Advance bookings for January run full, 900 people have travelled so far

The wetlands along Thane Creek have become a thriving haven for flamingos, with these majestic birds settling in every year as winter sets in. In response to growing interest, the Marine Biodiversity Nature Discovery Centre in Airoli has been offering flamingo boat trips for the past few years, and this year has seen a significant uptick in demand.

According to forest department officials, 900 tourists have already participated in the boat trip in January alone. Advance bookings for the entire month of January are already full, with bird enthusiasts and nature lovers eager to witness the vibrant flamingos up close.

Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai residents have been educated about the ecological importance of the bay area, which spans 26 kilometers, and is home to more than 200 migratory bird species. Flamingos, along with several other exotic birds, flock to the bay every year. To support wildlife awareness, a Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Nature Introduction Centre was established in Airoli, offering guided boating trips for those wishing to see these birds in their natural habitat.

The bay, Asia’s largest, provides an ideal setting for the flamingos, especially as the winter weather has brought the birds in large numbers this season. To cater to tourists, the centre offers limited seating on boats, with 12 seats available on a 24-seater boat and 4 seats on a 7-seater boat. Due to the high demand and interest, the forest department has reported that bookings for the entire month of January are now full.

As tourists continue to flock to see the flamingos, the boat trips have become a popular activity in the region, offering both a unique wildlife experience and a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the area.