First ever visit to National Park, Mumbai

12th December'15, Our college decided to take all F.Y.B.A students to National Park in Borivali (west) regarding our subject E.V.S for the knowledge of various birds, plants, etc.

     Laughing at my ownself for living in Mumbai and staying in Borivali itself, this was my first ever visit to National Park.

     Heading towards my experience at National Park with college buddies was indeed a great way to gain knowledge with fun. We had 3 professors along with us. We did saw many bicycle racers, joggers, wildlife photographers and undoubtely couples.

     As we entered National Park at 7:30am, the very first thing we did was clicked a group picture as a memory. Then at 8:00am, hiring a guide we saw the entire map of every direction in the "Information National Centre". Moving ahead, we saw the Dahisar River in which the plants of the water can even live under and on land. Tiger Butterflies are mostly found flying over the river. We saw the Paradise Fly Catcher who has a black color head and a white color body with a long tail. And also the Greenish Wobler. Both migrate from Himalayas to National Park in search of food in this season. While walking, on the way we saw an amazingly spotted deer. This was the first time in my life till date that I saw a real deer standing in front of me. Next where we went was "Shilonda Nature Trail" which is also called as the Buffer Area and is around 104sq.kms where we saw various and rarely species of animals, birds, medicinal plants that we have never seen or known so far. There are 271 species of birds in total in National Park. And because of its greenary, it is even known as the "Lungs Of Mumbai".

     As we entered the Buffer Area, the first thing we saw was the Scoccer Ball Tree which is poisonous but it is eaten by monkeys as their medicine for stomachache. The roots of this tree are old than 7-8 years and it is also used for hair coloring. Then we saw the Screw Fruit Bush and this have also been used as a medicine in earlier times. Next was the Pale Billed Flower Pecker which is the India's smallest bird of only 7-8cms. Then was the Sun Bird which is purple in color in the morning and black in color at night. Another bird called as Flame of the Forest which is red in summer and black in winter. We also saw the Cicada where the male vibrate their blades and make sound to attract female and then the female gets attracted to the one's who have the loudest sound because according to the females, the sound of the wings decides their strenght. Then we saw the Black Langoor who are called as the "Watchman of the Forest". This bird is black in color and the double is the size of the tail than that of the body. Lastly, we saw the Pagoda-Ant Nest. These ants are aggressive. The nest they make and stay in is waterproof so that in monsoon their nest is not destroyed by the heavy rains. The nests are very hard and quite difficult to break. These ants make their nests on the tree. They stay with a bird called "Rufous Woodpecker" together but never harm each other.

     After completing the Buffer Area, we planned to go for Lion Safari and Tiger Safari. Sadly, lion safari was under reconstruction, we finalised to go for tiger safari. At 11:00am, we left for tiger safari. Again walking with our unsupportive legs, we finally reached. The amazing tiger safari was supposed to be enjoyed by sitting in the bus itself and watching the tigers. Yes, it was a great excited feeling to see tigers in front of us. But at the same time, it was scary too.

     Returning back from the tiger safari, all professors who were with us made sure that no one is left out. Must say that the professors were very kind and gentle throughout the visit because handling we little animals is more thougher than the real one's.

     Heartly thank you to all 3 professors. This wasn't have been possible and enjoyable without their co-operation. This visit was undoubtely the best with meaningful knowledge and so much fun.