Description
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts located near Jamnagar, Gujarat. It's a serene and beautiful place, spread over 605 hectares of marshy wetlands and mangroves, providing shelter to a wide range of migratory and resident birds.
The sanctuary is home to more than 220 species of birds, including pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills, ducks, egrets, and herons. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the sanctuary while walking along its well-maintained nature trails, watching birds in their natural habitat, and capturing some amazing photographs.
In the pre-Independence era, a check dam was constructed to store the waters of Ruparel River before it flowed into the sea. However, this dam ended up collecting both fresh water from the rain and saltwater from the sea, giving rise to an extraordinary landscape. In 1981, this region was proclaimed as a sanctuary.
On February 2nd, 2022, which marks the World Wetlands Day, Khijadiya was recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. This international treaty is focused on promoting the conservation and sustainable usage of wetlands.
To make the most of your visit, it's best to plan your trip from November to February when the migratory birds flock to the sanctuary. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, birds, and wildlife.
Khijadiya Village, cocooned by untouched natural beauty, is the proud host of the Jamnagar-Best Tourism Village 2023. At its core lies the illustrious Ramsar Site - Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, a refuge for various migratory bird species. With various different bird species taking residence here, it has become a focal point for tourists, cementing its status as a premier tourist attraction.
Flora
Emergent aquatic vegetation includes Typha ungustata, Scripus sp., Cyperus sp., and Saccharum spontaneum. Underwater plants include Hydrilla verticellat, vallisnaria spiralis and najas minor, and some important tree species like – gando baval, deshi baval, piloo, etc.
Fauna
Pelicans, spoonbill, Indian skimmer, great crested grebe, little grebe, purple moorhen, ducks, coots, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, gulls, terns, jacanas, darter, flamingoes, etc. and many raptors.
Jackal, jungle cat, blue bull, mongoose, etc.
