National Park - Mumbai

 I stay in Goregaon, a part of the western suburbs situated just a few kilometers away from Sanjay Gandhi National Park aka Borivali National Park. On Sundays, the park seems even more close considering there is no traffic on the road (and which many Mumbaikars will endorse). But in spite of the close distance, I hate to admit that I have been to the National Park only once before. It is supposed to be the largest park in the world, located within city limits and truly a place to be visited many times over. But today was just my second visit to these sylvan surroundings. Such a shame!

A walk through the Shilonda trail inside the National Park was what the e-brochure of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) enticed me with its foliage of words. And so here I was, on a chilly morning in February, ready to bathe in the serenity of the green expanse and soak in the knowledge, the birds and the bees (pun unintended) had to offer. The brochure had mentioned that the trail is about 15 minutes walk from the main gate of the National Park and so it was. Typically, this trail is out of bounds for general visitors unless they have permission. Its accessible only through naturist clubs like the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and NIC etc. And that's exactly what excited me even more. I prefer quieter locations such as these where one can enjoy nature at peace, away from the din of the picnickers and the clamor of motley crowd. Its so unbelievably peaceful that its difficult to believe that this is the same noisy Mumbai just a few meters away.
The trail itself runs for about 2 km into the jungle up to a stream. The dense growth of deciduous trees mixed with the bamboo groves provide an elusive tranquil all through the walk in the woods.  The vast variety of birds, insects, butterflies add their own beauty which is a visual treat and a welcome respite. For any Mumbaikar this is truly the right place to relax, find solace and their true self. Neither a biologist, ornithologist nor an entomologist I am but a Sunday ensconced in the lap of mother nature was just the kind of getaway my frayed nerves were seeking for.

There were myriad of tidbits we heard all through this trail. But there was one fascinating fact, Mr. Jagdish Vakale, Naturalist at NIC and our guide recounted to the group that has still not left me.

He told us the intriguing fact about a bird and colony of ants. The ants are popularly called as soldier ants and crematogaster by the entomologists. They use dry leaves, their saliva and mud to build a robust nest for its colony. This nest resembles a Pagoda and hence gets its name as Pagoda Ants nest. This nest is almost impregnable to any species as these ants are known to be fierce and attacking and also the nest is as hard as a card board. However, there is  one bird in spite of these challenges actually considers this nest as its home and stays inside it along with the colony of ants. The bird is known as Rufus Wood pecker. This bird secretes a chemical, pheromone. And this is the same pheromone which the soldier ants also secrete and makes them think that the bird is part of its own family. So, in spite of Rufus Woodpecker not being an ant or an insect but a totally different species, the soldier ant allows it to stay in its well built nest.
Rufus Woodpecker on the other hand just does not stay there like a ghar jamai but it in turn   provides food to the ants. All the tidbits and insects it collects and hunts for its family does not get consumed completely. The babies eat a little and litter the nest with crumbs. This leftover is then eaten by the soldier ants. Thus saving the ants the energy to go out and hunt for food.

An incredible example of give and take between completely different species at work here. It shows how 2 different types, completely unlike each other, by helping one another in a symbiotic relationship can live together peacefully and graciously.

For me its a wonderful lesson which nature has provided! We as humans and considered as the most evolved species on earth can take a big leaf out of the Pagoda Ant's nest. I am sure there will always be differences and contrasts between each of us in the way we think, live, eat, drink, communicate, behave and function. However, its up to us to find out how we can use these differences to learn from other, respect each other, give and take and live in harmony and peace. On the occasion of Valentine's Day, a beautiful insight from nature on how to have beautiful and meaningful relationships.


Some more captures of National Park below:

Walk thru the National Park

Gulmohur....summer lover!

A home ...work in progress~

A dry river bed...thirsty for the rains.

A laidback backyard

History of Boudh Gufa aka Kanheri Caves

Let there be light!

Monkey Business!!

Kanheri Caves from Sanskrit word Krishnagiri meaning Black Mountain

The wall

Basaltic rock cut sculptures

Buddhist sculptures dating 1BC to 10 AD

Road to enlightenment

Chaityas or Halls for worship

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A family that "plays" together, stays together!