The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is situated in the state of Gujarat, India to the south west of the city of Ahmedabad. It is at a distance of around 60 kms. from the city and is one of the many tourist attractions around the city. The sanctuary is well known in the state of Gujarat and spreads over flat iron plains around the Nalsarovar Lake. It is known for the wide variety of waterbirds that can be seen here.

You can see about a thousand species of water birds that migrate here in the winter. Some species come after breeding. You can spot egrets, kingfishers, storks, darters, jacanas, cormorants, coots, ducks, grebes, and moorhens in the Nalsarovar bird sanctuary.

The Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary also has other recreational and amusement services like camping, angling, boating and animal rides but it mainly attracts bird lovers from the world over to see the many verities and species of birds which flock to the area.

Geography

The city of Ahmedabad is one of the many religious destinations in India where there are numerous pilgrimage sites which are also tourist attractions. The famous Sabarmati Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi is also located in this city. As for the geographical location, the city is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River over an area of about 220 sq. kms. It is around 48.77 meters above sea level. It is in the Western region of India in the state of Gujarat. It is a dry, sandy area close to the dessert area in the state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is the closest hill station and another tourist attraction which brings tourists to this city for a stop over.

Many historians believe that the low lying area of Nal Sarovar, which lies between Saurashtra and Gujarat, was the link between the Gulf of Khambat and the Rann dessert. You can still see the remains in the area.

The city usually experiences extreme climatic conditions because of its proximity to the desert. It is for this reason that the best time to visit the city and the bird sanctuary is during the months of November to February when the climate is cool and pleasant.

Birds and Wildlife

A large portion of the state of Gujarat is waste land which attracts a large variety of birds that migrate here during winter. The thorn scrub, the stretch of wet land and grasslands provides the ideal refuge for these birds. Though there are other bird sanctuaries in the area like the Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and the Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is by far the largest among them.

The huge lake and swamps all together measure between a 100 to 125 sq. kms with a variety of flora and fauna which attract the birds. Birds migrate here from Russia and Siberia. As the monsoon season ends, the birds begin flocking here. Among other birds you can see:

• Egrets
• Kingfishers
• White Storks
• Darters
• Cormorants spear
• Coots
• Jacanas
• Grebes
• Brahminy Ducks
• Herons
• Rosy Pelicans
• Moorhens and
• Flamingoes

It is indeed a remarkable sight to watch the birds strain water from their especially designed beaks and ingest the food. The sanctuary boasts of around 2.53 lakh birds in 112 different species. There is also a great deal of fauna in the form of foxes, jackals, and jungle cats. There is also a wide variety of insects.

The tranquillity, the forest smells, the sound of birds and the occasional call of animals, and the serene waters of the lake make Nal Sarovar a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The scenic beauty of the area and the cool climate with vibrant colours of the rising and setting sun, make this a romantic spot for lovers and honeymooners.

How to Reach

By Road: At a distance of about 70km from Ahmedabad. You can hire a vehicle at Ahmedabad and drive over.

By Rail: Sanad is the nearest Railway Station at a distance of about 10km.

By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport atAhmedabad.

Best Time to Visit

The sanctuary is open during the winter, from the month of November to the month of February. The best time to visit is during the months of December and January when you can see Gees, ducks, flamingos and pelicans in the early hours of the morning and in the evening. Weekends and holidays see the maximum crowd. You can take a boat on the lake, along with a guide to help you spot the various species of birds.