The lake is spectacle in itself at the sunrise as you are greeted by the sounds of cranes, flamingos doing yoga, cormorants basking in the sun’s glory and raptors hovering with empty stomachs.

The forest area around the lake will leave you mesmerized and remind you of a fairy tale. Look out for Sarus Crane (world’s tallest flying bird) on the outskirts of Thol in the nearby fields. You will also spot a lot of terrestrial birds on the opposite of walking trail in the tall trees. Most commonly seen are Brahminy starlings, green bee eater, black rumped flameback, spotted owlets, shikra, etc.

Timings: 6am to 6 pm everyday

Entry fees: Rs. 500 per car (any number of people in car allowed). It includes camera fees. You can park on the lake boundary road and then climb on the walking trail.

Best time to visit: Winter mornings. January and February are the best seasons from a personal experience for maximum bird spotting.

How to reach: It is 25km from Ahmedabad so best to drive by car or vehicle. It is a favorite route amongst cyclists, too.

Also Read: Birdwatching in Uttarakhand – Pangot, Bhimtal & Sattal

Nalsarovar Lake

The Nalsarovar Lake is one of the largest water bird sanctuary in the country with an area of over 110 sq.km and is one of the most important birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.

The National Committee on Wetlands for intensive conservation has identified it to be one of the 15 important wetlands of India and was the only Ramsar site in Gujarat. The lake harbours one of the highest populations of waterfowl anywhere in India.

Nalsarovar is nothing short of liquid gold in the mornings and the sunsets are equally mesmerizing when the flock of birds take off together against the orange sun.

Due to the sheer size of the lake, one has to hire a boat to go in the lake. The locals are boat owners and you will probably have to haggle as they try to extort extravagant amounts especially if you are not a local.

The prices are capped by the forest department but still the boat owners will bribe you to take to an exclusive place. If you are a serious photographer then I’ll say avoid the boat but if you there just for picnic, I’ll suggest otherwise. My recommendation would be not to pay the boat owner unless you have seen the place and you are confident of having a good time.

Timings: 6 am to 5:30 pm everyday

Entry fees: Rs. 60 per person, Rs. 100 per camera, Rs. 220 per person for boat (duration: 2 hours). Car parking is extra. In case you want to spend more time on the boat, the charges are extra.

Best time to visit: Winter mornings. October to February is the ideal time.

How to reach: It is 60km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

Also Read: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar

Vadla Lake

If haggling with the boat guy is not in your best interest and you want to enjoy birdwatching at your own pace, Vadla is the right place for you. It is in the close vicinity to Nalsarovar (25 km) and you can walk around the dam water to capture bird photos.

Vadla is generally ignored by tourists as their favorite attraction of boating doesn’t exist here, which works out best for serious birdwatchers. Vadla generally comes into highlight only when Nalsarovar dries out after a bad monsoon so tourists then flock there.

But for years now, Vadla has seen a steady flock of migratory birds in its waters and that is why it is an important birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.

The favorite and most in number being – Demoiselle cranes – thousands of them. In early January 2019, when we visited we counted over 3000 of them doing their business of calling, preening, foraging and practicing display. The Demoiselle Cranes are indigenously found in central Eurasia, Mongolia and North Eastern China and spend their winters in Gujarat.

Other commonly seen water birds are also in plenty in Vadla and your camera will have a gala time clicking away.

Timings: 6 am to sunset everyday

Entry fees: None.

Best time to visit: Winter months – October to February.

How to reach: It is 90km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

Pariej Lake

Another wetland called Pariej is located in the Kheda district of Gujarat. Because of its location it is closer to 2 cities in Gujarat – Ahmedabad and Vadodara. If you happen to visit Pariej in February, you will be welcomed by the pink blanket of lotuses. A Pheasant tailed jacana will be going around his business and you will notice a lot of moorhens trying to catch their breakfast. Pied kingfishers may dart around and painted storks may just pose pretty for you. That’s Pariej for you.

Timings: 6am to 6pm

Entry fees: Free

Best time to visit: Winter mornings

How to reach: It is 60km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

Indroda Park

Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar is a game changer for terrestrial birds and a must visit place for birdwatching community. Yes, it has a zoo but the number of birds you see on the trees and the vicinity are phenomenal. Indroda Nature Park (INP) is spread over an area of about 400 hectare in Gandhinagar- and is divided in two parts – the western part is Indroda Nature Park and the eastern part is Wilderness Park.

Most commonly seen birds here are Indian peafowl – hundreds of them dancing, eating, singing, 3 types of kingfishers, Coppersmith barbet, spotted owlet, painted storks, rose ringed parakeet and so many more.

Timings: 8am to 6pm

Entry fees: Rs. 30/person. Parking fees extra depending on type of vehicle.

Best time to visit: All around the year in morning.

How to reach: It is 25km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

How to have a sustainable trip for Birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad?

• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the surrounding – gree and brown shades work the best around wetlands.
• Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the desert.
• You may carry water and food but do not picnic in these areas as most of them are wildlife

Read more from Gujarat

• Ahmedabad
• Vadodara
• Bhuj
• Jamnagar
• Mandvi
• Vadnagar
• Polo Forest
• Statue of Unity

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Sloth Bears: Satpuda National Park
• For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

How to Reach Sattal from Nainital

By Road

The Pangot Bird sanctuary is located at a distance of 13km from Nainital city and can be reached by self-driving or by hiring a taxi cab. The Sanctuary is located at a distance of 355 km from Delhi and 365 km from Agra. Local cabs from Nainital are available for Rs 2,000-3000 per day. 

By Train

Kathgodam Railway station is the nearest railway station which is about 20 km from the Pangot and Kilbury Sanctuary. It is possible to hire a taxi leading to the sanctuary.

By Flight

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport which is around 95 km from the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. It is possible to hire a taxi leading to the sanctuary which will take around 2 to 3 hours to reach.

Where to Stay in Sattal / Pangot / Kilsbury

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is the first birding lodge in India. It has four cottages with rooms built like British bungalows and is located on a hillside overlooking the vast open forest.

Pinewood Cottage is 15km from Nainital and offers facilities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing, rafting, and night safari 

Kilbury Forest Rest House, built by the British, is equipped with all modern amenities. The walk from Pangot to Kilbury Forest Rest House is very popular as it traverses through thick oak, pine, bamboo, cedar, and rhododendron forests

Nainital to Sattal Drive

About 13 km away from the Nainital city is the Pangot village located at a height of 6,510 ft above sea level. Pangot village is a famous tourist destination as it houses over 580 documented species of birds. While birdwatching in Pangot is a big attraction, the oak forests and the blooming rhododendron trees make the landscape even more stunning.

Sattal Birding

We were woken up by the songs of a variety of birds that we had not heard before. Excited, we mounted the lens on the camera and rushed towards the backyard of the property. What we saw and captured in our camera for the next 2 hours was a celebration of winged creatures. I hope you enjoy this photo journal of Pangot, Bhimtal and Sattal Birding.

Verditer Flycatcher

While birding in Pangot, one is bound to come across the Verditer Flycatcher that is abundantly found here. It was one of the first birds we spotted while we were on our way to Pangot from Nainital. They were omnipresent in the area.

The flycatcher felt at home with our presence and happily posed for us. 

Blue whistling thrush

A blue whistling thrush played hide and seek outside our accommodation whistling to glory while the morning sun shone bright and glistened on his blue feathers. He slowly glided into the nearby shrubs, probably because he did not like the shutter sound of my camera.

Kalij Pheasant

A discussion about our interest in birdwatching with the hotel owner leads him to inform us that he has been observing Pheasants on his property. He was quick to ask the bell boy if he spotted any previous evening. We were hoping to capture him in our cameras.

While walking towards the backyard, we saw a black silhouette crossing the parapet between 2 properties. It only took us seconds to identify it but the red-eyed bird known as Kalij Pheasant had crossed the boundary wall to another side. But we still managed to photograph him!

Blue Winged Siva

Soon enough a pair of Blue Winged Siva descended on the marble bath of the property where we were staying. Their playfulness was so oblivious to our presence and they enjoyed their romantic bath together which lasted for a short time.

Black Chinned Babbler

Two spectacled biscuit-coloured birds now touched down on the water bath. They were playful but not comfortable sharing the bath with the Indian Black lored tit. The male made sure they did not want the Black Lored Tit there and shooed him away to have a private bath with the lady.

Black Headed Jay

A small movement in nearby bushes made us strain our eyes and neck to see who was hiding behind the branches. A blue mirage is all that we saw. Noiseless we stood there for the shy blue bird to come out. At some time there were not one but three black-headed jay on the tree. There seemed to be 2 males and 1 female as the males were doing a display pattern to woo the lady.

Rufous Sibia

There was a flutter in between the bright red rhododendrons. A rust-coloured bird flew by. On landing a couple of branches away on an old oak tree, it posed for us. The slender buffy-rufous coloured bird called Rufous Sibia, grew comfortable and flew to the parapet near the road and even posed for us.

Grey-winged Blackbird

Our car crossed a black bird sitting on the road who seemed to be scavenging. We halted and walked back to the spot to find him still doing the same. On closer look, we saw that he was actually clearing the fallen leaves and making the area clean. Probably a fan of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan! We saw the female counterpart doing the same a couple of meters above the cliff. We have no idea why they were doing what they were doing.

Since we did not want to stay in Pangot, we never really researched for a day guide who could show us the birds around. We just walked through the valleys of forests and stopped if we heard a bird call or flutter of wings or just about any movement in the trees.

However, a couple of hours spent here were nothing less than a turbo charge for us which left us wanting more and planning a dedicated trip to Pangot and Sattal with a guide.

Sustainable tips for Birding in Sattal

• Wear camouflage colours that will easily blend with the surrounding – green and brown shades work best around the trees.
• Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray when you go birdwatching.
• Try to avoid bird call apps to attract birds or make them look your way for a good photo. It is just unethical.
• Do not dispose of wet waste or plastic in the jungle valleys.

Read About more Bird-watching destinations:

• Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
• Bird-watching destinations around Ahmedabad
• Gir National Park 

Read More Uttarakhand Posts

• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Gucchu Pani
• Is Dehradun worth a stopover?
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Chopta Chandrashila trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

A digital detox destination

Jungles are far from the city’s hustle bustle and busy lives. In most cases, jungles will not have good quality mobile network reception and the properties will discourage having television in rooms giving ample opportunities to disconnect from the world outside.

Recommended Read : Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

An ideal destination to experience  biodiversity and give much needed rest to your mobile phones, tabs and laptops.

Vacation in the Indian jungles act as a mental healer

Stress, tension and worries are all problems of city life. The indigenous species of trees in the jungles are known to contribute to the abundance of fresh air and natural surroundings that ultimately help in good health. Unwind and revitalize by engaging in some early morning yoga or Suryanamaskar while the birds sing to you.

Recommended Read: Satpura Tiger Reserve

Jungles not only act as natural healers but being in a natural environment helps you connect with your inner self and emotional well being.

Learner’s Paradise

Learning about jungles, the flora, the fauna and their interrelation and interdependence advocates outdoor learning and hands-on experiences which result in tourists getting a deeper and more involved understanding of the natural world.

Recommended Read : Birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad

Even though all of us have learnt about the importance of an ecosystem, it is good to revise those books before visiting a jungle. An ecosystem is critical and intrinsic to mankind, one that helps maintain the ecological balance which can impart life-changing lessons on teamwork, resilience, patience and family values.

A chance to be up and close with the jungle wildlife

Feel the majestic vastness of jungles and life of creatures in their natural habitat unlike in a zoo, where they are kept in small enclosures. Jungles offer an incredible opportunity of closely observing wildlife and their behaviours – when they are in threat, or hunting, or protecting their little ones when in danger! Watching all forms of wildlife in its natural glory is a complete feast to the senses. Read my photoblog on Gir National Park.

Hone your Photography skills

If exploring and identifying wildlife is what you like, you may want to take a step further and capture them in your camera. While most tourists take record shots of the big cats, it is important to remember the smaller creatures which are an equally important part of the natural ecosystem.

Recommended Read : Jim Corbett National Park

Jungles have that raw beauty which is a photographer’s delight and it could be a perfect setting to hone their skills. So get that shutter going.

Learn about coexistence

There is so much to learn from the second citizens of the jungles after wildlife – the local communities. The communities have been living in coexistence with wildlife for many generations as they are both dependant on the common source – jungles. The local communities and tribes have a  vast knowledge of the flora and fauna and are known to co-exist with the forest and its inhabitants.

Recommended Read : Eravikulum National Park

These communities are great examples of resilience and inclusiveness and can teach us some very valuable corporate lessons.

If the above mentioned reasons have convinced you to spend your vacation in the Indian jungles, then here are some of the important points to remember for planning.

Where exactly are these jungles located?

Jungles are commonly known as ‘Forests’ and are located all over India. The Indian Jungles are among the most treasured natural heritage of the country and utmost care is taken to preserve the wildlife species which is why there is a special act formed to preserve the forests. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was enforced to protect the areas with significant forest cover and wildlife. The forests in India are referred to as the wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries. As per the information on Jungles in India it is noted that there are more than 500 national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves in India.

How is entry allowed in the jungles?

Every National Park, Wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve has entry systems and limited permits where tourists are allowed to visit for a stipulated period of time. Entry to these jungles are subject to availability in the various zones that are present in the National Park.

In big national parks, entry is allowed in jungle vehicles known as gypsies while in bird sanctuaries, entry is allowed on foot or boat in case of wetland. The fringe areas of jungles do not have such strict rules of entry and one can easily explore the area. However it is best to have a guide with you so that you do not get lost or have a backup in case of animal attack, though it seldom happens. Read about Tadoba National Park. 

What is best time to visit the jungles/national park/wildlife sanctuaries?

National parks in India are closed for monsoon season i.e. from June/July to October every year. This allows the jungles to recoup and gives them privacy as it is their mating season. The best season, weather wise is winters November to February but peak Indian summers provide best sightings of the big cats. Animals come out in open areas within the forest quite frequently to quench their thirst and hence increased sightings. So my vote goes to Summers!

Are the wildlife safaris ethical in India?

Yes. All the safaris in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are ethical and managed by respective state tourism boards. Only limited number of entry permits are issued per day and everything is computerized to avoid errors. Tourist identity is matched at entry gates before each safari.

Elephant safaris are banned at most places and all tourists must do safaris in forest vehicles such as gypsy’s and canters.

Intrigued to know about Wildlife safari destinations from around the world? Click here.

If you are a first time visitor planning a vacation to the Indian jungles, what are the sustainable tips you should be aware of?

• Plan your trip in advance. Wildlife safaris in peak season tend to get sold out (especially during holidays and weekends) quickly. Book your seats through online portals. Every state in India has a different online portal for booking. Some parks allow on the spot safaris, but it is always good to check on official state tourism website for details.
• Read a bit about the park/jungle you are about to visit and understand the kind of species seen. Be prepared.
• Keep your eyes and ears open to sounds and movement while moving in the jungles. You may spot something which your guide/driver may miss to show you.
• Do not under any circumstances get down from your vehicle.
• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• Do not talk loudly or make unnecessary noises. Avoid taking children of age less than 5.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the jungle.
• You can carry water and food (not on-vegetarian food) but do not dispose plastic or leftover food in the jungle. Keep it in your bag or vehicle and dispose safely once you return to hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals. Spotted deer commonly venture outside the national park boundary but you should not feed them anything.
• Try not to point out at birds. There have been instances where raptors take notice of pointing towards small, weak exotic birds and hunt them down.
• Always respect the vehicle driver and your jungle guide. If you do not spot a wild animal do not blame them, remember you’re in a jungle and not a zoo to have surety of spotting animals.

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