6 Birdwatching Spots That Prove Ahmedabad Is A Hidden Wildlife Paradise
Ahmedabad city in Gujarat is famous for its trade, history, commerce and culture. People all around the world visit India for its famous architecture and beautiful festivals. Ahmedabad city also has diverse wildlife which integrates perfectly with greenery and water bodies. This makes it an ideal place for people who love birdwatching. The scope of natural beauty in these regions is overwhelming. With the help of this article, I will show some of the lesser known and unexplored places in Ahmedabad. This will surely attract birdwatching enthusiasts from all over the world. They will fall in love with these concealed beauty and nature gems. People can easily spot resident and migratory birds, all thanks to the ecological splendor of this region.
1. Kankaria Lake
Kankaria Lake is restricted to a certain group of birds but is very popular among birdwatchers. It is located in the city center of India and is used as a recreational area. Kankaria Lake is one of the popular tourist attractions of Ahmedabad city. The lake was built in the 15th century during the rule of Sultan Qutbuddin. Kankaria Lake is spread over 74 acres and provides a home to a variety of bird species and serves as a wetland. It attracts many resident and migratory birds making it ideal for birdwatchers.
Kankaria Lake becomes a seasonal haven for migratory birds such as Northern Shovellers, Garganeys, and Common Teals coming from Central Asia and Europe. Local birds like Purple Swamphen, Indian Moorhen, and several kingfisher species can also be seen around the lake throughout the year. The ideal times for spotting birds are early morning and late afternoons as they are most active during those hours. Visitors can appreciate the remarkable sights of the birds together with their colors and unique characteristics.
Another draw to Kankaria Lake is the lake’s convenient location. Easily accessible by the public, birdwatchers can immerse themselves in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city without travelling far.
2. Sabarmati Riverfront
This neglected stretch of the Sabarmati River is being transformed into a modern public space with promenades, parks, and even boating facilities. Aside from fulfilling recreation purposes, the riverfront is becoming a paradise for birds due to the restoration of aquatic ecosystems along the riverbank.
Birdwatchers at the Sabarmati Riverfront can spot egrets, herons, cormorants, and even sandpipers. The tree lines along the river are suitable for nesting birds such as sparrows, sunbirds, and bulbs while the shallow waters serve as great feeding areas for wading birds. The water levels during the monsoon season attract even more species like the Black-winged Stilt and the Little Ringed Plover.
It is the blend of nature and urbanization on the riverfront that makes it so unique. Sabarmati Riverfront demonstrates the ideal method of city planning that accommodates nature, allowing residents and tourists the ability to view birds with the AED skyline in the background.
3. Thol Bird Sanctuary
Known to be one of the best birdwatching locations for city dwellers, Thol Bird Sanctuary is located 25 kilometers out of Ahmedabad. Spanning over 6 square kilometers, the sanctuary houses a large lake with surrounding grasslands and marshes, making it perfect for different species of birds.
Thol is famous for its flock of flamingos that come every winter in massive proportions. These stunning pink birds are accompanied by other migratory birds like Bar-headed Geese, Greater Flamingos, and Demoiselle Cranes. Residents include Sarus Cranes, the tallest flying bird in the world, as well as Marsh Harriers and Ospreys, which also add to the abundance of avian diversity.
If you are looking to escape the noise of the city for a bit while on a day trip from Ahmedabad, Thol Bird Sanctuary provides a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxed outing. With basic amenities available nearby, it is a great place for families, photographers, and even the avid birdwatchers.
4. Vastrapur Lake
Vastrapur Lake is yet another manmade lake in Ahmedabad that is located on the western side. It’s unassuming at first, but has a lot of untapped potential for birdwatching. The lake is small in size, but the trees and walking paths that surround the lake create a microhabitat that is favorable for numerous species of birds.
Pied Kingfishers, White-brest Waterhen and Red-Wattled Lapwings are some of the common birds seen at Vastrapur Lake. The presence of fish in the lake draws fishing birds like Brahminy Kites and Black Kites, which can be seen gliding over the water. Additionally, the trees surrounding the lake are home to songbirds like Magpie Robins, Tailorbirds and Warblers, which make the atmosphere a lot more pleasant with their beautiful tunes.
Vastrapur Lake is particularly good for novices of birdwatching because it is not large and is situated next to residential areas. This lake serves as a testament to the fact that even small urban green areas can be important for conserving wildlife.
5. Indroda Nature Park
On the edges of Ahmedabad lies Indroda Nature Park also popularly called India’s first Dinosaur fossil park because of the fossilized remains it houses. Indroda is home for several bird species. Its large area has tree cover, open fields with grass, and a small pond which are main attractions of different species of birds.
Birdwatchers visiting Indroda can get a glimpse of Ashy Prinia, Jungle Babbler, and Oriental Magpie-Robin skittering across the bushes. Waterfowl like Pond Heron and Spot-billed Duck are common sights at the pond. Indroda Nature Park is an easily accessible bird watching site thanks to its educational displays of plants and animals, appealing to children and adults alike.
Indroda Nature Park attracts many visitors because of its natural and historical significance, as well as its endless recreational activities and facilities, making it essential for people interested in the rich birdlife that the place has to offer.
6. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Located about 60 kilometers south-west of Ahmedabad, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary might be a little far but is definitely worth the trip for all bird lovers. This sanctuary is one of the largest wetlands in Gujarat, being over 120 square kilometers and a Ramsar site of global significance.
Nalsarovar hosts more than 200 species of migratory birds including highlights such as Rosy Pelicans, Painted Storks, and Eurasian Spoonbills. The birds flock to the sanctuary during winter seasons. Boat rides on the sanctuary’s lakes offer visitors the chance to approach the birds as close as possible, giving them remarkable chances to take pictures and study the birds.
Nalsarovar’s distance from Ahmedabad does not make it inaccessible by road and provides an escape from the city. Watching birds on a day at this serene sanctuary is a bird enthusiast’s dream.
Final Thoughts
Ahmedabad is popular for its urban life but like with most cities, it conceals some secrets when it comes to birdwatching. These are accessible and diverse in wildlife. From lakes, rivers, parks, and even sanctuaries, there is ample to glimpse at. The locations which are elaborated in the article cover the mix of accessibility and biodiversity, making them ideal for all.
Visiting these out of the ordinary birdwatching sites can lead to a greater understanding of the balance between city life and conservation for both locals and tourists of the area. All you have to do now is grab your binoculars and a camera, then head out to learn more about the birds in Ahmedabad. At the end of the day, the world is full of surprises, and it has been said that the best of things come from the most unlikely of places.
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