When it comes to wildlife beauty, I think, no other Indian state can beat Gujarat. Kerala also houses many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries but what makes Gujarat ahead of Kerala is that it is the home to the worldwide known national parks. Being only home to the Asiatic lions in India, the wildlife of Gujarat pulls millions of tourists annually. From dry deciduous forests to the arid land of Kutch and from dang woodlands to the moist wetlands of Gujarat, all are replete with the unnumbered of endangered wild animals. In total, Gujarat has 4 national parks and more than 20 wildlife sanctuaries. Let’s have a look at the must-visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat.
Gir National Park
- Location: Junagarh District, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1965
- Coverage Area: 1412 sq kilometers
- Famous for: Asiatic lion
- Timings: 6am–5pm
- Time required: 2-4 hours
- Entry fee:
- Indians: Rs.75 – 95/-
- Foreigners: Rs.100/-
If you’ll list down the must-visit national parks in India, the list will begin with Gir National Park. Gir National Park is the crowning jewel of wildlife splendor not only in Gujarat but in the whole India. Gir National Park is actually famous for being the only abode of Asiatic lions in India. When you’re in Gir National Park, keep all your six senses awake because you might encounter a lion at any time. Spreading in a whopping area of 1412 km2, Gir national park was established as a forest reserve in 1965 particularly to conserve the Asiatic lions. Later on, it was declared as a national park when it became the abode to some other endangered species of flora and fauna.
Other than the lions, leopards, Chausingha, spotted deer and Sambar makeup the diverse fauna of Gir national park. According to wildlife administration, today Gir national park is a habitat for nearly 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, 2000 species of insects, and 2300 species of wild animals.
Vansda National Park
- Location: Navsari district, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1979
- Coverage Area: 24 sq kilometre
- Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs.
- Famous For: flora and fauna
- Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians, $5 for foreigners
Vansda National Park is a hidden beauty in the dang forests of Gujarat. If you’re the one who looks for a thrill in every little thing, a walk through the narrow and dark lanes of Vansda national park will make you go crazy. The dang forest of Vansda national park is so dense that even the sunlight can’t pass through the impenetrable web of trees. Vansda national park is not very large in size but the diverse flora & fauna of this park makes it a popular one in Gujarat.
The dry and moist deciduous forests of Vansda national park are the natural habitat for around 30 species of snakes, 120 species of spiders, 115 species of birds, and many species of mammals. The most interesting fact about Vansda national park is that here even not a single tree has been cut down since 1952. It’s truly amazing! So, don’t skip a visit to this beautiful nest of trees.
Wildlife Ass Sanctuary in Kutch
- Address: Dhrangadhra, Gujarat 363310
- Opened In: 1972
- Coverage Area: 4954 km²
- Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Time Required: 1-2 days
- Entry Fee: Rs.250 for Indians, Rs.1200 for foreigners
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Kutch- this word makes my heart skip a beat every time it flashes in front of my eyes. The indescribable charm of The Great Rann of Kutch has swept my off my feet. Kutch is indeed a world beyond our world and what makes it to be glorified like this is the wildlife ass sanctuary. It is called an ass sanctuary but you can see many other wild animals too. Generally, the animals which can’t be sighted elsewhere. Spreading in a vast area of 5000 km2, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat. Here, grasslands and salt pans exist together and believe me, this exceptional scene will amuse you. The sanctuary is not a habitat only for the flora & fauna but also for a human tribe. If we talk about national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat, Wildlife ass sanctuary in Kutch is the most famous.
- Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kutch
Blackbuck National Park
- Location: Bhavnagar, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1976
- Coverage Area: 34 sq kilometer
- Timings: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs
- Famous For: Black Buck
- Time to Visit: Between months of October and March
- Closing Period: June-October
- Visiting Charges: Rs. 20 for Indians, $ 5 for foreigners (additional charges for vehicles)
Blackbuck national park or Velavadar national park is yet another must-visit national park from Gujarat. Lying between the two rivers named Parvalia and Alang, Blackbuck national park is stretched in an area of 34km2. It was declared as a national park in 1976 with the purpose of conserving the remaining blackbucks of the nation. Blackbucks are certainly the signature animal of Blackbuck national park but you can also see many other wild animals such as wildcat, Indian jackal, Nilgai, fox, and Hyena. Being extremely rich in vegetation, it houses huge verities of herbs, plants, and nearly 95 species of flowers. The rich flora & fauna of Blackbuck national Park is indeed a sight to behold. For an interesting fact, today Blackbuck national park is a natural habitat for nearly 3500 blackbucks.
Marine National Park
- Location: Near Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1982
- Timings: Open at 05:00 AM onwards
- Entry Fee: Rs.40 for Indians, Rs.650 for foreigner
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Coverage Area: 458 sq kilometers
- Famous For: Coral reef
Spreading in an area of 169 km2, Marine national park is the first as well as the largest marine park in India. Located in Jamnagar district, it is an amalgamation of 42 islands. If you love scuba diving, Marine national park will make your day because out of 42 islands, 33 are abundant with the coral leafs. Not only this, some islands are even beautified with the pristine beaches and the mangroves swamps. These islands are the home to many aquatic animals. So, dive deeper into the waves of water and witness the richest marine life of the nation. The best thing is that you can visit the park all year round. It is one of the famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1969
- Timings: 6:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: 75 for Indian, $10 for foreigner
- Coverage Area: 120 sq kilometers
- Famous For: Birds
- Best Time to Visit: Winter season
Nalsarovar bird sanctuary is a paradise for the bird lovers. It is actually a natural lake that is stretched in an area of 120 km2. Being the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, Nalsarovar bird sanctuary is a home to the nearly 200 species of birds. Not only the regional birds but the migratory birds also call Nalsarovar bird sanctuary their home. The migratory birds from Asia, Europe, and Siberia fly to Nal Sarovar sanctuary during the winters. Ducks, teals, sarus, cranes storks, herons, coots, waders, and flamingo are the central attractions in Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary. So, just sit around listening to the soulful chirping of these birds amid the vividly hued nature. The sanctuary is around 60 km from Ahmedabad, so you won’t face any trouble getting in the sanctuary.
- Must Read: Most Popular Beautiful Lakes in Gujarat
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Dangs, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1990
- Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs
- Coverage Area: 160 sq kilometers
- Famous For: flora and fauna.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Entry Fee: Rs.20 per person, 50 for still camera
Incredibly covered with the dang forests, Purna wildlife sanctuary is known for its thick woodlands. There a road in the middle of the sanctuary but it always remains dark. You know why? Well, because the forests of Purna wildlife sanctuaries are very dense. Spreading in a whopping area of 160 km2, the wildlife sanctuary is a home to more than 700 species of plants. It is also brimmed with the many wild animals such as four-horned antelope, barking deer, sambar, cheetal, jungle cat, and mongoose. So, visit the sanctuary and witness some of the rare-seen plants as well as animals.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
- Address: 361120 Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Opened In: 1982
- Coverage Area: 605 ha
- Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Time Required: 1-2 hrs
- Entry Fee: Rs.40/-
- Best Time to Visit: between October and March
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar is around 12 kms from northwest and has over 200 varieties of bird species. If you are interested in birds watching, evening and morning are the best times. The best time of the year to visit this place is from October to November. The place is serene and appeals to many tourists. This place can be visited at 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at all days of week.
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Jambughoda is a Wildlife Sanctuary located in Jambughoda Tehsil, in the South Central part of Gujarat, India. It is located near Vadodara and to unmistakable tourist places, for example, Champaner and Pavagadh. Situated in the 130.38 km2 area of Central Gujarat Panchmahal district announced as a sanctuary in May 1990, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is home for an assortment of plants and animals.
Natural Habitats
It’s a brilliant woodland of bamboos, teak, and different various species you can find at Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. The area use to have two water reservoirs – first one at Kada and the second one at Targol. These water bodies add to the stylish settings and habitat assorted variety. Panther is the top predator here whose populace has been expanding. The habitat is shared by different animals, for example, jackal, sloth bear, wild boar, blue bull, and four horned antelopes.
The area has numerous assortments of reptiles also, which incorporate numerous non-venomous and venomous snakes. The area was a part of the royal province of Jambughoda before freedom. Kada happens to be an awesome campground also.
Wildlife Animals
Wildlife is impressively rich. Panther is the huge cat existing here, though jungle cat is the lesser cat. Among different carnivores hyena, wolf and jackal must be considered. Yapping deer, four horned impala, blue bell dry wild boar are the ungulates happening in the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. Other than civets, porcupine, mongoose, and a few species of rat are additionally found in the area.
Sloth bear is once in a while reported from the area. Crocodile, Python, and other herpetofauna additionally exist here. Birdlife is abundant. Before, junglefowl was plenteous here, yet the species is currently killed from the area or has turned out to be uncommon. The wildlife relies upon two water reservoirs built in the Sanctuary for fulfilling the need of water.
Also Read: Small Tour At Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary With Family
The wildlife magnificence of Gujarat is hard to encapsulate in one article. I have given brief about national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. You would need at least 3-4 days to explore them thoroughly. So, whenever you’re planning your trip, make sure you have enough time, else you would be regretting later.
