Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), previously Borivali National Park, is a large protected area in the northern part of Mumbai city in Maharashtra State in India. It encompasses an area of 104sq.km and is surrounded on three sides by India's most populous city. It is notable as one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world.
The rich flora and fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.
A total 172 species of butterflies have been reported here, of which the spectacular ones are blue Mormon, the phenomenal artist of camouflage the blue oak leaf, the bright jezebel and large yellow and white orange tip, tiger butterfly, egg flies and sailors. There are a number of moths too. The largest moth is the size of a sparrow (30 cm).
The National Park is a bird watchers’ paradise. From the tiny Tickell's Flowerpecker (small bird in India), many species of Sunbirds (old world equivalent of the humming birds) to the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle. It is a visual feast with birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, the elusive Trogon, many species of Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, the continuous calling of the Brown-headed Barbet, the wildly screeching Parakeets, the metallic calls of the Racket-tailed Drongo, the musical call of the Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher or the extremely melodious song of the Malabar Whistling Thrush or the familiar refrain of the Spotted babbler are just a few facets of nature's symphony in this forest.
CEC Birding Trail Details
- Type: Birdwatching trails
- No of days: 01
- Grade: Easy
- Trail time: 2 – 3Hrs
- Reporting time: 07:00am @ CEC gate
CEC Birding Trail Itinerary
07:00 am Reporting and briefing by leader
07:15 am Start trail
Walk through the dense foliage of SGNP up to the stream and machaan. There is also a hide to view wildlife up close. The total species found in and around Mumbai are over 300+. Photograph the birds, interact and understand the life/importance of these birds in the biodiversity.
10:00 am Information on Birds and its importance
11:30 am Trail ends
Trip officially ends.
What is included in the tour
- Entry fee of CEC
- Expertise
- Professional Wildlife Naturalist host of the experience
What is NOT included in the tour
- Transportation till CEC gate and back
- Camera Fee
- Any Meal
- Parking charges of their own vehicle
- Tips to Naturalist
- Additional meals or services
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any other item specifically NOT mentioned in includes.
- A Hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A dust protection mask
- Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
- Small backpack for trails (10Ltrs) and Proper backpack for your clothes, etc.
- Bird books
- Sun screen
- Raincoat/Wind-cheater/Rain jacket (NO UMBRELLA)
- Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
- Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
- Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius
- Binoculars
- Energy bars for trails
- Repellents
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 15 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 15 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- 25 % refund if notified via phone conversation 7 to 3 days prior to the event date
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
Important Note
- Wildlife safaris/Bird watching is a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
- Birdwatching is a hobby and not a race, hence request all birders to maintain discipline at all times.
- Bird watching is an art of silence and key observation.
- Avoid Pointing out directly to a bird that might flush the bird away.
- Do not get too close to a bird for a photograph that you flush it away.
- Birdwatching should be enjoyed by binoculars and the fun is to spot them, identify them and if you still have some time with the bird photograph them.
- Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
- Our walks are not target species specific (Unless specified)
- We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
- Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
- Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
- Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
- Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
- Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
- No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
- No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
- Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
- Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.
