Sundarvan: Ahmedabad's Natural Escape

Nestled in the heart of Ahmedabad, Sundarvan offers a tranquil escape into nature. Established in 1978, this nature discovery center, also recognized as a mini zoo by the Central Zoo Authority of India, is a unique space for experiencing and understanding wildlife. What began as a mango orchard has transformed into a lush green area with over 50 tree species, providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Sundarvan is particularly renowned for its snake awareness programs, which have been a key feature since its inception. These programs aim to educate the public about reptiles, fostering appreciation and reducing the unnecessary killing of snakes. The center also actively rescues snakes from urban areas, further emphasizing its commitment to conservation. Visitors can observe various reptile species, including Russel's vipers, red sand boas, and Indian cobras. Beyond reptiles, Sundarvan is home to a variety of birds, small mammals, and aquatic creatures. The zoo features a marsh crocodile, porcupine, and a small aquarium, as well as free-flying birds like peafowl. For children, there are play areas and opportunities to interact with and feed birds, rabbits, and hamsters. Sundarvan's activities act as a catalyst to stimulate a process of inquiry into nature. Sundarvan is not only a recreational space but also an educational hub. It conducts training workshops for teachers, researchers and students. It also offers longer term engagement through the 'Naturalists of Sundarvan' program for students. The center's commitment to environmental education extends to initiatives like composting workshops and celebrating green birthdays.