A birder’s paradise as well as a photographer's, Thol Wildlife sanctuary
is actually a beautiful lake like the nearest bird sanctuary Thol. Covers
an area of 7 sq km, it is located north of Ahmedabad, in Mehsana District.
It was established in 1912 as an irrigation tank (storage
capacity of 84,000,000 m³) and command area of 5.6 mi² and catchment
area of 59 mi² when the Maharajas of Baroda ruled parts of this district.
And due to its popularity amongst the bird fraternity, it earned the status
of a sanctuary in November 1988. It's land surrounding the lake provide
sufficient amount of food for the birds while the hydrological ecosystem
takes care of the other species.
The vegetation of the Sanctuary comprises scrub forests which makes an
ideal location to about 80 species of waterfowls. During winter and spring
seasons, thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary. Some
of the migratory birds includes Common Teal, Northern Pintail, White Storks,
Greater Flamingoes, Greater White Pelicans, Rosy Pelicans, Herons, Common
Pochard, Northern Shoveler, and Brahminy Ducks.
Flora
The sanctuary boast emergent and floating aquatic plants along with some
terrestrial trees and herbs which includes Desi baval, Bor, Neem, Vad,
Pilu, Gando baval, Kerdo etc.
Fauna
High species diversity of water birds is the main attraction for an eco-tourist.
Besides migratory birds, some of the resident birds are Purple Swamp hen,
Indian Roller, Green Bee-eater, Purple Sunbird, Darters, Greater Coucal,
Drongos, Painted Storks, Cormorants, Grey and Purple Heron, and Ibises.
Timing: 6 am to 5.30 pm; Fee : Rs. 20/- from Monday to Saturday
and Rs. 25/- on Sunday.
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Wildlife 
