Just 40 kilometres from the buzzing streets of Ahmedabad lies one of Gujarat’s most peaceful escapes Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary. This quiet freshwater haven in Mehsana district is home to over 160 species of birds, including some of the rarest migratory visitors from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. Whether you’re a serious birdwatcher with binoculars and a telephoto lens, or simply someone who loves nature and open skies, Thol Lake will surprise you at every turn.
In this TravelRoach guide, we cover everything you need to know before visiting the best time to go, which birds to look out for, entry fees, how to reach, what to carry, and nearby attractions to complete your day trip.
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary – Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Thol Village, Mehsana District, Gujarat |
| Distance from Ahmedabad | ~27–40 km (approx. 45–60 min by road) |
| Distance from Gandhinagar | ~23 km |
| Area | 7 sq km |
| Declared Sanctuary | 1988 (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) |
| Ramsar Wetland Status | Yes — officially designated Ramsar Wetland Site |
| Entry Fee (Person) | ₹50 per person |
| Camera Fee | ₹200 per camera |
| Car Entry Fee | ₹400 per vehicle |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February |
| Best Time of Day | Early morning (6–9 AM) |
| Open | All days (no fixed closing best during daylight) |
About Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a shallow freshwater lake surrounded by marshlands and scrub forests on the edge of Mehsana district. The lake was originally constructed in 1912 by the Gaekwad dynasty of the Baroda State as an irrigation reservoir to support farming during poor rainfall seasons. It was built to store up to 84 million cubic metres of rainwater.
Over the decades, the calm waters, seasonal flooding, and rich aquatic vegetation transformed the lake into a natural magnet for birds. Recognising its ecological importance, the Gujarat Forest Department declared it a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Today, the Forest and Irrigation Departments of the Gujarat government jointly manage and operate the sanctuary.
In a major boost to its conservation status, Thol Lake was recently designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site an international recognition for wetlands of global ecological importance. In 2024 alone, over 1.1 lakh birds were counted during the season, making it one of Gujarat’s most productive bird habitats.
Birds You Can Spot at Thol Lake
Thol Lake is home to more than 160 resident and migratory bird species, with about 60% of them being waterbirds. Here is a breakdown of what to look out for, season by season.
Star Birds (Must-Spot)
- Sarus Crane -The world’s tallest flying bird. Often seen dancing gracefully along the reed beds. A true highlight of any visit.
- Flamingo -Large flocks wade through the shallows in stunning pink formations, especially in winter.
- Painted Stork -Recognisable by its shimmering feathers and striking beak. A favourite among wildlife photographers.
- Indian Skimmer -A globally vulnerable species that skims the water surface with its lower beak to catch fish.
- Pelican – Large, gregarious birds that gather near the water in impressive numbers during peak season.
Also Read: Best Monsoon Destinations in Gujarat for Nature Lovers
Winter Migratory Birds (November to February)
- Bar-headed Goose Arrives from Central Asia. One of the highest-flying birds in the world.
- Common Crane and Demoiselle Crane Often spotted in paddy fields on the way to the sanctuary.
- Common Pochard and Northern Shoveler Popular duck species among birders.
- Lesser White-fronted Goose A rare and globally vulnerable visitor.
- Garganey, Pin-tail Duck, Spot-billed Duck Regularly spotted along the lake edges.
Resident Birds (Year-Round)
- Purple Moorhen – A vibrant purple bird frequently seen wading through shallow water.
- Pheasant-tailed Jacana – Walks delicately on floating leaves.
- Black Cormorant and Darter – Often seen basking in the sun on partly submerged trees.
- Great Egret and Grey Heron – Tall, elegant wading birds found along the water’s edge.
- Black-crowned Night Heron – A perching bird with a steady gaze, usually found near trees.
- Black-headed Ibis and Glossy Ibis – Thol hosts more than 1% of the global glossy ibis population.
- Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Sandpiper – Common sightings along the mudflats.
Other Wildlife
It’s not just birds at Thol. Keep your eyes open for Nilgai (Blue Bull) grazing near the sanctuary boundaries, especially early in the morning. Monkeys are also regularly spotted near the entrance area.
Best Time to Visit Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
The best time to visit Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is from November to February. This is when thousands of migratory birds arrive from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe, making the lake come alive with colour and activity.
November to February -Best Season
Peak birdwatching season. Weather is cool and pleasant. All migratory species are present. Sarus cranes, flamingos, pelicans, and rare duck species are at their most visible. Early morning visits during this period offer the best experience.
March to May – Declining Season
Migratory birds begin to leave. Resident species are still active. The heat picks up from April onwards. Visiting early in the morning is strongly recommended to avoid the afternoon sun.
June to October -Monsoon Season
The sanctuary remains open but water levels rise significantly, which can reduce bird visibility near the shore. Some birdwatchers enjoy the lush green landscape during this time. Not recommended for first-time visitors looking for peak bird sightings.
Also Read : 7-Day Gujarat Itinerary
Things to Do at Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
1. Birdwatching
The primary draw of Thol Lake. Walk along the lake perimeter, use the watchtower or observation points, and look for birds at different depths of the water. Bring binoculars for the best experience. Early morning (6–9 AM) is the golden window.
2. Wildlife Photography
Thol is one of the best photography spots near Ahmedabad. The combination of open water, reed beds, and submerged trees creates excellent natural frames. A zoom lens of at least 300–500mm is recommended. Do carry a camera permit (₹200).
3. Nature Walk
A walk around the lake takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a slow, birding pace. The path passes through scrub forest, marshland edges, and open shoreline. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as some sections can be uneven.
4. Boating
Boating is available at the sanctuary on select days. It allows you to get closer to the waterbirds in the middle of the lake. Check with the forest department officials at the entrance for current availability.
5. Educational & School Visits
Thol is an excellent outdoor classroom for students. Several schools and colleges from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar organise nature education trips here. The sanctuary offers an immersive look at wetland ecosystems, bird behaviour, and conservation.
How to Reach Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
| From | Distance | Mode | Approx. Time |
| Ahmedabad | ~40 km | Car / Taxi / ST Bus | 45–60 mins |
| Gandhinagar | ~23 km | Car / Taxi | 30–40 mins |
| Kalol | ~22 km | Car / Auto | 25–35 mins |
| Vadodara | ~103 km | Car | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Rajkot | ~224 km | Car | 3.5–4 hrs |
| SVP Airport, Ahmedabad | ~34 km | Taxi | 40–50 mins |
| Ahmedabad Junction (Train) | ~31 km | Train + Taxi/Bus | — |
By Road
The most convenient way to reach Thol is by your own car or a hired taxi from Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar. The sanctuary is on State Highway and is well-connected by road. Google Maps will navigate you to Thol Village directly.
By Bus
State Transport (ST) buses run from Ahmedabad’s Geeta Mandir or Paldi bus stand towards Kalol and Mehsana. Ask the conductor to drop you at Thol village. From the bus stop, it’s a 1 to 1.5 km walk to the sanctuary entrance.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur), about 31 km away. From there, hire a taxi or cab directly to Thol Lake. The Kalol railway station is closer at around 22 km and has local bus connections.
By Air
The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, approximately 34 km from the sanctuary. Hire a taxi or pre-book a cab from the airport for a direct drive to Thol.
Travel Tips & What to Carry
- Arrive early – between 6 AM and 9 AM is the golden window for bird activity. Many birds become less active as the sun rises.
- Carry binoculars – essential for birdwatching. A zoom lens camera (300mm+) is ideal for photography.
- Wear muted, earthy colours – bright clothing can disturb birds and alert them to your presence.
- Carry water and snacks – food stalls near the sanctuary are limited. Pack your own refreshments.
- Cash only – there are no ATMs or digital payment options at the sanctuary. Carry enough for entry, camera, and parking.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be walking on uneven ground, mud, and grass.
- No plastic inside – respect the sanctuary rules. Carry a bag for your waste and take it back with you.
- Keep quiet and walk slowly – sudden noises or fast movement will cause birds to fly away.
- No drones allowed – drone photography requires special permission from forest authorities.
Also Read: Top Hill Stations Near Gujarat
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit
- Modhera Sun Temple – ~75 km | A stunning 11th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God with intricately carved architecture. A must-visit for history lovers.
- Adalaj Stepwell– ~30 km | One of Gujarat’s most beautiful and intricately carved stepwells. Perfect for a quick afternoon stop.
- Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary -~65 km | Another major bird sanctuary near Ahmedabad, famous for winter flamingo sightings and boat rides.
- Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar -~25 km | A grand and serene spiritual complex, ideal for combining with a Thol visit on the same day.
- Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad -~40 km | Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River.
- Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad -~40 km | Great for families travelling with children. Interactive science exhibits and educational shows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The entry fee is ₹50 per person. A camera permit costs ₹200 per camera. Vehicle entry for a car is ₹400. All fees are collected at the gate by forest officials. There is no online booking , carry cash when you visit.
The best time is November to February when migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe arrive. Within the day, early morning between 6 AM and 9 AM is ideal, as bird activity is highest during this window. Flamingos, Sarus cranes, pelicans, and rare duck species are most visible during peak winter months.
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is approximately 27 to 40 km from Ahmedabad city, depending on your starting point in the city. By road, it takes around 45 to 60 minutes. The most convenient route is via the Ahmedabad–Mehsana highway. No public transport goes directly to the entrance from the bus stop at Thol village, it is a 1 to 1.5 km walk to the gate.
Thol Lake is home to over 160 bird species. Key birds include the Sarus Crane, Flamingo, Pelican, Painted Stork, Indian Skimmer, Bar-headed Goose, Common Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Common Pochard, Northern Shoveler, Purple Moorhen, Black Cormorant, Darter, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, and Black-crowned Night Heron. Early morning winter visits give you the best chance of spotting rare migratory species.
Yes. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary has been officially designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site, which is an international recognition given to wetlands of global ecological importance. This places Thol among India’s most significant wetland habitats for waterbirds. The sanctuary is home to over 1% of the global population of glossy ibises and hosts multiple globally vulnerable and endangered bird species.
Yes, Thol Lake is an excellent family destination. Children enjoy spotting colourful birds, walking along the lake, and experiencing nature up close. It is also regularly visited by schools for educational trips. Combine it with a visit to Adalaj Stepwell or Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar for a full family day out. Carry snacks, water, and comfortable footwear for children.
There are no hotels directly at the sanctuary. The closest accommodation options are in Gandhinagar (23 km) and Ahmedabad (40 km), both of which offer a wide range of hotels across all budgets. Most visitors do Thol as a day trip from Ahmedabad. If you are combining it with Modhera Sun Temple, staying overnight in Mehsana is also a practical option.
Final Thoughts
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is one of those rare places near Ahmedabad that feels completely different from the city quieter, greener, and deeply calming. You don’t need to be an expert birdwatcher to enjoy it. A slow morning walk along the lake, the sight of flamingos wading through the shallow water, or the distant call of a Sarus crane is enough to make the trip worthwhile.
If you’re planning a trip in the winter months especially between November and January put Thol Lake on your list. Combine it with Adalaj Stepwell or Modhera Sun Temple for a full-day Gujarat road trip. Pack your binoculars, carry some snacks, and start early.
