Blackbucks are the signature wildlife species in VelavadarNational Park and this corkscrew horned antelope can easily be spotted either
crossing the road, grazing peacefully, or just jumping off the lush green
meadows.
Stretched over 34 sq. km, Velavadar National Park is split
into the Wetland Area and the Grassland Area. The park is split by a steep road
and tourists can visit both areas.
In the past, it was the territory of the Maharaja of
Bhavnagar who used it to hunt these antelopes through his cheetahs. After
independence, it was announced as a national park in the year 1976. In 1980, it
was doubled in size to protect the wildlife species.
Flora and Fauna
The grasslands of Velavadar are the home to over 5000 rare
and threatened Indian blackbucks. Seeing the adult males sprinting on the
ground is truly a sight to behold. The antelopes are used to do something like
this to avoid predators. Male blackbucks have pale black bodies, white
underbellies, and corkscrew horns. On the other hand, juveniles and females are
sandy brown in color and they don’t have horns.
The blue bull or nilgai is another mammal found in huge
numbers. The Indian grey mongoose, wild boar, and black naped are other mammals
which are easy to find. Velavadar is well regarded as the prominent paradise
for bird watchers along with spotting blackbuck.
More than 200 bird species call its grassland their home. It
is also the largest roosting spot in the world for Harriers like western marsh,
montagu, and hen harriers which are used to migrate here during winters. Some
other bird species found here are francolin, larks, and stonechat. You can spot
pelicans, flamingos, painted storks, common cranes, and other birds in the
wetlands. The grasslands are also the heaven for raptors like steppe eagle,
short toed eagle, eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, and short eared owl.
Some of the predators found here are the golden jackal,
Indian striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian fox, and Indian grey wolf. Some of the
common reptile species found here are Indian cobra, common krait, and
saw-scaled viper.
Best Season to Visit
Summer temperatures hover around 40°C from March to June. It
is also a good spot for spotting animals roaming around the sources of water.
In this time, you can also spot migratory birds. The park remains closed in
monsoons, i.e. from mid June to October. You can find a lot of animals and
birds from October to February due to pleasant temperatures.
How to Reach?
By road
Velavadar is located 150 km from Ahmedabad and only 65 km
from Bhavnagar. GSRTC buses run frequently to Bhavnagar from all major cities.
If you are coming from other states, be sure to reach Ahmedabad.
By Rail
Bhavnagar Junction is closest railhead. Then you need to
travel by road to reach there.
By Air
Ahmedabad is the closest airport providing direct
connectivity to all major cities of India.
Phone: +918010450000
Email: info@asianadventures.in
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