Thol Lake, Bird sanctuary and lake in Mehsana District, India
Thol Lake is a freshwater reservoir and bird sanctuary located in Mehsana District, Gujarat, roughly 25 kilometers from Ahmedabad. The site covers several square kilometers and is framed by low hills, open fields, and scrubland, while shallow shorelines and reed beds line the water's edge.
The lake was created in the early twentieth century as an irrigation project under the Gaekwad administration to supply water to surrounding farmland. Nearly eight decades later, the site gained protected status after conservationists highlighted its growing importance for migratory birds.
Local farmers maintain traditional water usage rights while sharing the space with conservation efforts managed by Gujarat Forest and Irrigation departments.
A visit in the early morning or late afternoon increases the chances of seeing birds feeding or resting, especially during the cooler months between November and February. Sturdy footwear is advisable as some trails along the shoreline can be uneven and occasionally muddy.
More than 160 bird species use the area as a stopover or wintering ground, including rare Sarus cranes and Dalmatian pelicans that appear only during certain months. On quiet days, you can watch large flocks of flamingos wading through the shallow water in synchronized movements.
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