Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is spread over 120.82 square kilometers near Ahmamedbad in Gujarat, India. A large lake and marshlands form a large portion of this bird sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is a habitat for many migratory birds during winter and spring.

Boats leave at sunrise to take bird watchers out on the lake inside Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary.

This lake was formed when a check dam for irrigation and drinking water purposes was built in the fifteenth century across the Sabarmati River. Over time, it attracted a lot of birds. Villagers recognized the ecological significance of the lake. The locals have maintained a strict cleanliness policy and hence, the water is very clean inside the lake. In the last century, the British also recognized the importance of this wetland. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1969. There are 36 small islands in the bird sanctuary.

This Bird Sanctuary attracts thousands of waterfowl immediately after the monsoon season. The lake is home to more than 200 bird species in the winter.  Winter is the time when many of the migratory birds, like flamingos, rosy pelicans,  white storks, ruddy shelducks, egrets, and herons, make this Bird Sanctuary their second home. Sheval plants are there in plenty which is food for the birds as well as the fish inside the lake.

This Bird Sanctuary offers a boat ride to those interested in going deep into the lake. A horse ride is also available on the banks of the lake. November to February is the ideal time to see the migratory birds here.

This Bird Sanctuary was declared as a Ramsar site in 2012. It is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat.

How Do I Go to Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary?

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is at Sanand village, around 63.5 kilometers from Ahmedabad city, the capital of Gujarat state. It takes an hour’s drive to reach the bird sanctuary from Ahmedabad.

Viramgam railway station, with station code VG, is the closest railway station to the bird sanctuary. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad is the nearest airport.

What are the timings of the Bird Sanctuary?

This Bird Sanctuary is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Isue of tickets closes at 5.30 p.m. There is an entry fee to be paid. The entry fee is Rs 75 on weekdays and Rs 85 on weekends. Private vehicles need to be parked, one kilometer ahead of the lake, at the ticket counter. You can then board the vehicles available there that will take you to the lake free of cost, about one kilometer away.

There is a separate charge of Rs 200 for the camera, including the mobile camera. Boating charges are extra at Rs 220 per person. You may also hire a boat. Thali food is available on the island for Rs 150. Please confirm all rates, as this may change over time.

State Tourism Department provides luxury tent accommodations at a distance of 1.5 kilometers from the lake entry point. There are Hotels near the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary.

Nalsarovar Package is an all-inclusive package for the bird waters (entry fee, boating charges, cost of the stay, etc.)

Nalsarovar National Park is a nearby park, that offers horse riding on the lakeside.