Picture a huge plain of golden colour with antelopes moving in a circle, which is rather fascinating to watch. This is the Blackbuck National Park, a little-known gem in the state of Gujarat in India, where the theatre of life begins anew every morning. This national park in Gujarat located in the Bhal region was a reserved hunting ground of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar who used cheetahs to hunt black bucks. Today, it is home to these graceful animals, as well as a myriad of other interesting wildlife. Visit the park where the wild lives and every time you visit you are guaranteed a new experience in the middle of Gujarat’s natural beauty.
History Of Blackbuck National Park
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Blackbuck National Park was set up in July 1976 to protect the blackbuck which was on the decline because of hunting. The park was initially established in an area of 18 square kilometres but was later enlarged in 1980 to 34 square kilometres. 08 square kilometers. This area is in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, Gujarat and was a private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar who hunted blackbuck with cheetahs. The status of the park was to protect not only the blackbuck but also other animals such as the lesser florican and the local wolves. Its conversion from a royal hunting reserve to a wildlife sanctuary was a milestone in the conservation of wildlife in India and the preservation of the semi-arid grasslands of the region and its biodiversity.
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Wildlife Of Velvadar Blackbuck National Park
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The Blackbuck is the pride of Velavadar National Park with its spiraled horns and elegant gallops on the golden meadows. These graceful antelopes are usually found in groups, and their action is always lively and very artistic. It is famous for the successful conservation of blackbuck which were earlier hunted for their meat.
Another animal found in the park is the Indian Wolf and it is one of the rarest nocturnal inhabitants of Velavadar National Park. This wolf is a great addition to the park as it is a predator with excellent hunting abilities and it hunts in groups.
In addition to these inhabitants of Velavadar National Park, the most interesting is the striped hyena, which has a striped coat and a rather shaggy appearance. The lesser Florican is one of the most interesting and endangered birds that can be observed in Velavadar National Park. This small bustard, which was once distributed all over India, now has one of its last refuges here.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park Entry Fee
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The entry fee of Blackbuck National Park is very cheap and affordable to most of the tourists. The current details of the fee structure show that the fee for Indian tourists is INR 100 while that for foreign tourists is INR 500. Additional charges may be expected for the utilization of cameras and for the offering of guided tours. Velavadar Blackbuck National Park timings are from 7 AM in the morning to 6 PM in the evening.
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Tips While Traveling To The Blackbuck National Park
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- Early Arrival: This is because animals are most active early in the morning and therefore, the early bird catches the shot.
- Bring Binoculars: The park is very large and animals may be quite a distance away from where one is standing. You will need binoculars to improve your view of the animals.
- Wear Neutral Colors: Wear natural colors such as brown, green, gray or beige so that the animals do not feel threatened by your presence.
- Carry Sufficient Water: There are no amenities such as food and drinks in the park and thus visitors should carry enough water for drinking.
- Book in Advance: In case you want to take a guided tour, then it is advisable to book in advance so that you can get a slot and also enjoy the tour.
- Pack Light Snacks: There are no food facilities within the park and therefore it is advisable to carry some light snacks for a quick boost.
- Follow Park Rules: Always respect the park rules, for example, do not throw litter around, do not make loud noises and do not stray off the trails.
- Stay Calm and Patient: Sighting of wild animals can sometimes be a very tedious affair. Do not panic, do not speak loudly and just sit patiently while waiting for the animals to come out.
- Use Eco-Friendly Products: Choose environmentally friendly products such as sunblock and insect repellent to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Check Weather Conditions: One should always check the weather before going out so that they are well equipped with the right clothes and accessories for the day.
Best Time To Visit Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
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Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Blackbuck National Park is usually non-seasonal but is closed for visitors from June 15 to October 15 due to the rainy season. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season which is from October to March when the weather is cool and the animals are most likely to be seen. Wildlife is most active during the early morning and late afternoon because of the heat during the day.
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Other National Parks In Gujarat
Gujarat, renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, is home to many remarkable national parks. Each park offers its own unique experiences, from spotting wildlife to immersing in the natural beauty. During your stay in Gujarat, explore the below-mentioned famous national parks and enjoy a perfect holiday.
1. Gir National Park
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Junagadh district has the Gir National Park which is home to the Asiatic lion and therefore it is a wildlife sanctuary. The park was set up in 1965 and it covers an area of about 1,412 square kilometres of hilly and rolling country, dry deciduous vegetation and Savannah. Besides lions, Gir is blessed with leopards, deer and more than 300 species of birds, among other wildlife. The presence of such diverse wildlife and the possibility of seeing a lion in the wild makes this an ideal place for wildlife and nature lovers.
Ticket Price: INR 800-1000 on regular days and 125 extra on weekends
Opening Hours: 6 am to 5 pm
2. Marine National Park
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Marine National Park is located in the Gulf of Kutch and is the first marine park in India that spans approximately 458 square kilometres. The park has a shallow water and coral reef system which provides home for many species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and different types of corals. There is also a mangrove forest in the park, which is home to different bird species due to the kind of vegetation that is found there. The park can be toured by water hence giving the visitors a chance to view the sea animals at close range. The park is a perfect place for those who are interested in marine life and its protection.
Ticket Price: INR 40 for Indians and INR 650 for foreigners
Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
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3. Vansda National Park
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Vansda National Park is situated in the Navsari district of Gujarat occupies an area of approximately 24 sq km and is characterized by thick forests and rich biodiversity. The park which was earlier used as a hunting ground for the royal family is now a wildlife sanctuary that houses leopards, wild boars and four-horned antelopes. The vegetation cover is dominated by grass and trees and the area is crossed by streams making it ideal for nature walks and bird watching. The area is still quite unspoiled and has a great deal of biodiversity making it an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of life and get into the lap of nature.
Ticket Price: INR 400 for Car / SUV / Jeep; INR 2000 for Mini Bus / Bus / Heavy Vehicle; 100 per hour for Guide and INR 50 for every extra hour
Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
4. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
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Although not a national park, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is one of the most protected areas in Gujarat and is very popular among bird watchers. With a size of over 120 square kilometers, this is a shallow and freshwater lake that is used by migratory birds during the winter period and some of the common birds include flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Nalsarovar was established in 1969 and the best time to visit this sanctuary is in the winter when the birds migrate in thousands. One can easily spot these birds while taking a boat ride on the lake and this makes it a perfect place to view them. Nalsarovar is a bird watcher’s and photographer’s dream come true.
Ticket Price: INR 75 on weekdays and INR 85 of weekends; USD 10 for foreigners
Opening Hours: INR 75 on weekdays and INR 85 on weekends
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How To Reach Blackbuck National Park
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By Road: Blackbuck National Park is located at a distance of about 42 km from Bhavnagar which has a good network of roads. The park can be reached by taking a taxi or driving from Bhavnagar.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport which has connectivity with Mumbai. For international visitors, the nearest airport is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad which is about 95 kilometers by road.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Dhola Junction which is at a distance of 30 km from the park. Another railhead is Bhavnagar Terminus which is at a distance of 45 kilometers from the city.
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A visit to Blackbuck National Park is a great chance to discover the richness of Indian wildlife in a rather calm and peaceful environment. The park is home to the elegant blackbuck and the shy wolf among other animals. Blackbuck National Park is ideal for first-time visitors as well as frequent wildlife tourists. It is advisable to visit the park between the months of October and March to have the best view of the wildlife and the natural resources in Gujarat. If you want to make your travel even more exciting, it is highly recommended to include Gujarat in your list of destinations. Plan a trip to Gujarat right away.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blackbuck National Park
Is it possible to go to Blackbuck National Park during the rainy season?
No, the park is closed from June 15 to October 15 for the breeding of wildlife that is found in the park.
Is there any possibility of having a guided tour in the park?
Yes, there are guided tours and it is advisable to take this tour since it is more informative.
Is there a provision for lodging within the park?
There are no facilities for lodging within the park. Most of the visitors spend their night in Bhavnagar and only go for a day trip to the park.
What type of clothes should one wear when going to the park?
It is advised to dress lightly and in comfortable walking shoes since a part of the tour will be done outside.
Is there any provision for a canteen or cafeteria or any other place to have food and beverages within the park?
There are no provisions for food and beverages within the park and therefore it is recommended that one brings his/her own food and water.
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