Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is at the distance of about 10 km northeast from Jamnagar on the south coast of Gulf of Kutch which represents combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter tidal mudflats, creeks, salt pans, saline land and mangrove scrub. Total area of the Sanctuary is 605 ha, which covers three freshwater lakes of the entire wetland complex. Area of the Marine Sanctuary Jamnagar constitutes the boundary of the Sanctuary towards the Gulf of Kutch. 

The Sanctuary is located in the western-most part of the country and falls on the traditional route of the migratory birds. Consequently, the Sanctuary supports a variety of migratory birds including the waterfowl. This is an extremely important staging and wintering area for a wide variety of waterfowl. Almost 200 species of birds are recorded in the Sanctuary , including over 90 species of waterfowl. It is the known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. it is a unique wetland complex, representing a mosaic of several types of wetlands, including freshwater shallow lakes, inter tidal mudflats, creeks, salt pans, saline land and mangrove scrubs.

Khijadiya is a distinctive manmade, coastal, freshwater wetland in semi-arid biogeographic zone in India. It came into existence due to two bunds/embankments built to apprehend salinity ingress from the sea into the mainland and to prevent freshwater draining into the sea. This created a unique complex “Saltwater-Freshwater” ecosystem with variety of habitat types and ecosystems. This dynamic and complex wetland eco-system with multiplicity of habitat types provide various ecological and economic services. It supports birds including various categories of species scheduled in Red Data List of IUCN. This wetland system provides favourable breeding, feeding, roosting, and staging grounds for a great variety and density of birds during various seasons of the year. Along with the marine and fresh water habitats, there are also marshy lands, mangroves, Prosopis areas, mudflats, salt pans, creeks, forest scrub, sandy beaches, and even farmlands bordering the area. This makes the place a paradise for more than 250 species of resident and migratory birds, including globally threatened species such as Dalmatian pelican, Asian open bill stork, Black-necked stork, Darter, Black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, and Indian skimmer, and provides birdwatchers with a delightful chance to sight rare birds in large numbers. The KBS is located adjacent to the boundaries of Marine Sanctuary. Due to its strategic location close to the Gulf of Kachchh, an Central Asian flyway, it act as a regular route for the migratory birds that comes from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to visit the sanctuary and its neighboring areas.

Narara Island

This island is accessible by road. One just has to drive down to it to Narara Edge.

Here one should reach just before the tide starts, when the tide comes in, it brings the birds closer to land, making it easier for the bird watchers to watch from quite close.

The star here is the crab plover.

All types of waders can be found here.

Narara Reef

Narara Reef located next to Vadinar village which is surrounded by oil terminals and jetties. When one enters the soiled road that head to Marine National Park, flocks of Flamingo and Pelican in old salt pan area attracts everyone. The marine ecosystem starts with salt marshes, mangroves and leads to intertidal zone which is enriched with numerous organisms like sea weeds, octopus, puffer fish, stingray, sea stars, sea cucumber, corals, anemones, crabs etc. It is a rocky shore and patch of sand with sea grass vegetation. The place also has a spectacular vista with birds feeding on fishes in the intertidal region. Since it is Protected Area, tourists are not allowed pick things like shells, stones, dead coral etc. and do not catch or disturb any marine creature, as they are already in stress.

Narara, which is about 60 KMS from Jamnagar towards Dwarka; for doing the "Coral Walk" without sailing to the Islands.

We have to consider the following points with regards to visiting Narara:

There are 4 tides in a day.. 2 high tides and 2 low tides.
High tide occurs every 12 hours..
The Coral walk is done in the dry spell between 2 high tides.. Generally it takes 3 and half hours for tide to reach the highest point at Narara on any given day.. and same time is taken for the ebb.. 
To understand tides of the sea. For example, if high tide on 15/04/19 {my birthday :-)} is predicted to be around 4 AM and then again at 4.40 PM – then the coral walk should be started by 7.30 AM and one should be out of the reef by 1.15 PM - which is 3 and half hours before the next high tide.

A coral walk of about 5 kilometers in the reef generally takes about 3 to 4 hours.
For visiting Narara, one has to take permit from Forest Dept.
Permit to be obtained on the spot at Narara itself. 
For an Indian national, entry permit would be Rs. 100 per person (add 25% extra on weekends & holidays). For each still camera Rs. 200.  
For a Foreign nationals, entry permit would be USD. 10 per person (add 25% extra on weekends & holidays). For each still camera USD. 20.  
Forest Dept. has kept guides at Narara & charges are payable directly.
For doing the coral walk, its advised to wear thick soled shoes (old sports shoes or crocs), because some places in the reef are sharp.
One should take along some snacks and water.

Pirotan Island

Sand Plovers at Pirotan One of the islands in the 42 islands of the gulf of kutch which is famous for its corals and beaches and also a popular spot for bird lovers.

The swamp forests of the various islands, featuring about seven species of mangrove, have breeding colonies of near-threatened species like Painted Stork, Darter and Black-necked Ibis, and other birds like egrets and herons. One can see huge flocks of Crab Plovers too. The islands are also breeding areas for terns and other birds. 

On the boat crossing to the islands, there are chances of seeing Pallas’ Fish Eagle, Osprey and other raptors.

Sailing of tourists in fishing boats is prohibited. (( Pirotan Island is about 7 nautical miles from Rozi port. Its around 1 hour journey through the beautiful Chejja creek. You have to board the boat from Rozi port (about 25 minutes drive from the Hotel President).  Sailing on the tranquil waters of Chejja creek, taking the curves, with mangroves forest on both sides is a wonderful experience..

For doing the coral walk, its advised to wear thick soled shoes or sandals, because some of the places in the reef are sharp.  In winter it gets quite cold and the boats available do not have covering, so its always better to wear warm clothes and carry cold creams to protect your skin from getting dry and in summer, lots of sun block cream, cap and dark glasses..

Full Day-trips can be done when high tides are in early mornings..

As of now the Forest Dept. has closed entry for tourists, its unclear when Pirotan island visits would re-open..

Distance

Airport Jamnagar (10 kms)

Rajkot Airport ( 150 Kms)

Ahmedabad Airport 290 kms)

** All National park are remain closed from 15th June to 15th Oct (Every year)