Paradise, they are birds

Lake Haleji  main water reservoir covers an area of 6.58 Sq. miles with the maximum depth of 17 feet. The lake is positioned at the 240 48 N and 600 47 E. It is 88 km away from the main city of Karachi. The complete circle of the lake is about 12 miles. Haleji lake was a salt-water lake formed by the seasonal water that collected in a depression. During World War 2 when additional water needed for army troops that stationed at the Karachi, the salted water of the lake had been drained out and the mound was constructed around the lake to gather the fresh water through a waterway. So, the lake Haleji became one of the major sources of water supply to the escalating populace of Karachi.

Haleji is a bird watching paradise and an ideal asylum for thousands of birds and flora. It is one of the most important migratory place of waterfowl in Eurasia. It provides the spectacular birds watching and outdoor attraction. Haleji lake and its streams together with Hudero and keenjhar lake forms a very large and complex habitat for waterfowl. This place is now stabilized very much and become a home to swimmers,  the complex is now home to divers, surface and deep-water feeders and fresh water lovers. The mixture of salted and fresh water  create a fascinating place to suit the different moods. The heavy shady trees surround the whole lake. Phragmites, Typha, Hydrilla and Lotus flowers cover the many parts of the lake.

The rocky projection at various points of the lake are home of migratory and resident waterfowl. The lake points known as the Pelican Island and the other is Cormorant Island. On both islands you will see the hundreds of birds resting and enjoying the sun. Evening is the best time for bird watching because at that time they all came back to the home. There are marsh crocodiles too. Almost 223 bird species can be found in the Haleji lake. Osprey, Pallas's fish eagle, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons, Wigeon, coot, shoveller, Pintail, Teals, Mallard, Heron, Jacana, flamingos and sometimes Bewick's swan are famous among the many. The government of Sindh is taking legal measure to make this area safe for the birds. It has been called now as the Ramsar Wetland Site.

It is 1-1/2 km off the Thatta road from the village of Gujjo. From November till February the place is abundant with the waterfowls. If you are a water lover or a bird lover then packs your luggage to take the cheap flights to Karachi which take you to your destination..