There’s something special about leaving the city behind just before sunset the anticipation, the laughter, and the promise of the unknown ahead.
On 4th and 5th November, NaturalisT Foundation organized a one night–two day trip to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary for the ‘Nisarg’ Nature Club of Mithibai College. As thirty students boarded the bus, the journey had already begun, not just towards Koyna, but towards an experience filled with discovery.
The Journey That Set the Tone
The road to Koyna was anything but ordinary.
With breakfast and lunch along the way, the group made a scenic stop at Parsi Point. The moment they stepped out, the shift was instant cool breeze, endless green valleys, and a quiet blue lake stretching into the distance.
Nature didn’t wait to introduce itself. A pair of Orange Minivet flashed bright hues of orange and yellow across the sky, while Black-lored Tit moved swiftly between branches, busy and curious. It was a gentle reminder—the wild had already begun.
Sweet Stops and Simple Joys
A short halt at Mapro Garden brought a different kind of excitement.
Between learning about strawberry cultivation and indulging in their famous strawberry sundaes, the group shared light moments of laughter and conversations. It was a pause that balanced learning with simple joy.
A Night Under Stars and Stories
By the time the group reached their stay near Koyna, the sky had already begun to darken.
After dinner, everyone gathered around a warm bonfire. What followed was an evening filled with music, laughter, and stories. Sachin Rane brought the forest to life through his experiences, making the unseen feel vivid and real.
As the night grew quieter, the students drifted off to sleep tired, content, and excited for what the next morning would bring.
A Sunrise Worth Waking Up For
Before dawn, the stillness of Koyna was broken by soft footsteps and hushed voices.
Standing before the river, everyone watched as the sky slowly transformed deep violet melting into indigo, then streaks of orange spreading across silver-lined clouds. The winding Koyna River mirrored it all, turning the moment into something almost surreal.
No words were needed. It was a moment to simply stand still and take it in.
Into the Forest: Birdsong and Discovery
As the day unfolded, the group set out on a birdwatching trail led by Sachin Rane and Ujwal Vhatkar, assisted by Masira Shaikh.
During the trail, students spotted a variety of bird species from the calls of Jungle Babbler to the elegance of the Oriental Magpie Robin, every step revealed something new. Pompadour Green Pigeon sat quietly in all its glory, while shrikes and bulbuls added to the rhythm of the trail.
Along the way, the group also paused to understand the plants around them—their uses, their importance, and their place in the ecosystem.
And then came the moment no one expected.
The Highlight: A Rare and Magical Encounter
It wasn’t a bird that stole the show but a flying mammal.
A Painted Bat made a sudden appearance, its bright orange body almost glowing against the greens. It screeched softly before settling into a large teak leaf, as if disappearing into its own world.
For a few seconds, everything stood still.
It was rare, unexpected, and absolutely unforgettable.
Ending on a Gentle Note
The trip slowly came to a close with a peaceful boat ride along the Koyna River.
The calm waters, the surrounding forest, and the quiet conversations created the perfect ending to an already beautiful journey.
More Than Just a Getaway
As the students made their way back home, they carried more than just photographs and memories.
They carried stories, moments of stillness, bursts of excitement, and deeper appreciation for wildlife, ecosystems, and the beauty of the natural world. It was a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from routine is all it takes to truly see the world around us.
