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India.com
29-06-2025
- India.com
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.
India.com
03-06-2025
- General
- India.com
6 Most Surprising Birdwatching Spots In Hyderabad City
Hyderabad, the thriving capital of Telangana, is a city rich in traditions and heritage. Its landmarks like the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Hussain Sagar Lake are some of the most popular and these along with its unique flora and fauna often leaves tourists awestruck. On the outskirts of the city, there exists a paradise for bird lovers, where several green untouched areas can be found, which are home to a multitude of stunning bird species. Hyderabad contains astonishing bird watching locations which will leave every traveling birdwatcher, whether novice or expert, with cherished memories. Before explaining the particular areas, let us first understand what makes birdwatching an activity of interest to many people across the globe. Birds are integral to ecosystems as they help with pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Their observation develops the love for nature and builds concern towards nature. However, in a city like Hyderabad, where unchecked urbanization is constantly endangering natural surroundings, going bird watching is a contemplation of how the city has to manage development and protection in equal measures. 1. Hussain Sagar Lake While most tourists go to Hussain Sagar for boating, few realize it is a birdwatcher's paradise. This artificial lake, which spans over 5.7 kilometers, attracts a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds, especially during the winter season. Hussain Sagar acts as a temporary home for migratory birds like Northern Pintail, Common Teal and Garganey during winters. Egrets, Purple Swamphen, and Indian Moorhen are residents of the lake and can be seen throughout the year. Birdwatching is great here in the early morning and late afternoon when the peaceful waters reflect the vivid plumage of these birds. Although there are concerns in regards to pollution, the efforts of NGOs and the local authorities have improved the lake's condition. These measures have made the lake more hospitable to wildlife. A stroll around Necklace Road or Lumbini Park can make it easier for birdwatchers to observe the exotic birds. 2. KBR National Park Bird enthusiasts will appreciate Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park located in the heart of Jubilee Hills. It is an urban forest covering 156 hectares of land and is home to eucalyptus trees, native shrubs, bamboo, and tall densely-packed shrubs. The park's canopy consists of many birds which, combined with the beauty of nature, make it a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Paradise Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, and Asian Koel are some of the birds that KBR features while Shikra and Black-winged Kite are known to hover above the forests. The monsoon season adds a whole new variety of birds including cuckoos, drongos, and bulbuls. KBR is unique because it is very reachable. The park is located close to the city center which makes it ideal for city-dwellers looking for a quick nature escape. 3. Mir Alam Tank Another beautiful addition to Hyderabad that is rich in history is Mir Alam Tank. The tank stands as one of the oldest artificial reservoirs across the country. Constructed in 1804, this reservoir serves a dual purpose today; functioning as a water supply for the city and a sanctuary for avians. The tank supports a variety of migratory and resident birds such as Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, and Grey Herons. These different species of avifauna along with the shallow waters are great for photography. The bushes nearby also encourage the growth of smaller birds including Sunbirds and Warblers. While Mir Alam Tank is relatively more peaceful than the other tourist attractions, it still has its downfalls. The tank is less populated with tourists which makes it a perfect destination to capture stunning visuals of birds. Amenities are not guaranteed though, so carrying water and snacks is advisable. 4. Chilkur Balaji Temple Area Chilkur Balaji Temple area is primarily known as a spiritual destination, yet it captures the attention of many birdwatchers. Located right next to Osman Sagar Lake, this region is rich in religious as well as ecological history. Birds like the wooly-necked stork, little grebe, and pied kingfisher are attracted to Osman Sagar. This temple is also surrounded by tall trees and open space which most fruit eating birds like Myanos, Barbets, and Hornbills are fond of. Sightseeing in the area can easily be added onto a spiritual journey. It is blissful to go during early morning hours when the atmosphere is lively, with fresh air and chirpy birds. With a little luck, you might spot some interspecies action that would be perfect for your camera. 5. Shamirpet Deer Park and Lake Many locals from Hyderabad make weekend trips to Shamirpet with the city just 25 kilometers away. The local deer park attracts numerous families while the lakes in Shamirpet provide an excellent place for bird watching. Lake Shamirpet is one of the migratory stops for certain ducks like the Red-headed Pochard and Gadwall. At the same time, there are stationary birds like the White-breasted Waterhen and Bronze-winged Jacana that enjoy the reeds and marshes around the lake. Besides, this beautiful lake is picturesque as it is surrounded by rugged hills and scrub forests which provides a diversity of eco habitats. Shamirpet is a unique location as it has many raptors that are not so common such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle. These birds of prey notably spiced up birding field trips. Moreover, being located next to cultural areas makes the park less populated and eases observation in nature. 6. JP Park Located in Banjara Hills, Jalagam Vengal Rao Park, more commonly known as JP Park, is a large area for recreational activities. JP Park is popular among joggers and those who work out, while the small ponds and gardens allow for ample bird watching as well. Some small passerine birds that can be spotted here are Ashy Prinia, Tailorbird, and Magpie Robin. In addition, Rose-ringed Parakeet and Spotted Dove are also spotted quite frequently. Every once in a while, you might see a Barn Owl sitting completely still on a tree branch. No doubt, JP Park is one of the most suitable places for beginners to start bird watching as it is centrally located. The manicured lawns and shady pathways always make the long walks enjoyable. Conclusion Even though the city is famous for its rich cultural and technological history, the pristine beauty of Hyderabad is often overlooked. With stunning historic lakes and newly built urban parks, the city has many hidden treasures for bird enthusiasts hoping to explore. Apart from the amazing birds, these places highlight the significance of preserving the urban ecosystem. These astonishing bird watching spots located throughout the city are a true joy to discover for any nature lover, whether local or visitor. It's time to take your binoculars outdoors and see what secrets the wonderful city of Hyderabad has hidden in its skies and waters. Each and every beholding flutter and chirp reveals a great story that needs to be cherished.
