Thousands of flamingos turn Rajasthan’s Sambhar Lake pink in a breathtaking winter sight

A sea of pink at Sambhar Lake near Jaipur as thousands of migratory flamingos arrive, turning India’s largest inland saltwater lake into a stunning winter spectacle. (Image: PTI)

Rajasthan may be celebrated for its golden forts, sweeping deserts and royal legacy, but this winter, nature has stolen the limelight. Jaipur’s Sambhar Salt Lake has transformed into a mesmerising sea of pink as thousands of migratory flamingos arrive, turning the region into one of India’s most striking natural spectacles of the season.

(Image: PTI)

Recently shared videos and photographs on social media show vast stretches of Sambhar Lake glowing in soft pink hues, created by massive flocks of flamingos wading through its shallow, saline waters. The visuals have quickly gone viral, drawing attention from travellers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts across the country.

   

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A post shared by Gourav Dadhich | SAMBHAR LAKE 🇮🇳| (@gourav.wildlife)

Located around 80 kilometres from Jaipur, Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland saltwater lake, spread across nearly 240 square kilometres. It is a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds, especially flamingos, who travel thousands of kilometres along the Central Asian Flyway. Many of these birds begin their journey in far-off regions such as Russia, Siberia and Mongolia before reaching Sambhar’s nutrient-rich ecosystem.

What makes this year’s sighting especially remarkable is the sheer scale of the congregation. While flamingos are regular winter visitors, such dense and widespread flocks are rare. Experts suggest that favourable conditions—steady water levels and an abundance of algae and brine shrimp—have encouraged larger numbers and longer stays this season.

   

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A post shared by Madhur Nangia (@madhurnangia_photography)

As the flamingos feed, rest and take flight over the pink-tinged waters, Sambhar Lake has become a magnet for photographers, researchers and nature lovers. Beyond its visual appeal, the spectacle highlights the lake’s vital role in bird conservation and its importance along one of Asia’s key migratory routes.

For Rajasthan, the pink-hued transformation of Sambhar Lake is not just a seasonal wonder—it’s a reminder that even in a land famed for history and heritage, nature can still steal the show.