Keenjhar Lake, also called Kalri Lake, lies in Thatta District in southern Sindh. It is a large freshwater lake that doubles as a day-trip destination for families from Karachi and Hyderabad, a Ramsar-listed bird habitat and the setting of one of Sindh’s best-loved legends. Haleji Lake, a smaller reservoir nearby, is better known for birds.
This guide covers both lakes, the Noori and Jam Tamachi story, what to do, and what to confirm before you go.
Quick answer
Keenjhar is a day trip from Karachi, roughly 100 km or more by road depending on the source, with boating, picnic spots and a resort run by the Sindh tourism corporation. Haleji is about 80 to 90 km from Karachi and suits birdwatching in winter, ideally in the early morning. Check the Kotri Barrage closure period before a winter visit, because it can affect the feeder canal that supplies Keenjhar.
Keenjhar Lake at a glance
| Location | Thatta District, Sindh |
| Other name | Kalri Lake |
| Area | About 13,468 hectares (Ramsar listing) |
| Length and width | Up to about 24 km by 6 km |
| Depth | Average about 1 m, maximum about 7.9 m |
| Ramsar site | No. 99, designated 23 July 1976 |
| Distance from Karachi | More than 100 km to about 122 km (sources differ) |
| Distance from Thatta | About 18 to 36 km (sources differ) |
The legend of Noori and Jam Tamachi
Noori was a fisherwoman from a Mohana fishing village, and Jam Tamachi was a Samma-dynasty ruler of Thatta who fell in love with her and married her. The story dates to the 15th century, and its best-known telling is in Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Shah Jo Risalo, where she is one of the “Seven Queens of Sindh”. Noori’s grave is in the middle of the lake and draws visitors daily.
Things to do at Keenjhar
- Boating: motorboats seat 8 to 10 people. A 2022 blog quoted private hire at Rs 500 to 2,000 per hour and about Rs 500 return to Noori’s grave, but treat those as dated and ask on arrival.
- The STDC resort: the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation runs the Keenjhar Lake Resort. The same blog listed day-stay rates and check-in times, which may have changed.
- Shoreline huts: daytime huts were reported at Rs 100 on weekdays and Rs 500 on weekends and holidays.
- Birdwatching: the lake attracts wintering ducks, geese, flamingos, cormorants, herons, egrets, ibises and gulls, and breeding birds include the black-crowned night heron and pheasant-tailed jacana.
Nearby restaurants were reported to open on weekends only, so bring snacks and water on weekdays.
Water supply and the winter closure
The lake is fed by the KB (Kalri Baghar) Feeder canal from Kotri Barrage and is a potential principal source of water for Karachi. The feeder is closed for about 15 days around the annual barrage closure, which usually begins around 25 December. Water levels can change, so check conditions if you travel in winter.
Haleji Lake
Haleji Lake is also in Thatta District. It was a saline lagoon until the 1930s and was converted into a freshwater reservoir, completed in 1943, fed by a canal from the Indus. It was built to supply drinking water for Karachi. It is a Ramsar site (no. 101, designated in 1976) and a wildlife sanctuary, with an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 birds a year, including the Dalmatian pelican.
A 2021 report says about 250 freshwater crocodiles live in the lake, that early morning is the best time for birdwatching, that migratory numbers are reported to be declining, and that picnic crowds are a concern. Hunting and trapping of waterfowl are banned there. We could not find an entry fee or opening hours.
How to reach the lakes
Keenjhar is on the N-5 highway between Thatta and Hyderabad, which gives about 2 hours from Karachi. Haleji is reported as about 90 km from Karachi, almost two hours in light early-morning traffic. We could not find distances from Hyderabad or between Haleji and Thatta, so use a current map.
Combine with other stops
The Makli Necropolis is at Thatta and fits naturally into a Keenjhar day. For wider planning, see our Sindh travel guide and Karachi travel guide.
Best time to visit
We found no source stating a best season for Keenjhar. Winter is the more comfortable time for travel in Sindh and for seeing migratory birds, while summer is very hot.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Keenjhar Lake?
In Thatta District, Sindh, on the highway between Thatta and Hyderabad.
Is Keenjhar Lake the same as Kalri Lake?
Yes. Both names refer to the same lake.
Is there boating at Keenjhar?
Yes. Private motorboats take visitors out, including to Noori’s grave. Confirm current prices on site.
What is Haleji Lake known for?
Birdwatching. It is a Ramsar site and wildlife sanctuary with large winter waterbird numbers.
Fees, distances and conditions change. Confirm them before you travel.