Top 10 Bird Sanctuaries In Gujarat, India

bird sanctuaries in gujarat
Sakshi
Sakshi 
Updated
| 4 min read

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

Dalmatian Pelicans at Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary
Source: Photo by user Vaibhav Sheth used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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

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2. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

Khijadiya bird sanctuary Cormorant
Source: Photo by user Ghoske51 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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

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3. Porbandar Bird Sanctuary

Reflection
Source: Photo by user @BK used under CC BY 2.0

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)

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4. Thol Wildlife Sanctuary

Thol Bird Sanctuary
Source: Photo by user Kaushik Patel used under CC BY 2.0

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

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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.)

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6. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Sun rise through tree at shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary 03
Source: Photo by user Mohak Maniar used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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)

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7. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: Pexels

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.)

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8. Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary

Flocks of Greater flamingo scientfic name Phoenicopterus roseus in Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary 2018DSCN8935 1
Source: Photo by user Sumita Roy Dutta used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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)

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9. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary

Great Indian bustard
Source: Photo by user Prajwalkm used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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10. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary

Crimson tip hingolgadh
Source: Photo by user Shivam Bhatt used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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

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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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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sakshi is a professional writer, freelancer, author and content creator. And while these fill her pocket, poetry fills her soul. She's physically based in India, but mentally often found in Rome,...Read more

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