flamingo season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant wetland and mangrove sanctuary in Mumbai, famous for its flamingo population and diverse birdlife. A hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers.
"Hidden from the maddening city crowd is this little sanctuary for birds."
🎯 Book Ferry in Advance
Contact Ekvira Ferry Service to reserve your spot for flamingo watching rides, as they depend on tides.
🦟 Mosquito Protection
Wear full sleeves and use repellent, especially near the creek, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flamingo Spectacle
Thane Creek
Witness thousands of greater and lesser flamingos during peak season. A must-see for bird lovers and photographers.
Mangrove Boardwalk
End of the trail
Explore the unique mangrove ecosystem and spot diverse bird species from this vantage point.
Boat Ride on Thane Creek
Jetty point
Hire a local boat for an intimate wildlife viewing experience, including various bird species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Flamingo Sightings
Navigating the Trail & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best location to watch flamingoes?
🎯 Book Ferry in Advance
Contact Ekvira Ferry Service to reserve your spot for flamingo watching rides, as they depend on tides.
🦟 Mosquito Protection
Wear full sleeves and use repellent, especially near the creek, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
[URGENT] Anyone know of good bird watching spots in Thane?
Flamingos in Mumbai
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Minimize disturbance to wildlife by walking or cycling the trail instead of driving.
📸 Camera Fees Apply
Be aware of camera fees if you plan to bring professional photography equipment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ferry in Advance
Contact Ekvira Ferry Service to reserve your spot for flamingo watching rides, as they depend on tides.
🦟 Mosquito Protection
Wear full sleeves and use repellent, especially near the creek, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Minimize disturbance to wildlife by walking or cycling the trail instead of driving.
📸 Camera Fees Apply
Be aware of camera fees if you plan to bring professional photography equipment.
💰 Negotiate Boat Prices
Boat ride prices are negotiable; use your bargaining skills at the jetty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
A hidden gem offering a surprising natural escape within Mumbai, Bhandup Pumping Station Birding Trail is lauded for its rich biodiversity, especially the spectacular flamingo sightings during peak season. Visitors appreciate the opportunity for boat rides and exploring the mangrove ecosystem, though some mention the need for better maintenance of facilities and the prevalence of mosquitoes.
"Hidden from the maddening city crowd is this little sanctuary for birds. You will find a small road going left very close to the Bhandup pumping bus stand on Eastern Express Highway going towards Ghatkopar. You can continue walking for a few hours watching birds going around their routine in natural settings. Avoid driving as the birds could be disturbed. Surprising, very few even know if this little paradise in Bhandup.
Till around June, you can also use the Ekvira Ferry Service to watch Flamingos. They organise rides and the guide Mr. Bharat is quite knowledgeable about flamingos. As the ferry ride depends on the tide, its best if you contact and reserve a ride as the boats have limited capacity."
Suresh Nair
"Visited the birding area near and around the salt pans on 3rd Sep 25. Saw 60+species with a total bird count of 1000+. Large flock of pacific golden plovers and a lone black headed gull were the interesting sightings. Bird list has been posted on eBird."
Newton Khaira
"Best place to see flamingos through ferry in Mumbai.
One can explore the creek in a boat ride where one can observe a large number of lesser and greater flamingos along with various other birds
Besides the commonly spotted species such as the common egret, pond heron, coppersmith barbet, oriental magpie robin, weaver bird, golden oriole, common kingfisher and common cormorant, one can see species such as the painted stork, greater and lesser flamingo, black-headed ibis, eurasian spoonbill, black-winged stilt."
Hrishikesh Rane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is accessible via a small road near the Bhandup pumping bus stand on the Eastern Express Highway towards Ghatkopar. You can also reach it by hiring a boat from the Bhandup pump station.
It's recommended to walk or cycle to minimize disturbance to the birds. Driving is possible but can be disruptive.
Taxis can drop you near the Bhandup pumping bus stand, from where you can proceed to the trail entrance.
The nearest train station is Bhandup, from where you can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to the pumping station.
Look for the Bhandup pumping bus stand on the Eastern Express Highway; the trail entrance is a small road to its left.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a nominal entry fee of ₹50 per person. Additional charges apply for vehicles and cameras.
Yes, a camera fee is charged, typically around ₹100.
Tickets are usually available at the entrance. However, for specific boat rides like the Ekvira Ferry Service, advance booking is highly recommended due to limited capacity.
The trail is best visited in the early morning. Specific operating hours are not always clearly defined, but dawn to late morning is ideal.
Yes, there are charges for bringing vehicles, which can range from ₹50 to ₹150.
🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience
You can spot a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, including flamingos, egrets, storks, herons, kingfishers, gulls, and many more.
The best time for flamingo sightings is typically between December and January.
While official guided tours might not be common, local guides like Mr. Bharat from Ekvira Ferry Service are knowledgeable about flamingos.
There's a jetty point for boat rides and a watchtower offering views of the creek. Facilities are basic, so come prepared.
Yes, there's an off-roading trail suitable for cycles, offering a good way to explore the area.
🎫 🚤 Boat Rides & Water Activities
You can hire a boat from the jetty at the end of the road. The Ekvira Ferry Service also organizes rides specifically for flamingo watching.
The cost of boat rides can vary and is subject to negotiation with the boatmen.
Boat rides, especially for flamingo watching, are dependent on tides and seasons. It's best to inquire about availability and timing in advance.
Boat rides offer a closer view of flamingos, mangroves, and various other bird species inhabiting the creek.
Boat rides are generally safe, but it's advisable to go with reputable operators and follow the instructions of the boatmen.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The mangrove boardwalk and the watchtower offer good vantage points. Early mornings provide the best light.
A camera fee is applicable, but no special permit is usually required for personal photography.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture distant birds clearly.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in protected natural areas to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Early mornings offer soft light and active birds, making it the prime time for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to spot different bird species and learn about the mangrove ecosystem. Bringing binoculars can enhance their viewing experience. Remember to pack mosquito repellent and ensure children wear full sleeves to protect them from bites. The boat rides can be an exciting adventure for younger ones, offering a different perspective of the wildlife.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Be mindful of the camera fees and the need to minimize disturbance to the birds. The mangrove boardwalk and watchtower offer strategic viewpoints. Consider hiring a boat for unique angles of flamingos and other water birds against the mangrove backdrop.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Consider joining a boat ride for a closer look at the creek's inhabitants. The presence of a knowledgeable guide like Mr. Bharat from Ekvira Ferry Service can significantly enhance the experience. Remember to bring your binoculars and field guides to identify the numerous species you'll encounter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Biodiversity Hotspot
Over the years, this sanctuary has become a favored destination for nature photographers and naturalists from across the city. The presence of numerous bird species, including the iconic flamingos, has put Bhandup on the map for wildlife enthusiasts. The trail offers a chance to observe species like painted storks, greater and lesser flamingos, black-headed ibises, and Eurasian spoonbills, alongside more common sightings such as egrets and kingfishers.
It's crucial to recognize the environmental significance of this area and the need for its protection from human-induced destruction. Efforts to maintain its natural state are vital for preserving this unique urban ecosystem and ensuring it continues to thrive for future generations.
Experiencing the Trail: From Walkways to Water
For those seeking a different vantage point, a jetty point allows access to the creek for boat rides. These rides are particularly popular for observing flamingos and other water birds. It's advisable to negotiate prices with the boatmen as rates can vary. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride and the presence of mosquitoes, so wearing full sleeves and using repellent is recommended.
Additionally, there's a watchtower that provides a panoramic view of the creek and the birdlife. While it may require some maintenance, it offers a good spot for observation. The trail also features an off-roading path suitable for cycles, allowing for a more active exploration of the area.
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