About Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater wetland and protected bird sanctuary located near Thol village in Mehsana district, Gujarat, about 25 km northwest of Ahmedabad. Created in 1912 as an irrigation reservoir, it was declared a sanctuary in 1988 and designated a Ramsar site. The shallow lake and surrounding marsh attract over 150 bird species, including migratory waterfowl in winter, making it a notable birdwatching destination in Gujarat.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a shallow freshwater lake surrounded by open scrub, marsh and agricultural fields with watchtowers and earthen embankments for bird observation. The sanctuary offers open views of waterbirds, flamingos, pelicans, cranes and other migratory species in winter, with quiet walking trails along the lake bund. Facilities are basic, focused on nature observation and photography, with minimal built structures.
Key highlights
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Ramsar-designated freshwater wetland attracting over 150 resident and migratory bird species
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Winter congregation of migratory waterfowl including flamingos, pelicans, cranes and ducks
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Shallow irrigation lake built in 1912, now protected as a bird sanctuary since 1988
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Watchtowers and lake bund trails for birdwatching and photography
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Proximity to Ahmedabad, making it an accessible day-trip nature destination
History of Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
Thol Lake was constructed in 1912 as an irrigation tank by the Gaekwad regime under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III to provide irrigation and flood control. The lake and surrounding area was declared as Thol Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988 by the Government of Gujarat and later designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2021.
Culture & Context
The sanctuary is recognized as an important wetland ecosystem for environmental education, conservation and nature-based tourism in Gujarat, supporting local biodiversity and traditional irrigation use.
Route
| By air |
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