Thol Bird Sanctuary

Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a mix of history and nature, located near the Thol village in the Mehsana district, Gujarat. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. The sanctuary is built around Thol Lake, which is a man-made lake. It was created to store water for farming, but over time, it has become a safe home for many birds.

If you are planning to visit Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary for bird watching or photography, it is best to go early in the morning or visit on weekdays when the sanctuary is quieter. During your visit, you can spot a variety of beautiful birds such as Painted Stork, Indian peafowl, egrets, and Indian silverbill. The calm waters of the lake and the surrounding greenery make it an ideal place to enjoy nature and capture stunning photographs of birds in their natural environment.

The sanctuary is especially famous for migratory birds. Every year, during the winter season, thousands of birds come here from faraway countries. You can see birds like pelicans, flamingos, storks, ducks, and many more. The lake and its surroundings provide a perfect place for birds to live, feed, and breed.

Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is not very big, but it is full of life and natural beauty. You can enjoy walking, bird watching, and photography here. Over time, the calm waters and rich vegetation of Thol Lake began attracting a variety of birds, especially during the winter months. Recognizing its ecological importance, the Government of Gujarat declared Thol Lake as a Bird Sanctuary in 1988 under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This move aimed to protect the diverse bird species that had made the lake their home.

Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is famous for its birds, especially during the winter season from November to March. Migratory birds come here from Siberia, Europe, and other distant regions. You can see over 320 species of birds in the sanctuary. Some of the commonly spotted water birds include pelicans, flamingos, ducks, herons, egrets, and storks. Other resident and local birds such as kingfishers, parrots, sandpipers, cormorants, and the beautiful hoopoe with its crown of feathers are also found here. You can see birds flying freely, feeding in the lake, or resting on the trees. Bird watchers and photographers find this sanctuary a perfect place to observe birds in their natural environment. 

Thol Lake Sanctuary is home to some small animals like jackals, foxes, and mongooses. Occasionally, Nilgai can be seen grazing in the nearby grasslands. These animals, though not as easily visible as the birds, add to the richness of the sanctuary’s ecosystem.

The sanctuary also hosts a variety of insects and butterflies, which play an important role in the ecosystem. Colorful butterflies can be seen around shrubs and trees, while dragonflies hover near the water. Various beetles and other small insects are found in the grasslands, serving as food for birds and small mammals. These insects contribute to the natural balance of Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary. 

Together, the birds, animals, and insects make Thol Lake a vibrant and balanced ecosystem. The combination of water, grasslands, and trees provides a safe home for wildlife. Every visit to Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a chance to observe nature closely, making it ideal for families, students, photographers, and anyone who loves wildlife.

Entry Tickets and Timings:

1. The sanctuary is open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. 
2. Entry fees are very minimal.

Things to do at Thol Bird Sanctuary:

1. Photography

The view of the lake is so mesmerizing that you cannot stop yourself from taking pictures and being in nature.

2. Bird Watching and Picnic

It is a good place for a short trip. Here you can not only see many species of bird but also enjoy a picnic with friends and family as well.

3. Thol lake walk

A great place for nature lovers. An early winter morning is an ideal time. It's a large lake with scenic beauty and a paradise for bird watchers

4. Sightseeing

Sightseeing is another great activity that makes you happy. which forces you to come here again and again.

Nearby Attractions:

1. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary 
2. Adalaj Stepwell 
3. Sabarmati Ashram 
4. Science City, Ahmedabad 
5. Vastrapur Lake 
6. Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar 
7. Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad