Maharashtra Nature Park, Mumbai: Butterfly diaries and more…

Maharashtra Nature Park, also called the Mahim Nature Park (MNP), is a 15 hectare (37 acres) patch of green in Mumbai, which comes as a shock (albeit a pleasant one) to anybody who visits it, especially during the monsoons. One of the reasons for the surprise is, apart from the fact that it is situated in Mumbai - a concrete jungle with sky high land prices, its location “within” Mumbai! How does this sound for a place that resembles a mini forest? – located on the Southern bank of the dirty Mithi River and squeezed between Asia's largest slum Dharavi and Mumbai's most sought after business location, the Bandra Kurla Complex!

For a slide show of complete set of pictures of Maharashtra Nature Park, please click HERE.

Maharashtra Nature Park has been developed over the years through the painstaking efforts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA – they do some good work as well, eh?) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF India). Starting in 1982-83 on what was then the site of a garbage dump and land fill, the piece of land has been today transformed in to a verdant and thriving mini forest which plays home to about 63 species of birds, 40 varieties of butterflies, snakes, other insects and over 13,500 trees of various species including herbs, shrubs, grasses, etc.

Alongside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey Milk Colony, this oasis, MNP, serves as an excellent recreational destination for nature lovers and photographers while at the same time performing the important role of breathing oxygen into the polluted airs of Mumbai. It is also used by various nature conservation organisations and schools to create awareness about the environment. The park also boasts of an audio-visual hall, exhibition hall, open air amphitheatre, nursery, library, etc. – all powered using solar electricity.

MNP especially comes alive during the Monsoons, when the place acquires a thick coat of green and presents a mind-boggling array of opportunities for macro and other forms of photography such as - 

Butterflies...

Dragonflies...

Leaves...

Drops of pearl sliding down the leaves and flower petals...

Rocks...

Wild growth...

And the list is endless…

The butterflies flitting from one flower to another keeps one entertained for hours – it is an absolute riot of colours out there...

With no crowds around and only the chirping of the birds to keep your ears engaged, it is a great place to escape the din and bustle of the metropolis and spend a quiet day. It’s a place that is sure to charm you. It also comes cheap, considering the inflationary times we live in! The entry fee is a mere Rs. 5/- per person!!! The park’s visiting hours are 9:30 AM – 5.00 PM and there are trails demarcated inside to guide wanderers like us. The entry gate is located opposite Dharavi Bus Depot and is also easily approachable from Sion Railway Station.