Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful freshwater body surrounded by marshes and forests. Originally built as an irrigation tank in 1912 by the Gaikwads of Baroda, it was later declared a sanctuary in 1988. It is much smaller than Nalsarovar, covering about 7 square kilometers, but it offers a mor e intimate and quiet bird-watching experience. The lake is home to more than 150 species of birds, with the most famous being the Sarus Crane. These tall, elegant birds are often seen dancing in the fields around the lake. During the winter, the lake is covered with a carpet of water lilies and becomes a temporary home for flamingos, geese, and various species of ducks. The walk along the lake's embankment is peaceful, with tall trees on one side and the shimmering water on the other. It is a favorite spot for morning walkers and photographers from Ahmedabad. The atmosphere at Thol is incredibly calm, making it a perfect spot for meditation or a quiet picnic. Unlike Nalsarovar, there are no boat rides here, which helps keep the water undisturbed for the birds. The sanctuary is also a great place to see terrestrial birds and small mammals like nilgai and jackals in the surrounding scrub forest. The accessibility from the city makes it a popular weekend getaway. The lake's water levels vary with the season, but it always retains a charm that draws nature enthusiasts year after year. It is a "hidden jewel" that offers a raw and authentic nature experience.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Bird Sanctuary / WildlifeEntry Fees:
Entrance Fee: 50 INR for Indians and 10 for foreigners.
Vehicle Fee: There is a charge for bringing cars inside, usually around 200 INR.
Equipment Fee: Professional camera fees can be quite high, startin...Entrance Fee: 50 INR for Indians and 10 for foreigners.
Vehicle Fee: There is a charge for bringing cars inside, usually around 200 INR.
Equipment Fee: Professional camera fees can be quite high, starting from 500 INR.Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM is when the bird calls are loudest and the lighting is most dramatic. ...Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM is when the bird calls are loudest and the lighting is most dramatic.Special Events:
Environment Day: June 5th, often marked by tree plantation drives and cleaning activities organized by local NGOs.
Winter Birding Festival: Local groups occasionally organize bird counting events and photography workshops in January. ...Environment Day: June 5th, often marked by tree plantation drives and cleaning activities organized by local NGOs.
Winter Birding Festival: Local groups occasionally organize bird counting events and photography workshops in January.Best Photo Spots:
The Banyan Tree: A massive old banyan tree near the entrance provides a perfect frame for photos.
Reflection Point: The mirror-like surface of the lake at 7:00 AM.
Flamingos in Shallow Water: Groups of pi...The Banyan Tree: A massive old banyan tree near the entrance provides a perfect frame for photos.
Reflection Point: The mirror-like surface of the lake at 7:00 AM.
Flamingos in Shallow Water: Groups of pink flamingos wading through the water.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning Walk: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lake bund at sunrise.
Photography: Capture the reflection of the sky in the still water.
Bird Spotting: Use a field guide to identify different species of ducks and waders.
Nature Journaling: A quiet spot to sit and write or sketch the landscape.
Picnic: Enjoy a breakfast in the designated areas near the entrance.
Tree Spotting: Identify the various types of acacia and neem trees that line the lake.
Relaxing: Sit on the benches and enjoy the sounds of nature away from traffic. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Sarus Crane Sightings: It is one of the best places in Gujarat to spot the endangered Sarus Crane in its natural habitat.
Quiet Escape: Famous for its tranquility and proximity to Ahmedabad, making it a preferred spot for those who want to...Sarus Crane Sightings: It is one of the best places in Gujarat to spot the endangered Sarus Crane in its natural habitat.
Quiet Escape: Famous for its tranquility and proximity to Ahmedabad, making it a preferred spot for those who want to avoid the crowds of larger sanctuaries. -
Architecture:
Reservoir Architecture:
Dimensions:
7 sq km area: The lake is an artificial reservoir with a massive earthen dam on one side.
Embankment Design: A long, walkable bund allows...Reservoir Architecture:
Dimensions:
7 sq km area: The lake is an artificial reservoir with a massive earthen dam on one side.
Embankment Design: A long, walkable bund allows visitors to view the birds without entering the water.
Surroundings: The area is characterized by open scrub forests and agricultural fields that provide a diverse habitat for both wetland and woodland birds. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Ahmedabad Airport is 35 KMS from the sanctuary.
By Train: Ahmedabad Junction is the nearest major station.
By Road: It is a 1. 5 to 2 hour drive from Lothal via the Sanand-Kadi road. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Nalsarovar (60 KM), 2. Ahmedabad (30 KM), 3. Adalaj Stepwell (25 KM), 4. Science City (15 KM), 5. Akshardham Temple (40 KM), 6. Lothal (95 KM), 7. Modhera (75 KM), 8. Gandhinagar (45 KM), 9. Indroda Park (45 KM), 10. Sarkhej Roza (25 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Watch out for slippery patches on the bund during the monsoon.
Packing: Carry a pair of binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens.
Accommodation: Plenty of luxury and budget options are ...
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