Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Shines as Eco-Tourism Hub Ahead of VGRC 2026

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary has earned the distinction of being the shining star in the eyes of Gujarat as its eco-tourism has attracted more than 5,400 tourists during the year 2024-25. As preparations are underway in the state for the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), this sanctuary is becoming a reflection of Gujarat’s environmental excellence and commitment towards sustainable development.

Before VGRC 2026, Khijadiya Ramsar site near Jamnagar has emerged as an important natural landmark of Gujarat. Kutch and Saurashtra regions are today developing as leading tourist centers of the state, offering a unique combination of natural landscape, wildlife, coastal beauty, spiritual sites and rich cultural heritage. From the White Rann to the pilgrimage sites, beaches and sanctuaries of Saurashtra, the travel experience gives diverse and memorable experiences to the tourists.

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, spread over an area of ​​more than 600 hectares, has a special identity for the rare confluence of sweet and brackish water. This unique ecological structure provides diverse habitat for birds. According to the data of the Forest and Environment Department of the Government of Gujarat, 317 bird species were recorded here during the year 2023–24, which increased to 332 in 2024–25, which proves the continuously growing biodiversity of the sanctuary.

This ecological richness has received global recognition and in the year 2022, Khijdia received the status of Ramsar site as a wetland of international importance. The state government is developing modern facilities for visitors, which include watch towers, forest huts, bird watching platforms, interpretation centres, selfie points and informational signboards.

The main strength of the sanctuary is the diversity of its habitat, where freshwater flows combine with coastal tides to create bays and ravines. This natural system creates suitable micro-habitats for wildlife and these features make Khijadia one of the most vibrant bird places in India. At the same time, it also strengthens the scientific and planned approach to wetland conservation in Gujarat.

As preparations are going on for the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) to be held in Rajkot on January 10, 11 and 12, 2026, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is becoming a natural example of Gujarat’s integrated development model, where environmental protection and economic development go hand in hand. The rich biodiversity of the region complements the State’s key initiatives such as agriculture, tourism, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure development, which will be the main focus during the VGRC.

This success story of Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is closely linked with Gujarat’s vision of “Sustainability with Prosperity” and emerges as a strong pillar for the upcoming Regional Connectivity Forum.