Nalsarovar

Nalsarovar is a large freshwater wetland and bird sanctuary in Gujarat, within reach of Dholera and Ahmedabad. In winter it fills with migratory birds, including flamingos, ducks and waders, making it one of the state's premier birdwatching destinations.

What Nalsarovar is

Nalsarovar is a shallow, expansive wetland and lake in Gujarat, protected as a bird sanctuary and recognised as an important site for waterbirds. It sits on the low-lying plains within reach of both Ahmedabad and the Dholera coast. The lake is dotted with small islands and reed beds, and it swells and shrinks with the seasons, which is exactly what makes it so rich for birds. Visitors typically explore it by boat, gliding out among the shallows to watch flocks feed and rest.

Birds and best season

In the winter migration season, roughly the cooler months, Nalsarovar hosts large numbers of migratory birds, famously flamingos, along with ducks, geese, pelicans, waders and many others, alongside resident species. That concentration makes it one of the best and most accessible birding spots near Dholera, and it pairs well with the blackbuck grasslands of Velavadar for a nature-focused weekend. Go early in the day for the best light and activity, follow the sanctuary's rules and use local boatmen, and check current timings before travelling, all of which we set out in our birding and travel guides.