A Thrilling experience of Nature Trail
In the month of January, the students of PTVA’s EMS, Andheri attended an orientation session on Shilonda Nature Trail by Naturalist Shri Unmesh Paranjape, during which our excitement for the trail grew and we registered for the same and on 1st February 25, we visited the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) for Shilonda Trail which is known for its rich biodiversity. We came to know that SGNP is the first forest reserve surrounded by a city.
When we started the trail around 8:30 in the morning, the dense greenery and fresh scent of the forest filled the air. Along the way, we saw a herd of spotted deer grazing peacefully and we even saw a mother deer with her little fawns. As we walked deeper into the forest, our guide introduced us to various species of plants and animals. He helped us identify the birds by their chirping and explained the unique properties of certain plants – some were medicinal while some were poisonous.
The trail was thrilling with rocky paths. While resting on the rocks in a dried river bed, we spotted a shedded skin of a snake which was fascinating and slightly scary of us. At the end of the trail we watched a documentary on SGNP which gave us a deeper insight about the flora and fauna of the place and our responsibility to preserve them. The trip was indeed an unforgettable experience!
Miss Durva Gangarkar (7A, PTVA’s EMS, Andheri)
