Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Bird sanctuary and lake in Ahmedabad district, India
Nal Sarovar is a bird sanctuary and lake in Ahmedabad district, western India, that attracts more than 250 bird species. Shallow bays and reed belts alternate with open water, forming a patchwork of habitats where flamingos, pelicans, herons, and ducks feed.
The wetland formed in the 15th century when a dam across the Sabarmati river created a permanent body of water. Since the 1960s the area has been designated as a protected zone to preserve nesting grounds for resident and migratory birds.
The Padhar people have lived along the shores for generations and now guide visitors through channels in flat-bottomed boats, pointing out spots where herons and pelicans gather. Their knowledge of migration patterns and nesting sites turns each trip into a personal encounter with the birdlife.
Visitors can enter from 6 in the morning until half past 5 in the evening, with boat tours for birdwatching departing regularly. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, when migratory birds rest on the islands.
Thirty-six islands scatter across the water and serve as nesting and resting sites for birds throughout the year. Some are so small they only emerge during low water, while others remain permanently vegetated.
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