Set amidst lush green fields, Wadhwana a century old tank, was constructed by the erstwhile visionary ruler – Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1909-1910. The tank maintains an impressive ecosystem habitat and provides winter grounds for migratory birds.
The tank has a massive catchment area of 860 sq km , which provides irrigation to almost 25 surrounding villages. Earlier deriving its water from the Jojwa Dam on Orsang river, now it also receives water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam making it a perennial source of water.
With a periphery of almost 11.2 kilometers, it has a watch tower at every kilometer. The lake is an important wetland inviting migratory birds from far off places like Siberia and Europe. The lake combined with the watch towers makes it a haven for bird watchers. The bird watchers frequently come here to study the behavior of the birds.
Some of the birds seen around the lake: Coots, Ruddy Shelduck from ladakh , Little Grebes, Ferruguginous Pochards, Common Pochards, Greylag Geese from Northern Europe. The site also has an eco-tourism campsite equipped with necessary facilities and an Orientation Center. It is about 40 km from Baroda, and 10 km from Dabhoi. The best time to visit the lake is from October to March. Between these months you will surely spot a rare bird, so gear up and take your family for this beautiful excursion or go on a solo trip.
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