Nal Saraover Bird Sanctuary

Species
purple moorhen, pelicans, lesser and greater flamingos, white storks, four species of bitterns, crakes, grebes, brahminy ducks, herons

Overview
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, consisting primarily of a 120.82-square-kilometre (46.65 sq mi) lake and ambient marshes, is situated about 64 km to the west of Ahmedabad near Sanand Village, in the Gujarat state of India. Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. It was declared a bird sanctuary in April 1969.

The lake attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbors a variety of plants and animals. Besides a few mammalian species including the endangered wild ass and the black buck, its migratory bird population includes rosy pelicans, flamingoes, white storks, brahminy ducks and herons. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian monsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters.

Millions of birds visit the bird sanctuary in winter and spring. It harbors over 250 species of wetland birds. Winter migrants from the north including purple moorhen, pelicans, lesser and greater flamingos, white storks, four species of bitterns, crakes, grebes, brahminy ducks and herons visit Nal Sarovar. Between November and February, the lake is home to vast flocks of indigenous and migratory birds. Ducks, geese, pelicans and flamingos are best seen early in the morning and in the evening and the sanctuary is best visited as a day excursion by personal vehicle, taxi, as buses are infrequent and there is no convenient accommodation. Vehicles are available from parking to the lake site which is approx 1 km.

Hours for visiting the lake are 6 am to 6 pm. There is an entry fee per visitor and camera, however for boating one needs to negotiate with the local boatmen, though prescribed rates are mentioned at the gate. The best time to reach there is just before sunrise as the lake is calm and quiet and flock of birds waiting for their regular food. The water in the lake is about 4 feet deep. Visitors can take a horse ride with a number of horses at the lakeside.

Migrating Bharwad shepherds populate the islands of the lake and on the banks are the Padhars, who are folk dancers, artisans and boatmen. One can hire country boats on the lake for bird viewing, and picnic at shacks the on the islands The Nal Sarovar Lake is in a lowest-lying area between the Central Gujarat and East Saurashtra. It represents a sea link that once existed between the Little Rann and the Gulf of Khambat.

Visitors can take a horse ride at lakeside Nalsarovar national park. There is also an information centre in the sanctuary which gives details of migratory birds and Nal Sarovar itself, can also be given a visit. One can get to know a lot about migratory birds and the sanctuary by visiting the information centre. You can visit here for your One-Day-Picnic; it has huge fields where you can enjoy playing cricket or volleyball. You can also set up a live barbeque on the banks of the lakes.

Tip: Although there are binocular slots at few places, but to enjoy the view while boating and at the watchtower, a pair of Binoculars and Camera is must have accessory while visiting Nalsarovar.