This 121-sq-km sanctuary, 60km southwest of Ahmedabad, protects Nalsarovar Lake, a flood of island-dotted blue dissolving into the sky and iron-flat plains, and its surrounding wetlands. Between November and February, the sanctuary sees flocks of indigenous and migratory birds, with as many as 250 species passing through. Ducks, geese, eagles, spoonbills, cranes, pelicans and flamingos are best seen at daybreak and dusk.
The sanctuary is busiest at weekends and on holidays. To see the birds it’s best to hire a boat (around ₹150, negotiable, per hour). Gujarat Tourism offers luxury tent accommodations 1.5km from the lake. A taxi from Ahmedabad costs around ₹4400 for a day trip, and gives you the option of combining Nalsarovar with Lothal (40km south).
