Location: Gujarat, India
Area covered: 34 sq. km.
Main Wildlife Found: Blackbuck
Best time to visit : November to February
Places To Stay: Kaliyarbhavan, Black Buck Lodge.
About Velavadar National Park
Velavadar National Park, also known as Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary is situated in the Bhal region of Saurashtra. Ideally set between two rivers, one of the main reasons for the rich soil found here, the park is located about 50 km west of the Gulf of Cambay.
Velavadar National Park, the only tropical grassland in India recognized as a National park is located in Bhavnagar district, in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, Gujarat. The park, now spread over an area of 34.08 Sq.kms used to be a private grassland of the ex- princely state of Bhavnagar with an area of about 1788.88 ha which was subsequently declared as a reserve forest and later notified as a National Park in 1976. An area of 1622.23 ha was further added in 1980. The main attraction of the park located seventy-two km away from the city of Bhavnagar is the massive population of Black Buck, Antelope, Wolf and other endangered species of birds. A unique feature of the park is that it is the only tropical grassland in India to be given the status of a national park.
There are two gates with a road in between which leads to the park. The reception attached to the Kaliyarbhavan Forest Lodge is the place where the visitors pay the entry fee to the park. The park interpretation centre located at a short distance from here provides basic information about the animals and birds found in the area.
Wildlife Attractions in Velavadar National Park
The ecosystem of the park houses four distinct habitats, grassland, shrubland, saline land and high tidal lands. One of the most thrilling sights in the area is the unusual mating rituals of the blackbuck, which involves a spectacular vertical leap of upto 2 mts by the male.
The park is home to over 187 species of birds including residents and migratory birds such as Harrier, Partridge, Pelican, Duck, Crane, Stork, Eagle, Sand Grouse, Lark and Lesser Florican.
Besides the blackbuck, other commonly found mammals include the Nilgai, Wolf, Wild Cat, Jackal, Indian Fox, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Hare and Rodent, while the reptile kingdom constitute of Saw Scaled Vipers, Common Cobra, Krait, Rat Snake and Sand Boa.
Safaris
The jungle trail located in the park is a straight path with watchtowers dotted around it. The 'wetland', located just 3 km from the entry gate is an ideal spot to check out the wildlife. There are no safaris provided by the forest department, so your own vehicle is the only source of enjoying a ride around the park but be cautioned as animals cross the roads at all times, so be sure to drive slowly and safely.
Other Attractions
Velvadhar is a great place for photographers with large herds of black bucks and flocks of birds presenting some great opportunities for photography. A drive or walk around the park can also be rewarding as chances of spotting the highly endangered florican and other feathered inhabitants, though slim, can not be ruled out.
Takhteshwar Temple
Situated just 2 km from Bhavnagar, the temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. It was built in the year 1893 by the local royal family.
How to Get There
By Air : Bhavnagar is the nearest airport. Mumbai is connected to Bhavnagar through Jet Airways (7:35, daily) & Air Deccan (15:10, daily). Be sure to book in advance as not many flights are available.
By Rail : Bhavnagar is the nearest railhead, connected by trains from Mumbai, Bhavnagar Exp. (21:25, daily) & CCT BVC Exp. (4:50, Fri).
By Road : To reach by road from Ahmedabad, take the NH8A to Bagodra via Sarkhej. From Sarkhej, drive through the state highway to Velvadar via Fadra, Pipli, Dholera and Adhelui. Average time taken for the journey is around 5 hrs. The route from Bhavnagar is through the state highway to Adhelui via Nari and Sanes while an alternate route is via Valbhipur and Navgaon.
Distances from Major Cities
Ahmedabad : 160 km (SW)/ 5 hrs.
Bhavnagar : 55 km (N)/2 hrs.
Delhi : 960 km
Mumbai : 325 km
Travel Tips
Park charges are Entry Fee : Rs. 30 (Indians) & US$ 5 (foreigners), Vehicle Entry : Rs. 35 (Indians) & US$ 10 (foreigners), Guide Fee : Rs. 50, Still Camera : Rs. 50 (Indians) & US$ 5 (foreigners), Video Camera : Rs. 2500 (Indians) & US$ 200 (foreigners)
Park timings are 6:30 to 8:30 AM & 4:30 to 6:30 PM
The food provided at the forest lodge is very basic and simple consisting mainly of dal, rice and chappati.
Try to avoid wearing flashy colors and strong smelling perfumes. .
------ List of National Parks in India ----- |
| Bandhavgarh National Park |
|
Bandipur National Park |
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Simplipal National Park, Orissa |
| Ranthambore National Park |
|
Sultanpur National Park |
|
Nandankanan Zoo, Orissa |
| Corbett National Park |
|
Rajaji National Park, Uttaranchal |
|
Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary, Orissa |
| Kanha National Park |
|
Dudhwa National Park, U.P. |
|
Namdhapha National Park, Arunachal |
| Sundarbans National Park |
|
Nagarhole National Parks, Karnataka |
|
Velavadhar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Gujarat |
| Manas National Park |
|
Kaziranga National Park, Assam |
|
Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat |
| Dachigam National Park, J&K |
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The Great Himalayan National Park, H.P. |
|
Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam |
| Milroy or Pabha Sanctuary, Assam |
|
Nameri National Park, Assam |
|
Pin Valley National Park, H.P. |
| Hemis High Altitude National Park, J&K |
|
Royal Chitwan National Park (Nepal) |
|
Royal Bardia National Park (Nepal) |
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