Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by admin
Love Birdwatching? Wondering where are the closest birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad? I have 5 amazing options which I always go to and they ever disappoint!
Gujarat has some of India’s most accessible wetlands which are avian territories and hotspots for birdwatching. Whether you’re a pro bird watching enthusiast, or simply want to spend sometime amongst the chirping of birds or are a student wanting to know more about them, Gujarat is full of places to experience bird life.
There are atleast 5 such birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad which provide lush terrestrial natural environment for birds to live. Birdwatching is one of most exciting things on the ‘to do list’ of all tourists and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Ahmedabad.
Come October and the wetlands around Ahmedabad are flocked by the unique species of birds. The diversity includes terrestrial birds, water birds and birds of prey, some resident and some migratory traveling all the way from Europe, Africa or Central Asia. So, time to fire away the camera shutter and grab a pair of binoculars to get going! Let’s have a look at these birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.
All of these wetlands come under protected areas and hence require you to buy a ticket for entry.
Recommended Read: Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad
Table of Contents
BIRDWATCHING DESTINATIONS AROUND AHMEDABAD
Thol Lake
Thol lake Bird Sanctuary is a shallow freshwater lake surrounded by marshes on the sides. The lake covers about 7 sq. km. area and is completely dependent upon rainwater. It was declared as a Ramsar Site. A walking trail takes you around the edges of the lake, wherein there are viewing points and pictures of probable birds you may see.
The lake is spectacle in itself at the sunrise as you are greeted by the sounds of cranes, flamingos doing yoga, cormorants basking in the sun’s glory and raptors hovering with empty stomachs.
The forest area around the lake will leave you mesmerized and remind you of a fairy tale. Look out for Sarus Crane (world’s tallest flying bird) on the outskirts of Thol in the nearby fields. You will also spot a lot of terrestrial birds on the opposite of walking trail in the tall trees. Most commonly seen are Brahminy starlings, green bee eater, black rumped flameback, spotted owlets, shikra, etc.
Timings: 6am to 6 pm everyday
Entry fees: Rs. 500 per car (any number of people in car allowed). It includes camera fees. You can park on the lake boundary road and then climb on the walking trail.
Best time to visit: Winter mornings. January and February are the best seasons from a personal experience for maximum bird spotting.
How to reach: It is 25km from Ahmedabad so best to drive by car or vehicle. It is a favorite route amongst cyclists, too.
Also Read: Birdwatching in Uttarakhand – Pangot, Bhimtal & Sattal
Nalsarovar Lake
The Nalsarovar Lake is one of the largest water bird sanctuary in the country with an area of over 110 sq.km and is one of the most important birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.
The National Committee on Wetlands for intensive conservation has identified it to be one of the 15 important wetlands of India and was the only Ramsar site in Gujarat. The lake harbours one of the highest populations of waterfowl anywhere in India.
Nalsarovar is nothing short of liquid gold in the mornings and the sunsets are equally mesmerizing when the flock of birds take off together against the orange sun.
Due to the sheer size of the lake, one has to hire a boat to go in the lake. The locals are boat owners and you will probably have to haggle as they try to extort extravagant amounts especially if you are not a local.
The prices are capped by the forest department but still the boat owners will bribe you to take to an exclusive place. If you are a serious photographer then I’ll say avoid the boat but if you there just for picnic, I’ll suggest otherwise. My recommendation would be not to pay the boat owner unless you have seen the place and you are confident of having a good time.
Timings: 6 am to 5:30 pm everyday
Entry fees: Rs. 60 per person, Rs. 100 per camera, Rs. 220 per person for boat (duration: 2 hours). Car parking is extra. In case you want to spend more time on the boat, the charges are extra.
Best time to visit: Winter mornings. October to February is the ideal time.
How to reach: It is 60km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.
Also Read: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
Vadla Lake
If haggling with the boat guy is not in your best interest and you want to enjoy birdwatching at your own pace, Vadla is the right place for you. It is in the close vicinity to Nalsarovar (25 km) and you can walk around the dam water to capture bird photos.
Vadla is generally ignored by tourists as their favorite attraction of boating doesn’t exist here, which works out best for serious birdwatchers. Vadla generally comes into highlight only when Nalsarovar dries out after a bad monsoon so tourists then flock there.
But for years now, Vadla has seen a steady flock of migratory birds in its waters and that is why it is an important birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.
The favorite and most in number being – Demoiselle cranes – thousands of them. In early January 2019, when we visited we counted over 3000 of them doing their business of calling, preening, foraging and practicing display. The Demoiselle Cranes are indigenously found in central Eurasia, Mongolia and North Eastern China and spend their winters in Gujarat.
Other commonly seen water birds are also in plenty in Vadla and your camera will have a gala time clicking away.
Timings: 6 am to sunset everyday
Entry fees: None.
Best time to visit: Winter months – October to February.
How to reach: It is 90km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.
Pariej Lake
Another wetland called Pariej is located in the Kheda district of Gujarat. Because of its location it is closer to 2 cities in Gujarat – Ahmedabad and Vadodara. If you happen to visit Pariej in February, you will be welcomed by the pink blanket of lotuses. A Pheasant tailed jacana will be going around his business and you will notice a lot of moorhens trying to catch their breakfast. Pied kingfishers may dart around and painted storks may just pose pretty for you. That’s Pariej for you.
Timings: 6am to 6pm
Entry fees: Free
Best time to visit: Winter mornings
How to reach: It is 60km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.
Indroda Park
Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar is a game changer for terrestrial birds and a must visit place for birdwatching community. Yes, it has a zoo but the number of birds you see on the trees and the vicinity are phenomenal. Indroda Nature Park (INP) is spread over an area of about 400 hectare in Gandhinagar- and is divided in two parts – the western part is Indroda Nature Park and the eastern part is Wilderness Park.
Most commonly seen birds here are Indian peafowl – hundreds of them dancing, eating, singing, 3 types of kingfishers, Coppersmith barbet, spotted owlet, painted storks, rose ringed parakeet and so many more.
Timings: 8am to 6pm
Entry fees: Rs. 30/person. Parking fees extra depending on type of vehicle.
Best time to visit: All around the year in morning.
How to reach: It is 25km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.
How to have a sustainable trip for Birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad?
- Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the surrounding – gree and brown shades work the best around wetlands.
- Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
- Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the desert.
- You may carry water and food but do not picnic in these areas as most of them are wildlife
Read more from Gujarat
Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here
- For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
- For Sloth Bears: Satpuda National Park
- For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
- For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park
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14 comments
We can haggle with the best of them, but Vadla Lake appeals for the do-it-yourself aspect.
Having said that, we’d try for a sunrise boat ride at Nalsarovar Lake.
Birdwatching is a really cool thing to do. We used to do that in a natural reserve close to Arcachon when we lived in Bordeaux. Now reading this it just occurred to us that we haven’t done it in more than a decade! We’ve never been to India, but when we do someday we might want to spend a few days off the beaten track, and Ahmedabad certainly sounds like the perfect place to go to for some quiet time for birdwatching.
I can see myself sitting by the lake in the early hours just watching the birds flying about and listening to them. The peacefulness sounds like heaven to me.
It’s so peaceful in bird sanctuaries! All of these destinations look like birding paradises! It is good to hear that conservation efforts are in place and that migratory birds are visiting these wetlands. The Demoiselle Crane is such a handsome bird, isn’t it? I’d love to see the flamingoes and painted storks too.
I’ve never gone bird watching and would like to go to some of the places you suggested. I am happy to hear that efforts are being made to conserve these lands. I’ve also never been to India and these look like fantastic places for bird watching 🙂
Migratory bird watching and photography are such perfect ideas for winters. I had no idea that Ahmedabad had so many lakes, though. Some of those captures are really nice.
I just love bird watching and never tire of seeing new species or seeing a beautiful bird I have seen before! Waterbirds are particularly interesting. I didn’t know that Ahmedabad was a hot spot for bird watching. Added to my list of places to go!
I had no idea that India was full of such beautiful creatures. This is a bird photographer’s dream! Thanks for sharing, I love the photos of the tranquil birds around the lakes and forest. So serene.
This is such an interesting post and although I am definitely a novice when it comes to birdwatching, I’ve loved capturing a picture or two of a bird every once in a while. Those amateur shots of mine don’t compare to the pictures here though, which are gorgeous! I especially love the ones of the painted stork and the little brown one. You provide so many options for places to go and each area looks unique. Thanks so much for sharing!
What a cool destination to do birdwatching! I didn’t realize there were so many different kinds of birds near Ahmedabad. You’ve given some great tips for where to visit.
Never knew that there were so many Bird watching destination around Ahmedabad. It is a pity having grown up there. However, have some amazing memories of visiting Nal Sarovar in the wee hours of the morning and seeing flocks of birds rising and flying off into the horizon as the first rays of the sun kissed the waters of the lake. Have to head back to Ahmedabad to visit all these places now.
All of these photos about the birds in Ahmedabad are really beautiful… would love to visit 🙂
Thank you. Indeed it is a surprise every time I go and I get to photograph a different species always.
Thank you for sharing detailed information regarding birding sited near Ahmedabad city. I am bird photographer and resident of Ahmedabad so I prefer to visit Pariej wetland and bird park. Contact me for any further details bout the birding near by Ahmedabad.