Nal Sarovar Bird
Sanctaury
Nal Sarovar is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in
Gujarat and one of the largest in India. Nal Sarovar
harbours a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of
migratory waterfowls flock to Nal just after the monsoon.
The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the
lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow
waters. The area supports more than 210 species of birds
besides a few mammalian species including the endangered
wild ass and the blackbuck. Development of an eco tourism
project conserving the eco systems is planned at Nal
Sarovar. Apart from providing an exclusive destination
for eco tourism, the developed eco systems would serve
as a demonstration centre for ecology conservation and
for promoting awareness among people about nature and
natural systems.
Nal Sarovar, 64 km for Ahmedabad is one of the largest
wetland habitats for migratory birds. The lake admeasures
123 sq. kms. It attracts over 210 species of birds in
winter. There are fragile islands within the lake. Despite
proximity to Ahmedabad, it has yet to realise its full
potential. An eco tourism project is warranted to realise
such potential.
Best Time to Visit
• November - February
How to Get There
The Nalsarovar bird sanctuary, 54 kms from Ahmedabad
and connected by State transport buses with the city,
offers one the most pleasant trips out of Ahmedabad,
but tends to get crowded on sundays. Airport: Ahmedabad
64kms. Railhead: Viramgam 40km
Park Population
Numerous species of migratory birds of various breeds,
flock and rest in the winter months. The bird life in
Gujarat is rich in winter, further increased by a large
number of species coming from far off places. Species
include rosy pelicans, flamingoes, white storks, and
a variety of ducks including the Brahmany duck from
Tibet, saras cranes, herons, avocets, curlews etc.
Park visits
The sanctuary mainly comprises a huge lake of about
100 sq kms, and ambient marshes where you can see flamingoes,
pelicans, , geese, cranes, storks, ibises, spoonbill,
wading birds, swallows, fishing eagles, osprey, harriers
and in great numbers In addition to the eco zone, Nal
would have an entertainment zone for the visitors. The
entertainment zone would provide eco friendly recreational
avenues like boating, angling and camping on the fringes,
animal rides etc. The area would be well landscaped
with gardens and forest area. The zone would have a
Tourist village with an accommodation and entertainment
facilities. The entertainment zone would be located
away from the eco zone to maintain the serenity of eco
zone.
Climate
The climate of the region is extreme with May being
the hottest month. The average temperature during this
time is around 31°C. January is the coldest month with
an average temperature of 11°C. During the monsoon,
the whole region becomes flooded with rainwater.
