For naturalists and birders, a visit to Ahmedabad would be considered incomplete without visiting the famed Nal Saraovar. However, not many are aware of another bird sanctuary, easily accessible from Ahmedabad. It is about 30 km from Sarkhej and can also be reached via Sanand.
In comparison to Nal Sarovar, the fresh water lake is quite small, only about 7 sq km, but size does not matter in this case. As it is located off the state highway and the road leading to the sanctuary is narrow and poorly maintained, it is not very crowded, except for groups of kids bunking college. On weekends, with the large number of two wheelers on road, it would be easy to mistake it for a college road.
There is adequate parking space available at the base of an embankment beyond which is located the small lake. A flight of steps will lead one up to the viewing spot and also to mud paths on either side, along the periphery of the lake. There is no boating facility, may be because the lake waters are unsafe. This makes it a good place for bird watching, as it is yet unknown and uninteresting to the regular tourists.
The lake, with reeds, long grass, and dense growth of aquatic plants providing food in the form of fish, frogs, tadpoles and insects, is home to several species of aquatic birds. The wet and marshy surroundings prevent anyone from venturing too close to the birds and this affords the birds the much needed seclusion and protection from poachers.
Grey Heron
Glossy Ibis
Spot Bill Duck
Purple Heron
Pelicans
In comparison to Nal Sarovar, the fresh water lake is quite small, only about 7 sq km, but size does not matter in this case. As it is located off the state highway and the road leading to the sanctuary is narrow and poorly maintained, it is not very crowded, except for groups of kids bunking college. On weekends, with the large number of two wheelers on road, it would be easy to mistake it for a college road.
There is adequate parking space available at the base of an embankment beyond which is located the small lake. A flight of steps will lead one up to the viewing spot and also to mud paths on either side, along the periphery of the lake. There is no boating facility, may be because the lake waters are unsafe. This makes it a good place for bird watching, as it is yet unknown and uninteresting to the regular tourists.
The lake, with reeds, long grass, and dense growth of aquatic plants providing food in the form of fish, frogs, tadpoles and insects, is home to several species of aquatic birds. The wet and marshy surroundings prevent anyone from venturing too close to the birds and this affords the birds the much needed seclusion and protection from poachers.
Common Moorhen
Red-naped Ibis
The monsoon has been weak until now. Pray for good rains in the next phase.
Save water; it has to last for another 11 months.
