
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary Airoli
Witness thousands of migratory flamingos in their natural habitat at India's first Flamingo Sanctuary. A vibrant natural spectacle near Mumbai.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best flamingo migration

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary Airoli
Best Time
Best flamingo migration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness thousands of migratory flamingos in their natural habitat at India's first Flamingo Sanctuary. A vibrant natural spectacle near Mumbai.
"A hidden gem in Navi Mumbai, perfect for families and nature lovers to witness the mesmerizing sight of thousands of flamingos."

🎯 Best Months for Flamingos
Visit between Jan-May for peak flamingo sightings. March-April offers the most vibrant pinks!
🎟️ Book Boat Rides Early
Weekend boat rides fill up fast. Call ahead or book upon arrival if possible.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Flamingo Spectacle
Mudflats of Thane Creek
Witness thousands of migratory flamingos painting the creek pink. A truly mesmerizing sight for nature lovers and photographers.

Bamboo Boardwalk
Mangrove area
A unique adventure walking through mangroves on a bamboo bridge leading to the flamingo viewing platform.

Flamingo Museum
Sanctuary entrance
Learn about flamingos, local biodiversity, and conservation efforts through informative displays and audio setups.

Boat Safari
Thane Creek / Airoli Creek
Get closer to the flamingos and other avian life with an informative guided boat ride through the creek.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Flamingo Sightings
Booking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Months for Flamingos
Visit between Jan-May for peak flamingo sightings. March-April offers the most vibrant pinks!
🎟️ Book Boat Rides Early
Weekend boat rides fill up fast. Call ahead or book upon arrival if possible.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on boardwalks and potentially uneven paths. Comfort is key!
📸 Bring a Good Camera
A zoom lens is recommended to capture the details of flamingos from a distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Months for Flamingos
Visit between Jan-May for peak flamingo sightings. March-April offers the most vibrant pinks!
🎟️ Book Boat Rides Early
Weekend boat rides fill up fast. Call ahead or book upon arrival if possible.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on boardwalks and potentially uneven paths. Comfort is key!
📸 Bring a Good Camera
A zoom lens is recommended to capture the details of flamingos from a distance.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Water
No food stalls inside the sanctuary. Carry your own refreshments.
🚗 Parking Info
Parking can be expensive. Consider parking outside and walking in if feasible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary as a mesmerizing natural escape, especially for families and bird enthusiasts. The sight of thousands of flamingos is a major highlight, complemented by the unique bamboo boardwalk and informative museum. However, some find the boat rides expensive and express concern over plastic pollution in the creek.
"Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary near Airoli, Navi Mumbai, is one of the best places for kids and families to enjoy nature and wildlife together. The highlight is, of course, the real flamingos — you get to see them in large numbers, and the view is truly mesmerizing. Watching these beautiful birds up close is an unforgettable experience.
Inside the sanctuary, there are many activities to explore. For kids, it’s not just fun but also educational — they get to see different types of fish, learn about nature, and observe birds in their natural habitat. It’s a great way to combine entertainment with knowledge.
The sanctuary also offers boating rides, which give you a closer view of the flamingos and the creek. Another special feature is the bamboo bridge, which takes you through the jungle and towards the sea — walking on it feels like a unique adventure and adds to the overall charm of the visit.
Facilities are decent — entry is ticketed, and pay-and-use washrooms are available. However, there are no food shops inside, so it’s better to carry your own snacks and water. Parking is available nearby, which makes it convenient for visitors.
Overall, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Navi Mumbai — a perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and adventure. The serene environment, the sight of flamingos, and the learning opportunities for kids make it a must-visit place for families. 🌿🦩🚤"
Rohan Dhopat
"The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is located near Airoli, Navi Mumbai. It is a unique destination known for its beautiful flamingos and peaceful natural surroundings. The sanctuary is one of the few places in India where you can watch flamingos in their natural habitat.
One of the highlights of this sanctuary is its Flamingo Museum. The museum provides detailed information about flamingos that migrate here from different countries every year. It also displays models and facts about other birds and fishes found in the creek. Visitors can learn about the flamingos' habitat, food, migration patterns, and other interesting facts.
A special feature of the museum is an audio setup where you can hear the sounds of specific birds and animals. The museum also educates visitors about pollution in the creek, its harmful effects, and ways to prevent it. Overall, it is a great educational initiative.
The museum is located at the entrance of the sanctuary. From there, you walk around 200–300 meters through mangroves to reach the flamingo viewing area. On the way, there is a small room displaying the bones of various animals, which adds to the learning experience.
Clean washrooms are available along the path. As the sanctuary lies along the creek, a bamboo bridge has been built for visitors to walk safely towards the viewing point. At the end of the bridge, there is a bamboo platform where you can watch the flamingos in their natural environment. It is a surreal and peaceful experience to see these beautiful birds up close.
This place is perfect for both education and sightseeing and is highly recommended for students, families, and bird lovers. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaws and cars."
Ajinkya Kasar
"Beautiful place to visit.
You can witness 1000s of beautiful Flamingos here.
The best time to visit is between March to April , when greater flamingos wings turn red and lesser flamingos look more pink and beautiful ❤️"
Saplings Nursery School Growing upwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located near Airoli, Navi Mumbai. You can drive to the Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre in Airoli or the Bhandup pumping station. Auto-rickshaws are available from Airoli Railway Station (approx. 3.4 km).
Driving is convenient, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include local buses to Airoli, followed by an auto-rickshaw.
Google Maps directions are generally accurate. Look for the turn near the Garam Masala restaurant just before the Airoli Bridge.
The nearest railway station is Airoli Railway Station. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw to the sanctuary.
You can take a local train to Airoli station and then an auto, or drive via the Eastern Express Highway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The sanctuary is generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. However, boat ride timings are dependent on high tide.
Entry fees are typically around ₹50 per person, with additional charges for boat rides. Parking fees can be around ₹165 for cars.
Entry tickets can be purchased at the sanctuary. However, it's advisable to book boat rides in advance, especially for weekends.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but it's a great educational spot for students.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the boardwalk to access the flamingo viewing platform without taking a boat ride.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see thousands of migratory flamingos in their natural habitat, along with other bird species and marine life. The sanctuary also features a Flamingo Museum and a bamboo boardwalk.
Yes, boat rides are available and offer a closer view of the flamingos. They typically last about an hour and are guided.
It's a unique bamboo boardwalk that takes you through the mangroves to a viewing platform for flamingos.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic educational and fun experience for children, allowing them to learn about nature and wildlife.
There are pay-and-use washrooms available. Parking is also available nearby.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food shops inside the sanctuary. It's recommended to carry your own snacks and water.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water to enjoy during their visit.
There are local eateries and restaurants in the Airoli area, but none are directly within the sanctuary premises.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, and these are also prime times for flamingo activity.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended to capture clear images of the flamingos from a distance.
The bamboo boardwalk and the viewing platform provide excellent vantage points for photographing the flamingos.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in protected wildlife areas to avoid disturbing the birds.
The main subjects are the thousands of flamingos, but also other migratory birds and the mangrove ecosystem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for the guided boat ride for a more interactive experience, where guides can share interesting facts tailored for children. The sanctuary's natural setting offers a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature and understand the importance of conservation. Ensure comfortable footwear for walking and encourage them to be mindful of the environment by not littering.
📸 Nature Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural lighting for photography. Be prepared for walking on the boardwalk and potentially uneven terrain. While the main attraction is the flamingos, keep an eye out for other resident and migratory bird species that frequent the mangroves. Respecting the wildlife and maintaining a safe distance is paramount for ethical wildlife photography.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Choosing to walk the boardwalk instead of always opting for boat rides can also reduce your impact. Bringing your own reusable water bottles and snacks further minimizes waste. Supporting the sanctuary through entry fees contributes to its conservation efforts. This is a place to connect with nature responsibly and learn about the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Flamingos
Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting these migratory birds. The sanctuary aims to educate visitors about the impact of pollution, particularly plastic waste, on the creek's delicate environment. By understanding the life cycle and needs of these birds, visitors can become better advocates for their preservation. The presence of flamingos is a testament to the ecological health of the creek, making their conservation a shared responsibility.
Navigating the Sanctuary Experience
For a more immersive experience, boat rides are available, departing from Thane Creek or Airoli Creek. These guided tours provide an opportunity to get closer to the flamingos and learn from knowledgeable guides about the local birdlife and the creek's ecology. It's important to note that boat ride timings are often dependent on the day's high tide, so checking in advance or arriving early is recommended. Remember to bring binoculars for a better view and a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the beauty of these birds.
Visitor Facilities and Etiquette
As there are no food stalls within the sanctuary, it's highly recommended to carry your own snacks and water. This not only ensures you have refreshments but also helps minimize waste within the protected area. Planning your visit with these practical considerations in mind will enhance your overall experience at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit