Sunrise At Sewri Mumbai – Jetty, Fort, Birds & Flamingos

One of the stunning Sunrise views at Mumbai is at the Sewri jetty on a high tide early mornings. Mumbai being on the west coast of India, it is indeed a pleasant experience to watch the sunrise moments at the jetty, particularly matching with the high tide. Recently we were in Mumbai and visited Sewri Jetty at sunrise hoping to find Flamingos which flock the area during the winters. It was high tide and we were more than happy to watch a lovely sunrise.

Explore Sewri Mumbai

You can explore a beautiful Sunrise scene at the jetty. The historical fort is very close by, say 5 minutes walking distance from the jetty. The visual impact of high tide & low tide, of course, you need to plan a visit separately. You can spot several birds if you are birding enthusiasts. Migratory birds, particularly colonies of Lesser Flamingos during the winter months of November to January. They can be spotted in thousands during low tide. Carry a binocular for the best view of the bird’s colonies.

Sewri Jetty Mumbai Sunrise scene — Sunrise scene

Sunrise at Sewri Jetty, Mumbai – Pleasant scenes

Sunrise-scene from the Sewri Jetty, Mumbai — A sunrise-scene from the jetty

The Sunrise is best viewed from the jetty unless you live in a highrise building nearby. The Sewri jetty is a mere 10 minutes walk from the Sewri station on the harbor railway line of Mumbai local railways. Recommend you be in a small group to avoid any unpleasant situations prior to the sunrise in an unfamiliar area. Watching the sunrise scene is surely a very pleasant experience. The golden rays of Sun, their reflections in the water particularly during high tide, is a bliss to watch, what a dramatic change in the day & life. Whether you are an early riser Mumbaikar or a late one, visit sunrise scene sometimes, you will love it.

Sewri Fort – One of the historical forts of Mumbai

Collage of Sewri Fort images, Mumbai — Images of the fort

Sewri fort is a historical fort of Mumbai. Probably built to defend any attacks from the sea and to facilitate trade. It is a small fort. The maintenance of the fort is ok. Not many tourists or visitors were there.

Image of a tree from the Sewri Fort — Image of a tree from the fort

Birds

Bird lovers can find a variety of birds at the jetty and around. We saw Brown-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Western Reef Egret, Parakeet, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Golden Oriole, Coppersmith Barbet and more. You may find more if interested in birding.

High tide & Low tide

A cargo barge at the Jetty during high tide and the Sunrise

Another interesting feature to observe at the jetty is high tide & low tide. While Sunrise scene is at its best during high tide due the golden color reflections in the water. The low tide scene helps one to understand how a vast amount of water recedes at a fast pace over 4-5 hours of time. Thus exposing the seabed & underwater marine life as nutritious food to a variety of birds.

Dramatically different scene during low tide — A dramatically different scene during low tide

Flamingos at Sewri Mumbai

Huge colonies comprising of thousands of Lesser Flamingos migrate to Sewri and nearby sea shore of Mumbai during the winter. Though seen in large numbers here, these birds are considered near-threatened species. Due to the declining population and the low number of breeding sites, due to human activities.

Flamingos reach as water recedes during low tide — The birds reach as water recedes during low tide

Lesser Flamingos measure about 3 ft in height, have a deep-keeled bill. The larger black tip of bill distinguishes them from the greater flamingos. Algae is their primary food. The shape of the bill helps them feed the tiny algae in the residual marine waters of the receding sea during low tide. The light pink color of the birds is attributed to their diet.

A large number of Lesser Flamingos in-flight — A large number of the birds-in-flight

The colonies of the birds can be seen flying across to choose the better spot to feed as the sea was receding.

Lesser Flamingos choosing the better spot to feed at low tide — The birds choosing the better spot to feed at low tide

You can see the barges, oil storage facilities, evening lights, etc in the background.

Several smaller groups of the birds too can be seen flying around here. The light was not right for photography. The birds were too far. For Flamingo photography be there an hour before low tides of the day timings. These images were captured in the evening near sunset time.

Lesser Flamingos in flight with barges in the background — The birds-in-flight with barges in the background

Few Lesser Flamingos in flight and a large colony in the background — Few birds-in-flight and a large colony in the background

Small group of Lesser Flamingos in-flight — A small group in-flight

Lesser flamingos in flight, follow the leader — In-flight, the birds follow the leader

A colony of Lesser Flamingos take-off — A colony of the bird’s take-off

Megapolis Mumbai

Colorful Fishing boats parked at the jetty

The Megapolis Mumbai has over the past century transformed itself from a fishermen colony & people dependent on the sea to the financial capital of India. The highrise buildings can be seen from the jetty. One should be able to see the beautiful sunrise from these high-rise buildings as well.