Latest Update : For the upcoming season 2024/25, safari bookings are open for Gir National Park. Always book your safari in advance.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is among the popular birding destinations as it houses more than 220 species of birds making it a dream destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat and covers an area of over 605 hectares. The main sanctuary is located along the Ruparel and Kalindi rivers in northeastern Jamnagar. The region consists of marshy wetlands and mangroves which become a great habitual habitat for both migratory and resident birds. The sanctuary is also considered an important site for ecological research and education of the flora and fauna of the region.
The sanctuary receives a huge footfall every year where visitors get to enjoy walking on the nature trails and capture amazing photographs of these unique species. It is advisable to visit this tranquil destination in the months of September to February. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to witness the avifauna of the Khijadiya region. Inside the sanctuary lies the Interpretation Centre for visitors to gain information about the area and there are also facilities such as nature trails, paddled boating, watchtowers and embankments.
In the year 1981, this freshwater wetland near the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat officially received the title of a bird sanctuary. However, the area was already a good habitat for both the migratory and resident birds before the period of independence. The rulers during that period constructed a small dam on the Ruparel River to store water which created a mesmerising ecosphere along the freshwater lakes to support the fauna and flora of the region. The dam collected both the freshwater from the rain and saltwater from the sea. The freshwater wetland was formed in 1920 to protect the farmland from saltwater intrusion.
In the year 2022, on 2nd February, Khijadiya was recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention as every year, this day is celebrated as World Wetlands Day.
The bird site being one of the most significant waterbird habitats in North-West India, provides nesting, feeding, and roosting grounds for over 250 species of resident and migratory birds. The sanctuary is home to globally endangered and vulnerable species such as the Dalmatian pelican, Asian openbill stork, Black-necked stork, Darter, Black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, and Indian skimmer along with great crested grebe, Pallas's fish-eagle, common pochard, greylag goose and common crane.
Also, according to studies, at least 257 to 300 different species of migrating birds visit the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary during the winter season. Salim Ali, a well-known Indian ornithologist who is also known as the 'Birdman of India' visited the sanctuary in 1984 and reported seeing 104 species in just one day.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gir
Get In TouchEarly mornings and late afternoons are the best times to witness the avifauna of the Khijadiya region.
Yes, photography is permitted as the bird sanctuary provides a fantastic opportunity for wildlife and bird photography.
September through February are the best months to visit the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary because migratory birds visit the sanctuary to breed and enjoy the environment of the region making it an ideal destination for birdwatching.
