Experience nature at its best at SGNP

Part of the trail

Is that wishful thinking for a Mumbai-ite? Not at all. Sanjay Gandhi National Park always has some good nature focused activities on. So does BNHS. See links at the end

The reason for this blog is to inform all of you how easy it is possible to be part of the Great Outdoors right here in our mega-metropolis, Mumbai

For some years I had wanted to go for a walk /nature trail at SGNP but the thought of reaching Borivili on a Sunday morning by 6 am was too large a deterrent!

Finally this year, in June as I saw the walks on the SGNP Facebook page, I decided to go. 2 friends agreed to join me for the Monsoon Walk!

I cannot express what an exhilarating experience the walk was! We started at about 6:30 am and were back at about 11 am. The group was small – about 20 participants accompanied by naturalist, Dr Parvarish Pandya who is so knowledgeable! Shri MK Rao of the Forest Dept. and some of his team members accompanied us. They made the experience amazing! Can't wait for monsoons 2018 to return.

Walking in the forest we saw myriad and assorted frogs (tadpoles too), insects, fungi, spider webs and more, all pointed out to us by the experts. We heard scores of bird calls. In fact, the surroundings were drenched in green. So soothing you’d never think we are in crowded Mumbai.

The trail provides great opportunities for birding and exploring natural habitats as these evergreen forests are host to a rich diversity of life forms. Well-shaded for the most part, some of the trails take you to the highest point in the park providing a fabulous view of the forest.

Wear full sleeves and take tea tree oil as a natural insect repellent. We carried our breakfast and ate it while walking! (we brought our litter back to dispose it later)

There are longer trails returning around 3 pm.

Also expected to come up is the “Night Under the Stars” on Saturday nights at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Mumbaikars go... and see what a treasure trove lies on our doorstep and reconnect with nature.

Next event

Birdwatching with Adesh Shivkar. Sunday, 22nd October 2017.

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobby in the world today and studies suggest that bird watching contributed USD 36 billion to the American economy in 2006! Human being has been forever fascinated and interested in watching and identifying birds since times immemorial – the question is have you gone bird watching yet?

Winter is one of the best seasons to go birding – several birds migrate to SGNP, to escape from the harsh cold of their native lands. Join Adesh Shivkar (one of India's most respected name in Birdwatching and introduce yourself to this passionate hobby, which will last you for your lifetime. This walk will take you through forested valleys, river beds and open rocky plateaus and will introduce you to the science, art and sheer joy of bird watching.

Itinerary
6.15 am : Registration at SGNP Gate, Tea
6.30 am : Departure by vehicle into the forest
7.00 am to 11.00 am : Birdwatching
11.45 am : Drop back to the main gate & Disperse.

Bird Walk Fees:
₹ 700/- Per Person (Max 20)

Costs Include:
Expert Fees
Entry Tickets (not vehicles entry fee)
Morning Tea & packed light- breakfast
Internal transport from SGNP main gate & back

Profile of Programme Expert:
Mr. Adesh Shivkar is synonymous with birdwatching in India. And over the last 25+ years of watching birds Adesh has crisscrossed the length and breadth of India and continues to do so zealously. At the same time Adesh sincerely believes that more and more people should take up birding and get close with the natural world; for this he is always ready and enthusiastic to help lead others on their birdwatching sojourns.

Check the events here regularly

https://www.facebook.com/SanjayGandhiNationalPark/