Thol Wildlife Sanctuary

Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is situated across Ahmedabad district and Mehsana district of Gujarat state, India.

Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is a shallow water reservoir situated 25 km (15 mi) northwest of Ahmedabad and most popular birding place near Ahmedabad after Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary which is about 50 km (30 mi) from Thol Wildlife Sanctuary. Geographically Thol Wildlife Sanctuary falls in Mehsana district of North Gujarat. Kadi, a taluka headquarters of the district, is just 22 km (14 mi) away from the Sanctuary. Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is a man-made(made by Sayajirao Gayakvad, Ruler of Baroda) irrigation tank built in 1912 with water storage capacity of 84,000,000 m³ (68,000 ac·ft) and command area of 1450 ha (5.6 mi²) and catchment area of 153 km² (59 mi²).[1] The wetland is predominated by the open water habitat, which is surrounded by cropland, fallow land and scrub land. Due to its popularity amongst the bird fraternity the area was notified as Sanctuary in November 1988 under Sec. 18 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The rich bird life of Thol Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses of native as well as migratory birds. Many winter visitors like great white pelicans, flamingos, a variety of waterfowl including mallards and large numbers of geese, sarus cranes and many other waders are common site at sanctuary. The best time to visit the place is November to February.

External links

• Thol Wildlife Sanctuary