Nal Sarovar - A Famous Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat

Nal Sarovar lake is situated in Gujarat and has developed as picnic spot as well as the birds viewing sanctuary. Nal Sarovar is situated at around 45kms. from Ahmadabad. It hardly takes around an hour to drive to this place from Ahmadabad. The State Transport buses are also available from almost all the cities of Gujarat for Nal Sarovar. This is an ideal outing for weekends for the residents of Ahmadabad.

This lake is 18 miles long and 4 miles wide. The lake is extremely shallow and its depth do not exceed 5 feet anywhere in the lake. There are around 300 Islands situated in the lake. Panvad is the biggest Island. Around 60 types of birds come here during the months November to February every year in the winter. Some of these birds come as far as from Siberia to protect themselves from severe winter. The early morning is the most suitable

time to view the birds. So, it may become necessary to stay here at the lake for at least one night. The Government of Gujarat has made a holiday home for staying overnight at a very reasonable rates. You can get a good double room at the rate of around Rs. 200 per day. The canteen of the holiday home can also provide the lunch, dinner, and the breakfast. However, only native Indian food is served here in the canteen.

There is a temple of Hinglaj Mata very near to the lake. Governments of India have declared 12 largest lakes in India as the national heritage and have allotted separate funds for their development. This lake is one of them. You may start at early morning from Ahmedabad so as to reach here by 7 am and start your birds watching tour immediately thereafter. There are small hired boats available to travel deep inside the lake for birds viewing. It is absolutely necessary to avail the government approved guide services that are available here at the rates of Rs.300 for a trip of around 4 hours. You must make sure to carry your cameras. The binoculars are available on rent here. However, if you have your own binocular, having proper magnification, you must carry it to enjoy your trip thoroughly.

The best period to visit this lake is from November to February. Make sure to carry your own mineral water for drinking purpose. There are very few food varieties available here. You can enjoy Bajri Rotla and Garlik Chatani on any island made by local villagers which is very tasty.