A large shallow wetland and Ramsar site hosting hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each winter.
Nal Sarovar is Gujarat's largest wetland bird sanctuary, a shallow freshwater lake with hundreds of small islands spread across the low-lying plain south-west of Ahmedabad. Between November and February, flamingos, pelicans, cranes, ducks and waders gather in large numbers, and local boatmen pole flat-bottomed boats through the reed beds at dawn. Summers are hot and the water level falls, so the sanctuary is best from December to mid-March. The trip is a full morning; most visitors leave Ahmedabad before 5:30am.
| Distance | About 60-65 km south-west of Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car with driver; Detail: Nal Sarovar has no rail link; a car with driver from Ahmedabad is the standard way, and GSRTC buses run to Nalsarovar or Sanand with a onward ride. |
| Cost | Entry about ₹75-85 (approx $0.78-0.89 USD) for Indian visitors on weekdays and weekends; boat rides about ₹220 (approx $2.29 USD) per person or ₹1,320 (approx $14 USD) for a six-person boat; foreign visitor rates are higher |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat 382130, India |
How to get there
- Car: private car with driver about ₹3,000-4,500 (approx $31-47 USD) for the day
- Taxi: shared or app cab about ₹1,200-2,000 (approx $13-21 USD) each way
- Bus: GSRTC to Sanand or Viramgam, then a local vehicle to the lake
- Organised tour: bird-watching packages run from October to February
Location
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat 382130, India
22.7885, 72.0270 View on map
Highlights
- Flamingos, pelicans, cranes and painted storks in winter
- Dawn boat rides through reed beds
- Sunrise photography across shallow water
- Ramsar wetland status
- Village fringe with simple tea stalls
Tips for visiting
- Leave Ahmedabad before 5:30am to arrive at sunrise
- Carry binoculars and a zoom lens; the birds are often distant
- Wear muted colours and keep noise low on the boat
- Bring water and snacks; facilities are basic
- Check the current boat quota and fees at the entrance
When to visit
Sunrise on a winter weekday, December to March
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Nal Sarovar?
December to mid-March, when migratory birds are most numerous.
How far is Nal Sarovar from Ahmedabad?
About 60-65 km, or 1.5-2 hours by road.
Can it be reached by public transport?
Only partly. GSRTC buses reach Sanand or Viramgam, but a private car with driver is far easier.
How much does a boat cost?
About INR 220 per person (approx $2.29 USD) or INR 1,320 (approx $13.75 USD) for a private six-person boat.