Overview of the park

Blackbuck national park, Velavadar is perhaps the only tropical grassland in India which has earned a national park title for itself. It touches the coast of the Gulf Of Khambhat in the south and is adjacent to the wetlands and agricultural fields. This wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat maps over 34 kilometers in the area presently. This golden grassland is adding glory to the Bhal and Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

About Velavadar- the land of Blackbucks

Velavadar blackbuck national park is an excellent place for wildlife lovers with superb topography. Herds of blackbuck grazing on the golden grasses mushrooming on the semi-arid land with their long splendid antlers make for a scene everyone would vouch for. Velavadar blackbuck national park is currently home to a population of over 5000 blackbucks along with many other avian and mammal species. Two rivers named Parvalia and Alang flow around this national park and disappear into the Gulf of Khambhat.

History

Previously this wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat was an exclusive hunting ground of Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar, and he used it for hunting cheetahs in his leisurely time.

Uplifted to the Velavadar national park in 1976 and doubled in the area in 1980, this is one of the most visited places among the wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat.

Wildlife in the Velavadar national park/ Flora and Fauna

Though this wildlife sanctuary is famous for the rare blackbuck population in India, it has a rich flora and fauna. Along with a considerable number of blackbucks, it has14 species of mammals, 140 species of birds and 95 species of flowering plants.

Once used for Cheetah hunting, this place does not have Cheetahs anymore.

The prominent flora of the place includes Kalam, Sirus, Charal, Acacia, Jambu, Amli, Karanj, and Banyan.

Though this park has semi-arid topography parts of the national park which touch the Gulf of Khambhat gets inundated with water during the time of high tide. This national park also receives good rainfall, making it a mud land in the Monsoon season.

The dominant fauna of the place is Blackbuck, Wild Boar, Indian Grey Wolf, Indian Fox, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Hare, Mongoose, Wolves, and wild pigs.

Common Cobra, Saw Scaled Viper, Krait, Sand Boa, and Rat snake are some of the reptiles which scale the land of the wildlife sanctuary. This place is one of the critical habitats for the avian species with the number rising as high as 140. The mudflats are ideal for the migratory as well as indigenous species of the birds, providing them with the appropriate habitat to thrive.

Some of the bird species which take shelter in this national park are Ashy-crowned and Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Indian Bushlark, Singing Bushlark, Desert and Variable Wheatear, Painted Sandgrouse, and, Rufous-tailed Lark. The sanctuary also houses species such as Painted and Grey Francolin, Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Crested Lark Spotted Sandgrouse, Peregrine Falcon, Quails and Saras Crane, Eurasian Hobby, Tawny Eagle, Short-toed Eagle Laggar Falcon, and Kestrel. 

This place is an unbeatable wildlife haven for the people who are in love with the birds.

Other attractions

While visiting Blackbuck national park, make sure to find some time for the Takhteshwar Temple near this wildlife sanctuary. It is a beautiful temple built by the royal family in 1893 and dedicates to Lord Shiva.

How to reach

By Air

Nearest and the most convenient mode to visit Velavadar blackbuck national park is by Air. The nearest airport is the Bhavnagar Airport in Bhavnagar which is merely 65 kilometers away from this national park and is well connect to the national park by road.

By Rail

Bhavnagar railway station is the nearest railway station to the Velavadar national park.

By road

Blackbuck national park has a robust road transport system that connects it to major cities. One can also visit the national park in private vehicles as it is allowed by the government of India.

Photography

One can enjoy a safari to explore this national park in-depth, but some also prefer to trek in the serene atmosphere. This national park has ample of opportunities for people who love wildlife photography.

Imagine shiny grass, ribbed blackbucks with a mesmerizing blend of dark grey, white and light yellow colors and glamourous antlers, flocks of exotic and rare birds and serenity spread in the atmosphere. The trip to the Velavadar national park could turn out to be the most memorable, soothing and meditative visit. 

The amazing fauna and distinct flora entice nature lovers. What are you waiting for? Nature, in its full glory, is calling out to you. Pack your bags and clean the lens of your camera. Velavadar is the only wildlife sanctuary where a wildlife lover can feel spellbound as well as capture the charm.