Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in Jamnagar that contains shallow lakes, mangrove thickets, and salt marshes near the Gulf of Kutch coast. The mix of fresh and brackish water habitats across the reserve creates space for different bird species to feed and rest.

The area gained protected status in 1982 when scientists confirmed its value as a resting point for migratory birds traveling between distant regions. This formal recognition grew from research showing how the wetlands were essential to the birds' long journeys.

The sanctuary holds meaning for locals as a place where the arrival of migratory birds marks the changing seasons and connects the region to distant lands. This natural cycle shapes how people understand their place in a larger web of life.

Visit between November and February when large flocks of migratory birds arrive, making observations easier and more rewarding. Early morning and late afternoon light work best for watching and photographing birds in their habitats.

The wetlands here bring together freshwater and saltwater zones in close proximity, an unusual arrangement that supports both birds passing through and those that stay year-round. Few places in the region have this particular combination of conditions.