Chotiari Reservoir is a large wetland in Sanghar district in Sindh, about 35 kilometres north-east of Sanghar town, where the canal country runs out into the sand of the Nara and Achro Thar desert. It is known for migratory waterfowl in the cold months, crocodiles and a chain of natural lakes, and it is worth knowing before you go that it is a working drainage reservoir with almost no visitor facilities, not a resort.
This guide covers what the place is, when to go, how to get there and what to expect on arrival, so you can decide whether it suits your trip.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sanghar district, about 35 km north-east of Sanghar town, near Achro Thar |
| Size | Roughly 160 sq km (about 18,000 hectares) |
| Completed | December 2002 |
| Best season | Winter, for migratory birds |
| Facilities | Very limited; a guest house exists but is reported to be underused and poorly kept |
| Access road | Reported in poor condition; the last stretch is dirt |
What is Chotiari Reservoir?
The reservoir was completed in December 2002, and its main job is to take saline water from the Left Bank Outfall Drain, a large drainage scheme for the agricultural land of central Sindh. Before it was built, the area held a group of natural lakes, among them Akanwari, Tajar, Phuleli, Seri, Sao Naro and Baqar.
Its size is given as about 160 square kilometres, with a total capacity of 0.75 million acre feet. It is run by the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority.
Why do birders and wildlife groups care about it?
The wetland complex is recognised as important for waterbirds. A published survey counted 203 species of vertebrates, including 136 birds, 32 mammals and 32 reptiles, and the site has been reported to hold at least 20,000 waterfowl, and to matter for several globally threatened bird species. Marsh crocodiles live in the wetland, and wild boar are among the mammals recorded.
The picture is not simply positive. Reporting and researchers have raised concerns that the saline drainage water has damaged the environment and wildlife that lived here before the dam. Some conservation groups proposed Ramsar listing in 2009, but that did not go ahead. Expect a wetland under pressure rather than a tidy reserve.
When is the best time to visit?
Winter. Migratory birds arrive from the north in the cold months, so November to February is the time to go for birdwatching, with the early morning being best. In summer the heat in this part of Sindh is severe, the light is harsh and there is little to see. Our guide to the best time to visit Sindh covers the seasons across the province.
How to get to Chotiari
There is no scheduled tourist transport. The practical route is by road:
- Get to Hyderabad. From Karachi it is about 160 km on the motorway, roughly three hours by one source; see Karachi to Hyderabad by road.
- Continue to Sanghar town, and then to Achro, the usual entrance to the reservoir area.
- From there, expect a dirt road of roughly an hour to reach the water's edge, according to one travel account. Reports describe the approach road as dilapidated.
A car with good ground clearance is the safer choice, and a local guide from Sanghar or Achro will save you time finding the right lake and viewing points. Public buses and vans run to Khipro and nearby towns, but from there you would still need local transport.
What facilities are there?
Very few. A guest house was built in 2017 by the Sindh Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Department and handed to the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation, but reports describe it as neglected and underused. Sources also report no electricity or shops near the water. Treat the trip as a day visit from Sanghar or Hyderabad unless you have confirmed a stay in advance.
Bring everything you need:
- Drinking water and food for the whole day
- Binoculars, and a long lens if you photograph birds
- A hat, sunscreen and layers for cold mornings
- A full tank of fuel and a spare tyre
- Cash, for fuel and small purchases before you leave Sanghar
What can you do there?
Birdwatching from the banks is the main activity. Whether boats are available depends on local arrangements that we could not verify, so ask locally rather than counting on it. Keep back from the water, as crocodiles are present, and do not disturb nesting or roosting birds.
The reservoir sits on the edge of the desert country, so it can be combined with other Sindh stops. If you are building a longer route, see our Sindh road trip guide and Thar desert camping.
Is Chotiari safe and open to visit?
We found no formal closure, and it is not a restricted area, but it is also not a managed attraction. Sanghar district sits south of Nawabshah, the area the UK government lists for all-but-essential-travel advice in Sindh, and the district is not among the places it advises against outright. Even so, conditions in rural Sindh vary, so check with locals and local news, travel in daylight and avoid the area after dark. Overseas visitors should check their own government's advice before travelling.
Is it worth the trip?
For birders and photographers in winter, yes, if you accept a rough road and no facilities. For families looking for a picnic spot, boat rides or somewhere with services, no. It is better seen as a stop for people already exploring interior Sindh than as a destination on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chotiari Reservoir?
In Sanghar district, Sindh, about 35 km north-east of Sanghar town near Achro Thar.
When is the best time to visit Chotiari?
In winter, roughly November to February, when migratory birds are present.
Is there anywhere to stay at Chotiari?
A guest house built in 2017 exists, but reports say it is neglected. Confirm before relying on it, or stay in Sanghar or Hyderabad.
Are there crocodiles at Chotiari?
Yes, marsh crocodiles have been recorded in the wetland complex. Keep your distance from the water's edge.
Can you go boating at Chotiari?
We could not confirm organised boating. Ask local guides, and do not assume boats are available.
