Thol Wildlife Sanctuary

Thol Wildlife Sanctuary in Mehsana (celebrated globally as a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and an extraordinary avian biodiversity sanctuary encompassing a 7 square-kilometer shallow freshwater reservoir, world famous for hosting over 150,000 migratory waterfowl, graceful greater and lesser flamingoes, and sarus cranes), located in Kadi taluka in Mehsana in Gujarat, stands as Gujarat's premier birdwatching retreat.

Originally constructed as an irrigation water reservoir in 1912 by the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda state and declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1988, this rich shallow wetland along the Central Asian Flyway provides essential winter foraging grounds for more than 150 resident and Palearctic migratory bird species.

It's the home of the expansive open water lake basin framed by acacia marshland and tall reed beds, the peaceful 5.6 kilometer perimeter earthen embankment trail offering 360 degree panoramic birdwatching viewpoints, the massive seasonal flocks of pink greater flamingoes, pelicans, glossy ibises, painted storks, bar headed geese, and northern pintails, the thriving terrestrial wildlife including golden jackals, nilgai (blue bulls), striped hyenas, and desert cats roaming the scrub margins, the elevated watchtowers constructed by the Gujarat Forest Department for wildlife photographers, and an intensely peaceful, fresh morning atmosphere where bird calls and soft water ripples create absolute harmony.

It represents a rich 112 year-old Gaekwad hydraulic heritage, Ramsar ecological conservation, and international birding where perimeter bund trails, flamingo flocks, watchtowers, and wetland reeds unite in Thol Wildlife Sanctuary Mehsana.

Located near Thol village in southern Mehsana district, it sits just 25 km northwest of Ahmedabad (Sanand / Science City), 40 km south of Mehsana city center, and 35 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), easily accessible via the SP Ring Road and Thol Sanand Road.

Ramsar Wetland & 150,000+ Migratory Birds

Thol Lake was designated a Ramsar site in 2021 due to its role in supporting threatened waterbird populations including the vulnerable Sarus Crane and endangered White rumped Vulture.

During winter months, the lake's rich aquatic vegetation, insects, and fish attract massive migratory congregations from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Truth is, walking along the lake bund at sunrise while thousands of pink flamingoes take flight against the morning mist is deeply magical.

Perimeter Nature Trails & Photography Watchtowers

The 5.6 Km Lake Bund: A flat, tree lined walking trail along the earthen embankment providing uninterrupted viewing angles across open water and shallow marshes.

Forest Watchtowers: Strategically placed wooden observation towers allow telephoto wildlife photographers to capture close up bird behavior without disturbing roosting flocks.

Modhera & Mehsana Tourism Circuit

Mehsana Ecotourism Link: Connects within 40 km to central Mehsana, Mulnayak Jain Temple (40 km), and the historic Sun Temple in Modhera (50 km).

Ahmedabad Day Excursion: Pairs smoothly with Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (65 km), Adalaj Stepwell (25 km), and the Sabarmati Riverfront (30 km).

After observing migratory flamingoes at Thol Wildlife Sanctuary, explore the Sun Temple at Modhera, visit Mulnayak Jain Temple, or tour Mehsana.