CEC Birding trails in Mumbai

Forest Walks Near Mumbai – Explore Nature at CEC Mumbai

Looking for peaceful and educational forest walks near Mumbai? The BNHS Conservation Education Centre (CEC Mumbai), located at the edge of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Goregaon, is a hidden green gem offering guided nature trails perfect for families, students, and nature lovers.

Nestled amidst dense forest, CEC Mumbai is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The trails here take you through dry deciduous forest, teeming with life during the monsoon and winter months. Expect to see native trees like bamboo, jamun, teak, and various species of ficus, along with vibrant seasonal blooms and medicinal plants.

These forest walks are designed to spark curiosity and eco-awareness. Participants often spot a variety of butterflies, reptiles, and insects. The area is a paradise for birdwatchers, with regular sightings of Coppersmith Barbets, Spotted Owlets, Indian Grey Hornbills, and Sunbirds. With some luck, you may even see mammals like the Indian Palm Civet or Rhesus Macaque.

Led by expert naturalists from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), each trail is informative, interactive, and perfectly suited for school trips or weekend family outings.

Whether you're a beginner in birding or just looking for a green escape within the city, CEC Mumbai offers one of the most accessible forest walks near Mumbai, blending education with adventure in a serene forest setting.

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.

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.

Type:                     Birdwatching trails / Nature Trail

No of days:            01

Grade:                   Easy

Trail time:            2 – 3Hrs

Reporting time: 07:00am 

• Entry fee of CEC
• Guide Fee
• Professional Wildlife Naturalist host of the experience
• GST 5%
• Complimentary pocket field Guide 

• Any other transport from origin of participant to meeting point. 
• Additional meals or services
• Any expense of personal nature
• Any other item specifically NOT mentioned in includes.

• 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.
• Avoid wearing bright colours and half pants. 
• 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.

Things to Carry:

• A Hat
• Rainwear/Umbrella 
• Insect repellent 
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A dust protection mask
• Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
• Small backpack (10Ltrs)
• Bird books
• Sun screen
• 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 on safaris in winters)
• Binoculars
• Energy bars