Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

If you have interest in those chirpy little creatures, Nal Sarovar is the place you should visit … Doesn’t it sound quite thrilling after thinking about it? You can see pristine greenery, beautiful trees, creepers, canopies and other beauties of nature here. Anyway, if you are really interested visiting a bird sanctuary, then one of the best options is the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. You can find Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary in the Gujarat State of India.

Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary is a vast area comprising of 120.82 sq.-km Lake, a tranquil marshland with shallow waters (4-5 ft.). It is basically a natural lake. It is situated approximately 64 kilometers to the west of Ahmedabad near Sanand Village, in the Gujarat State. It is famous for its vivid birds that migrate from Siberia. Nal Sarovar wetland is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat and one of the largest wetland in India.

Time Table & Address
Address:- Sanand – Nalsarovar Rd, Nalsarovar, Gujarat 382170
Phone:- 078748 01833

S.N	Opening Days	Time
1.	Sunday	6:00am – 5:30pm
2.	Monday	6:00am – 5:30pm
3.	Tuesday	6:00am – 5:30pm
4.	Wednesday	6:00am – 5:30pm
5.	Thursday	6:00am – 5:30pm
6.	Friday	6:00am – 5:30pm
7.	Saturday	6:00am – 5:30pm

Entry Fees

The admission fees in Nalsarovar is Rs. 60/- per visitor and Rs. 100/- for the camera, the Nal Sarovar entry fees include the charge of the vehicle in the boating area. The Nal Sarovar sailing fee is Rs. 220/- per person and Rs. 1320/- If you want a personal boat.

History

Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary was declared a sanctuary in April 1969. It was proposed as a “Ramsar Convention Site – Wetland of International Importance”. Nal Sarovar was declared as a Ramsar Site on 24th September 2012. It is the only lake since 2005 that has been declared as Ramsar Site in India. It is said that in the past it had links with Rann in the North and Gulf of Khambhat in its southern part. However, these two-sea links do not exist nowadays.

Famous For

Nal Sarovar serves as a retreat of serenity in the midst of hustle – bustle of city life. Winter season marks around 210 species of birds and harbors a variety of plants and animals. Apart from this, a few mammal species including the endangered wild ass and the black bugs, its migratory bird population includes rosy pelicans, flamingoes, white stork, Brahminy ducks, and herons. Scores of migratory bird named Waterfowl throng the sanctuary post the Monsoon months. Vivid types of birds visit the bird sanctuary in winter season and spring season. It harbors over 250 species of wetland birds. Between November and February, the lake is shelter to vast flocks of home-grown and migratory birds. Ducks, geese, pelican, and flamingos are best seen early in the morning and the evening and the sanctuary are best visited as a day’s excursion. In Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary a reverse osmosis plant is also set up to offer pure drinking water. Migrating Aamin Bhai shepherds populate the island of the lake and on the banks, are Padhars, who are folk dancers, artisans, and boatmen. One can go around the lake in country boats to watch the hoards of the feathered population.

How to Reach

If you want to travel by train then you will have to come to Viramgam, which is the nearest railway station from the sanctuary at a distance of 40 kilometers. You can also reach Nalsarovar bird sanctuary from Ahmedabad which is at a distance of 64 kilometers from the sanctuary. By road is also a convenient mode to reach the sanctuary. Public and private buses plus cabs to the sanctuary are available from the city of Ahmadabad and also from Viramgam or Sanand. Ahmadabad airport lies nearest to the sanctuary.

Where to Stay

Gujarat tourism offers luxury tent accommodations 1.5 kilometers from the lake. You also have few more resorts there. You can also opt to stay in Ahmedabad city. You even can enjoy the stay in different homestays.

Things to Do

There is the number of exciting things to do in the Nalsarovar bird sanctuary. Here are some of the must-do activities listed out-

1. Apart from colorful hummingbirds, another major attraction of Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary consists of numerous islets that further enhance its charm. The place is looked upon as a true paradise by all passionate bird watchers
2. You can also enjoy the boat ride from the starting point to Dhrabla Island and return. On the island, one can enjoy the view of the lake from the watchtower.
3. There are small huts where Kathiawadi thali is served by local vendors. Bajra roti and garlic chutney is a must -try the food on the island prepared by the local people.
4. There are “Pillu trees”, on the island which bear small red berry type of fruit. It’s a delicious fruit to have.
5. Visitors can also take a horse ride at the lakeside.
6. You can choose it as a one-day picnic. It has a huge field, where you can enjoy playing cricket or volleyball.
7. This is a great place for photographers, where one can have a photography feast here.

You need reach here before sunrise, as different kinds of birds are mostly found during the sunrise and sunset time.

Best Time to Visit

During the springtime and the winter months, thousands of migratory birds, as well as indigenous bird species, flock the lakeside. Thus, those are the reasons you should choose for your Nal Sarovar sanctuary trip.  You may plan a trip to the sanctuary around late February and March or may even visit the sanctuary between months October and February. To catch a glimpse of all the rare bird species, make sure to be at the lakeside either early in the morning or in the evening time.  The visiting hours at the sanctuary are from 6 a.m. in the morning to 6 p.m. in the evening.

Even if you are not a bird watcher, you should visit this place to experience, this shallow water natural bamboo driven boat ride. Anyone who loves nature will definitely love this place. The morning sunlight with the company of the birds around makes the great start for the day. It is the finest place near Ahmedabad. It’s a place where one can take, sit and eat food, view different types of birds, enjoy the boating and finally watch and know about different varieties of migratory and inland birds.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Map