Thol Lake is a freshwater bird sanctuary about 30 km north of Ahmedabad, on the road toward Kadi. The lake and its surrounding wetlands attract over 150 species of birds, including large winter flocks of migratory waterfowl -- flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and ducks arrive between October and March. The sanctuary covers roughly 7 square kilometres and is one of the more accessible birdwatching spots from the city.
The best time to visit is early morning, when the light is good and the birds are active. The lake is shallow and the surrounding scrub provides good vantage points without much walking. Entry is managed by the Gujarat Forest Department; bring binoculars.