The coastal marshlands in Jamnagar's vicinity provide a wealth of bird-watching opportunities. The Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary (entry ₹400, vehicle with up to 6 people ₹3500), a small, 6-sq-km protected reserve, can be visited on foot or by car. It encompasses saltwater and freshwater marshlands and hosts more than 300 bird species, including the Dalmatian pelican, painted stork and great crested grebe. It is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon (when the birdlife is at its most active) between October and March, when migratory birds are in residence. The evening arrival of cranes, coming home to roost, can be spectacular. There are six towers for birdwatching. Show your passport at the interpretation center before entering.
Hiring a car from Jamnagar to drive you around the sanctuary costs around ₹1500. Staff often show up late in the morning, so if you're keen to get in at first light it might be worth going over the evening before and letting them know that you're intending to be there at the official opening time.
