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Discover the wonders of nature amid city gullies and skyscrapers
I often hear people say that spotting wildlife requires travelling to remote, exotic destinations. However, my experience exploring India's cities taught me otherwise. It turned out that nature has a way of coming to us if we took the time to observe and listen. During my tour of urban wildlife spots, I discovered that you don't need to embark on a long trek to witness the beauty of the natural world. Sometimes it's as simple as a walk in the park.
One of my favourite spots is the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary in Thane. As a bird lover, I was immediately drawn to this natural reserve, home to a vast population of flamingos. The sanctuary is a well-maintained mangrove forest that provides food and shelter for these pink beauties.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Mangrove Conservation unit's dedication to preserving the ecosystem. Their information centre and the museum provided valuable insights into biodiversity and ecotourism, and I was particularly moved by the audio-visual documentary that enlightened me about the mangrove ecosystem and its role in nature conservation.
After a short stroll on a rustic bamboo bridge, I arrived at the bird-watching point, where I was greeted by shades of pretty pink. I boarded a boat safari to get close to the flamingos and other water-dwellers such as Sandpipers, Egrets, Black-headed Ibises, Plovers, Grey Herons, and Pond Herons. Against the backdrop of Mumbai skyscrapers, the wonder of urban wildlife unfolded before my eyes.
Fast Facts: The government declared Thane Creek as Maharashtra's second Marine Sanctuary and designated it as an Important Bird Area and Flamingo Sanctuary in August 2015.
I experienced the opulence and hospitality of Rajasthan during my visit to the grand palaces and the shops selling Jaipuri handicrafts. But I was in for a surprise when I discovered that at the centre of Jaipur's tourist trail lies a species far removed from the city's reality. A 20-square-kilometre patch of forest is home to the spotted big cat at Jhalana Leopard Reserve.
As a wildlife photographer, I couldn't wait to capture the hunting stance of leopards against the backdrop of the Aravalli ranges. As our Gypsy vehicle plodded through the greens, the early morning rays warmed me. A curious Sambar deer watched us curiously for a moment and went back to grazing nonchalantly. A pair of blue bulls were enjoying a candid conversation.
Witnessing a healthy population of herbivores it clear to me why leopards had found a sustainable home in an overcrowded city. As these thoughts crossed my mind, a lone leopard suddenly dashed across our path, ran up the nearby wall, and momentarily turned around to scan us. It was a perfect moment when I felt nature looking at me directly.
Fast Facts: Jhalana’s history dates to the early 19th century when it housed tigers and leopards: a popular hunting ground, complete with an old Shikar Audhi, or Hunting Palace. The last tiger was shot down in 1948, and leopards became apex predators.
Best time to Visit: The summers are the best time for viewing wildlife, while winters make for a pleasant chilly safari.
As I stepped onto a cycle rickshaw in Bharatpur on a cold November morning, I was filled with anticipation. Armed with my camera and a bazooka lens, I was eager to explore the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. As the mist slowly lifted, a jackal caught my eye, silhouetted against the morning light. It was perhaps on the lookout for its morning meal. The cackling of water birds filled the air.
I was amazed to learn that this sanctuary, which now boasts over 370 species of birds and animals, had once been a hunting reserve for the Maharajas. It wasn't until 1982 that it was declared a national park, and in 1985 it was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
As I wandered around, I was captivated by the soft golden light that bathed the park. Egrets, ducks, and storks were everywhere, and I was in photography heaven. But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw next - a pair of rare and elusive Siberian cranes. I held my breath and went shutter-crazy, determined to capture these magnificent birds on film.
Fast Facts: Now called Keoladeo National Park, this sanctuary is recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds.
When to plan: If you're interested in migratory birds, plan your visit between October and March. You can spot the resident species between April and September.
As a proud Mumbaikar, I'm always on the lookout for a nearby natural escape. That's why I was thrilled to discover the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Mumbai's suburbs. It's a place of intrigue, as it's the only national park within a city. For me, it's the perfect space to find solace amidst the urban chaos, and a reminder that nature can thrive even in a concrete jungle.
As a naturalist trained at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), I found out that the park is not just a place of escape, but a learning expedition too. I love trekking through the acres of sprawling greens and up to the highest point of Mumbai, where panoramic views await. The nature trails wind through deep woodlands, hillocks, and streams, bringing me closer to urban nature than ever before. The last time I was there, I even caught a glimpse of SGNP's elusive predator—the leopard—as evidenced by the pugmarks I stumbled upon.
After my trek, I cooled off with coconut water, watching families explore the 2,000-year-old Kanheri caves. For a less strenuous adventure, I hopped on a bus for the tiger and lion safaris, where I was thrilled to see the big cats in their homes. I capped off my day with a relaxing boat ride on the pond, enjoying the splendid hues of the sky. I couldn't help but realise that Mumbai owes its green and clean to this haven, which is perhaps its life-giving lungs.
Fast Facts: SGNP is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Rhesus Macaque, Chital, four-horned Antelope, and even striped Hyenas. It is most popular for its elusive inhabitant, the leopard.
Best time to Visit: The park is open every day. Plan a weekend getaway at the park.
As I drove along the dirt roads of the dry and deciduous forests of Sasan Gir, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was where the Asiatic lion, the Big Cat of Gujarat, had made a comeback in numbers and was now frequently seen roaming the nearby villages. I had heard about this urban wildlife phenomenon and decided to witness it for myself.
Tracking the jungle signs or pugmarks, our safari vehicle brought us to a small pond. And there, lounging on the banks with her three cubs, was a mother lioness. The cubs were a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, trying to approach us but holding back. The mother took a short snooze, knowing there was work to be done, such as hunting and cleaning her cubs.
At that moment, I realized that this was the best wildlife experience I had ever had. It was incredible to see these majestic creatures thriving in their natural habitat, thanks to the conservation efforts of the Maharaja of Junagadh.
The lions have frequently been sighted roaming the streets of Junagadh near the Girnar mountains. However, there have been no instances of human-animal conflict. It seems that both the big cats and humans follow a philosophy of 'you go your way, we go ours.'
The next time you head out into the city, remember to keep your senses open and invite the lesser-seen beings into your world. By doing so, you may just discover a whole new appreciation for the wild.
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