Latest Update : For the upcoming season 2024/25, safari bookings are open for Gir National Park. Always book your safari in advance.
A stunning natural haven located in Sanand Village, in Gujarat, is the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary covering an area of around 120 square kilometres. Being a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers, the sanctuary is home to more than 250 species of birds including resident and migratory birds. The birds visit the sanctuary especially, in winter from far off destinations to rest and breed in this serene sanctuary. Therefore, the best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to February as the weather and environment create a spectacular sight for visitors.
The sanctuary got its name from the natural Nal Sarovar Lake which translates to 'Tap Lake' and it is a low-lying area that lies between Central Gujarat and East Saurashtra. Over time, the lake has become the prime habitat for the colourful birds of the region. The Nal Sarovar Lake inside the sanctuary includes numerous small islands and the communities nearby have also found its ecological significance. Inside the sanctuary lies the Interpretation Centre for visitors to gain information about the avifauna and there are also facilities such as nature trails, paddled boating, horse riding, picnic grounds, watchtowers and embankments.
The history of the Nalsarovar bird sanctuary dates back to the 15th century when an artificial lake was created as a result of the construction of a check dam across the Sabarmati River. The villagers of the region used the dam for irrigation and basic water needs. The British colonial administration acknowledged the significance of the dam in the 20th century and established it as a protected area because of its rich ecosystem. As the years passed, many bird species from other areas began to migrate to these places because of the abundance of fresh water and food.
In 1969, the protected area was declared as Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary by the Gujarat Government to protect its growing bird population. The ecological significance of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary as a wetland habitat for birds and other species was acknowledged in 2012 when it was designated as a Ramsar Convention bird sanctuary.
One of the top reasons to visit the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary by tourists is the varied bird species of the area and the wetland is also said to be the biggest wetland in the state. The region of Nalsarovar in Gujarat is a bird watcher's paradise as it houses more than 200 different colourful species of birds such as rosy pelicans, lesser and greater flamingos, crakes, brahminy ducks, purple moorhen, herons, white storks, various species of bitterns, grebes pelicans, egrets, cranes etc in the lake. Apart from the indigenous bird species, the migratory birds come from far off places like Siberia, Oman, UAE, Yemen and others.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gir
Get In TouchYes, tourists can go on guided tours. These trips, which are typically given on boats, offer the chance to see the birds in their native environment while exploring the sanctuary's depths.
Yes, visiting the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a great family outing as it will be an entertaining trip for kids and adults alike because of the tranquil surroundings and the opportunity to witness a variety of bird species.
November through February are the best months to visit the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary because of the beautiful weather which is perfect for birdwatching.
