Bird Walk at Saral Beach (Alibaug – Revas Road), MH
- Alibaug
- 28 December, 2025
- Sanket Raut
About Saral Beach
Saral Beach, located along the Alibaug–Rewas Road near the quaint village of Saral in Raigad district, is a lesser-known coastal stretch that offers a peaceful alternative to some of the busier beaches in the Alibaug region. Nestled at the edge of the Arabian Sea, this beach is characterised by its quiet, laid-back vibe and broad sandy shoreline that gently slopes into the water, making it ideal for leisurely strolls at sunrise or sunset. Unlike the more commercialised stretches near Alibaug town, Saral Beach tends to attract visitors who prefer solitude, natural scenery, and the simple pleasure of listening to the surf without the bustle of water sports or crowds. The surrounding area still retains a village charm, with occasional local eateries and homestays adding to the relaxed coastal experience.
Because it’s off the main tourist trail, Saral Beach feels more like a hidden gem for those exploring the Alibaug–Rewas coastal corridor. Its proximity to small resorts and villas along the road makes it a nice stopover for people on weekend getaways from Mumbai or Pune, looking to unwind by the sea. Whether you’re planning to sit back with a book, take long walks on the sand, or simply enjoy the unobstructed horizon, Saral Beach’s serene ambience offers a refreshing escape from urban life.
Bird Guide: Sanket Shrikant Raut
Sanket is a bird enthusiast and writer. He has participated in various bird and wildlife surveys and also contrubuted for wildlife reserach project.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Saral Beach
Saral Beach supports a rich assemblage of coastal and migratory birds, making it an important foraging and resting site along the Konkan shoreline. The sandy intertidal flats are dominated by shorebirds, with high numbers of plovers such as Kentish Plover, Tibetan Sand-Plover, and Greater Sand-Plover actively feeding along the waterline, alongside small waders like Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, and Ruddy Turnstone. Larger waders including Eurasian Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, and Bar-tailed Godwit were observed probing the wet sand, while Terek Sandpiper, Common Redshank, and Common Greenshank frequented the shallow pools. The beach and nearby wetlands also host waterbirds such as Glossy Ibis, Black-headed Ibis, Little Egret, and Little Cormorant, with occasional sightings of Black-headed Gull and Gull-billed Tern along the coast. Overhead, aerial insectivores like Asian Palm Swift, Barn Swallow, and Eastern Red-rumped Swallow add to the dynamic birdlife, highlighting Saral Beach as a valuable coastal habitat, especially during the migratory season.
Kentish Plover
Tibetan Sand Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Little Egret
Little Cormorant
Brown-headed Gull
Eastern Cattle Egret
Gull-billed Tern
Asian Palm Swift
Barn Swallow
Eurasian Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Black-headed Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Little Stint
Curlew Sandpiper
Ruddy Turnstone
Common Greenshank
Common Redshank
Terek Sandpiper
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Saral Beach explored a coastal wetland known as a hotspot for waders and occasional wintering ground for rare species such as the Red Knot. The open landscape allowed for excellent visibility, while also challenging participants to refine their identification skills among similar-looking species. Over 60 bird species were recorded during the walk.
Notable sightings included Eurasian Curlew, stints, and Spoonbills, with emphasis placed on understanding key identification features. Led by Sanket, the walk served as both an observational and educational exercise, helping participants strengthen their field skills. The experience reinforced the value of coastal wetlands and offered a rewarding blend of learning and exploration.
Number of Participants
0
