Gujarat is one of the most historically significant states in India. The state is home to the endangered Asiatic lions and the culturally significant ancient Buddhist caves. Tourists from all over the world visit Gujarat to see the Harappan and the Indus Valley civilisations. They also have several accommodation options available, including 5-star hotels and vacation rentals. When it comes to flora and fauna, the state has the largest diversity of plant and animal species. The state has over 2000 species of birds along while it is home to the first marine park. There are a large number of wildlife and bird sanctuaries here that allow you to spot the rarest of bird and animal species. If you’re a bird lover or a photography enthusiast, you will have a memorable time at these bird sanctuaries in Gujarat, India.
1. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located on a tranquil marshland spread across 36 islands. This sanctuary is known to be a home for over 200 local and migratory species. Here, you can spot rare species like the Brahminy ducks, herons, purple moorhen and the waterfowl, most of which can not be found elsewhere. Other species of local birds include flamingoes, storks, cranes and pelicans. If you want to find the rarest of migratory species, plan your tour around the winter months when the Siberian birds arrive.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Address: Bagodara Nalsarovar Link Rd, Nalsarovar, Gujarat 382170
Website: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 6am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 75 INR (1 USD) onwards
2. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
The best part about the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is the diversity of species found here. The water bodies here are divided into two parts, freshwater and seawater. This division makes it possible to spot a variety of species belonging to both types of ecological systems. Here, you can spot the rare Dalmatian pelican, black-headed ibis, Indian skimmer, Asian openbill stork and Eurasian spoonbill. Visitors can enjoy the facilities of paddleboats over the lake, watchtowers for a better viewing experience and beautiful nature trails for a complete exploration of the area.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Address: Jamnagar, Gujarat 361120
Website: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD onwards
3. Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is one of the most picturesque and ecologically diverse bird sanctuaries in the country. From water birds to migratory birds, you can find a wide variety of bird species here. The sanctuary is known for the rarely spotted bittern, avocets, whistling teals, cormorants, jacanas and redshanks. Other common species include flamingoes, pelicans and ducks. With a serene environment surrounded by lush green trees, Porbandar Bird Sanctuary gives you the much-needed relaxation with a peaceful getaway.
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Address: Chhaya Rd, Siddheshwar Park, Chhaya, Porbandar, Gujarat 360576
Website: Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
4. Thol Wildlife Sanctuary
Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is a shallow water artificial lake located in the Thol village. Initially built as an irrigation tank, today it serves as a home to over 150 species of waterbirds and migratory birds. It is an Eco-Sensitive Zone with thousands of flamingoes, Grus Antigone (a specie of cranes) and other severely endangered species including the white-rumped vulture, spotted eagle and the Indian skimmer bird. You can also spot other local bird species including ducks, pelicans and spoonbills.
Thol Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Thol Bird Sanctuary Rd, Thol Rd, Gujarat 382165
Website: Thol Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 50 INR
5. Vadhvana Bird Sanctuary
Posted by Wadhwana Lake Bird Sanctuary on Sunday, 9 November 2014
Vadhvana Bird Sanctuary is an irrigation reservoir turned eco-tourism site. With specially constructed watchtowers, tourists here can spot the greylag geese that migrate from Europe, the ruddy shelduck that migrates from Ladakh, the rare species of the ferruginous pochards and the black-winged stilts. Other noteworthy species include the wire tailed swallows, red wattled lapwings, paddy field pipits, marsh harrier and the rufous-tailed larks. With a spectacular variety of birds amidst a calming environment, the Vadhvana Bird Sanctuary gives you a pleasantly memorable experience.
Vadhvana Bird Sanctuary
Address: Vadhavana Bird Sanctuary Trail, Akotadar, Gujarat 391110
Website: Vadhvana Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Adults: 10 INR; Children: 5 INR (1 USD approx.)
6. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the lap of nature between the Himalayan and Western Ghats. Due to its proximity to the hilly regions, one can spot a large number of migratory birds here. Established as an eco-tourist site, the sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The beautiful and rare bird species spotted here include the great-horned owl, sparrow hawk, red jungle fowl, Alexandrian parakeet and sparrow hawk. These beautiful birds in the picturesque scenery make for a memorable visit.
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 57, Pandya Bridge, Near Pandey Hotel, Nizampura, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002
Website: Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 200 INR per vehicle (3 USD)
7. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mahal region on the river banks of its namesake. The sanctuary is home to over 139 species of birds including leafbirds, forest owlets, grey jungle fowl, and a wide variety of flycatchers, woodpeckers and hornbills. Bird lovers will have an amazing time spotting their favourite species amongst the lush bamboo and teak forests in the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: GJ SH 174, Jamlapada, Gujarat 394716
Website: Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 20 INR (1 USD approx.)
8. Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful coastal sanctuary located in the Gulf of Kutch. With spectacular scenery as a backdrop, the Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be a home for numerous local and migratory birds like the spot-billed ducks, pelicans, cranes, saline scrubs, chilensis, gorad, piloo and prosopis. You can also find beautiful multicoloured butterflies and rare insects flying around the dense forests and grasslands.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Kalyanpur, Gujarat 361320
Website: Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is also known as Lala–Parjan Sanctuary. The sanctuary has watchtowers from where you can spot a large variety of birds including the rare black and gray francolin, Indian sangrouse, Stolicska’s bushchat, white-naped tit and coursers and plovers. Common species spotted here include flamingoes, egrets and herons. However, the most popular bird here is the Indian bustard, which is normally known as Ghorad.
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
Address: Nalia district in Kutch
Website: Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is an eco-educational centre near the Saurashtra region in Gujarat. The sanctuary is home to over 230 species of birds including Red-vented Bulbul, Spotted Dove, Green bee-eater and local woodpeckers. Visitors can enjoy the nature camps held here that offer an insightful experience with lessons on water cycles, soil structures, food webs and biodiversity. While walking around, exploring the serene grasslands, you can enjoy the blissful melody of the bulbul bird’s song. The sanctuary perfectly combines education and entertainment to give you a once in a lifetime experience.
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Address: Jasdan-Ahmedabad highway, Taluka Vinchhiya, Post Amarapur, Rajkot District, Hingolgadh, Gujarat 360055
Website: Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
Explore the beautiful birds in serene surroundings
Gujarat offers fantastic things to do for all types of tourists. Bird lovers and photography enthusiasts especially have a lot to see in these sanctuaries that offer a glimpse of beautiful rare bird species. The picturesque scenery adds to the experience while taking it to a whole new level. Have a great time at these bird sanctuaries in Gujarat, India.
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