About the Sanctuary
A Sanctuary in the Middle of the City
Few Indian cities can claim a protected bird sanctuary within walking distance of their bazaars - Porbandar can. Ringing a small freshwater lake near Chowpaty, the sanctuary was declared in November 1988, with the eminent naturalist Peter Jackson as its pioneering champion, and passed to the Forest Department in 1990 under the Wildlife Protection Act.
On the Flyway
The lake sits directly on a migratory route - each winter it fills with visitors from as far as Siberia and Central Asia.
Flamingo Nesting
In favourable years greater and lesser flamingos have chosen the lake for nesting itself.
Man & Nature
A working port city and a wild habitat sharing one address - Gujarat’s textbook example of co-existence.
Birder’s Base
Watch from the embankment paths; dawn reflections on still water are the classic photograph.
Who You’ll Meet
Resident & Migratory Species
Flamingos
Greater and lesser - the sanctuary’s signature winter spectacle.
Pelicans & Storks
Great white pelicans, painted storks and spoonbills work the shallows.
Cranes & Ibis
Demoiselle cranes and ibis arrive with the winter migration.
Waders & Teals
Avocets, ruffs, redshanks, jacanas, whistling teals, coots and grebes.
Herons & Egrets
Resident hunters of the reed margins, joined by bitterns.
Gulls, Terns & Roller
Coastal gulls and terns, with the Indian roller flashing blue overhead.
Plan the Hour
Hours & Seasons
Open
8 AM – 6 PM
Daily
Entry
Free
All visitors
Best Hours
Dawn & dusk
Peak activity for sightings and photos
Nov – Feb
Peak migration
Flamingo flocks, cranes and the full winter cast.
Mar – Jun
Residents only
Quieter water; go early morning.
Jul – Oct
Monsoon refill
The lake recharges toward winter.
Around the Lake
Pair With
Getting There
Reaching the Sanctuary
By Train
Porbandar Station ~1 km
A short auto ride; the Chhaya Road location is well known.
By Air
Porbandar Airport ~5 km
Taxis and autos from the terminal.
By Road
In the city
Ample parking near the sanctuary entrance.
Sanctuary Etiquette
Do’s & Don’ts
Carry binoculars - they transform the visit.
Come at dawn or dusk for peak bird activity.
No flash or intrusive photography; reposition, never disturb.
No speakers or loud sounds; no pets; no feeding; carry litter back.