Spread across the length and breadth of India are a number of sightseeing destination, which have plenty of interest among the tourists. In recent years, much of the attention of tourists has become riveted in the complexities of sightseeing in Gujarat. This western state of India offers a variety of temples, historic monuments, natural sceneries and wildlife attractions. Tour itineraries are so planned that some of the important cities in Gujarat are necessarily included in these trips. Cities like Ahmadabad, Rajkot, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, and Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat are frequently visited places. Each city has its own significance in terms of history, sightseeing and touristic importance. City of Ahmadabad is a vast as well as an old region in Western India which has plenty of things to offer for the tourists. Wildlife enthusiasts can have a great learning experience from their visit to Sundarvan in Ahmadabad in Gujarat.

Description

Sundarvan Park in Ahmadabad is a place aptly designated as a Nature Discovery Centre. It has plenty to experience for the tourists who look forward to something unique and memorable in their trips to Ahmadabad. Furthermore, it is a place which will stimulate a love for nature among the kids as well as the adults. For this purpose, various programmes are also organised at regular intervals for tourists, kids and for schools exclusively. This centre for nature discovery is mostly related to wildlife and categories therefore under the trip itineraries of local as well as foreign travellers.

Establishment

Under the aegis of the Centre of excellence of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, the Center of Environment Education or CEE was established in 1978. Dr. Salim Ali, who is a well known ornithologist, inaugurated this centre of Sundarvan. The Nature Discovery Centre of Sundarvan is an effort towards this particular goal with variety of programs to encourage the love for environment and nature among people. A mini zoo has been set up inside the premises of this centre in Ahmadabad. Various environment education programs are held regularly in different modes allowing convenience of participation among the school children and tourists.

Location

Located in the heart of the city of Ahmadabad, Sundarvan is a mystical place, highlighted by natural environment surrounded with flora and fauna all around. It is amazing to find this centre in the midst of sprawling malls, high rises and modernised amenities of the city. Sundarvan is located in Jodhpur Tekra in Ahmadabad. On days from Tuesdays to Fridays, it is open for public viewing from 4 pm in the evening till 6 pm. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, it is open from 9.30 AM to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Activities Catered to By Sundarvan Nature Centre

Efforts by Sundarvan create an interest in nature among children and youth and the collection of reptiles, birds and small mammals add to the enjoyment factor. Annually, there are about 10,000 visitors coming to the Sundarvan. Activities organised in Sundarvan usually falls under three categories. These are on-campus, outreach and camping programs.

Since the last 30 years, regular camping activities have been organised by Sundarvan in different places in Gujarat to raise awareness among the youths. Two of the permanent camps are at Bakore in the district of Panchmahal and a camping site near the sea in Beyt Dwarka in Jamnagar. Few other places are also selected for this purpose, outside Gujarat as in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. In these nature trails, living in the natural environment is a necessity. Such exposures to the natural environment help people in harmonious existence with natural surroundings and values at the basic levels in ecological balance and conservation.

Shows with different kinds of animals are also organised time to time to raise awareness about them amongst the people. Some snake shows, bat shows and even rescuing of animals is also being done by authorities at Sundarvan.

Reaching There

Since Ahmadabad has good road and rail communication with other parts of Gujarat and northern India, as well as with Mumbai, tourists can easily arrive here and visit Sundarvan. Kalupur Railway Station is the primary station for most trains. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmadabad is also easily accessed by the tourists.