Insiders Travel Guide to Blackbuck National Park Velavadar
Things to Know Before you plan Blackbuck Safari in Velavadar
Where is Blackbuck National Park – Velavadar situated?
Velavadar Blackbuck national park is situated in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, Gujarat. The park was established in 1976 with an initial protected area of 18 square km. Later in 1980, an additional area of 16 square km was added. Now covering an entire area of 34 square km.
What is Blackbuck National Park Velavadar famous for?
As the name indicates, the national park is well-known for its rare and unique population of blackbucks. These beautiful and extremely fast antelopes can be spotted strutting leisurely across the pale gold grasslands. Although the park is one of the smallest in the country. However, it is still home to a variety of distinct flora and fauna. Thus makes for an exciting visit to this heavenly place.
What is the History of Blackbuck National Park Velavadar?
The Velavadar national park used to be the hunting grounds for the Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar. Today, it is a protected habitat for over 3000 blackbucks, along with more than 120 species of birds. Moreover, other animals such as nilgai, jackal, wolf, striped hyena and many more call it home. The diverse species of birds are one of the main attractions that fascinate tourists, especially bird watchers. Velavadar Blackbuck national park is a destination that will surely appeal to the hearts of people. It is not only a destination for tourists who have a penchant for nature and its adventures.
What is the best time to visit Velavadar Blackbuck National Park?
Velavadar National Park is an ideal destination for adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers panoramic views of the unique grassland ecosystem and has a wide variety of flora and faunal species. The most ideal time to visit the park is from the month of late October till the end of March. Many species of migratory birds such as the lesser florican, eagles and waders can be spotted easily.
What are the things to do in Blackbuck National Park Velavadar?
Jungle Safari in Blackbuck National Park Velavadar
What is the best way to explore Velavadar – Blackbuck National Park?
The best way to visit the national park is by using jungle safari. There are various guided jeep safari tours for wildlife viewing and photography. Unlike other national parks in the country, the forest department does not provide its own safari vehicles. Though rental safari vehicles are available. However, hiring and taking along a guide from the forest department is mandatory.
How can you book jungle safari in Blackbuck National Park Velavadar?
Visitors can hire a private safari vehicle according to their convenience. Moreover, the following instructions must be kept in mind:
- The entry fee for each vehicle entering the national park containing up to 6 persons (including guide) is Rs. 500
- The fees for the forest department guide (compulsory) is Rs. 400
- There are 3 safari timings for entry into the park:
- 7 am to 10 am
- 10 am to 1 pm, and
- 4 pm to 7 pm.
- The fees for each camera used for photography purposes is Rs. 200
Nature Walk around Blackbuck National Park Velavadar
Once a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, Velavadar national park is a famous tourist destination today. As it offers splendid views of nature and wildlife.
The semi-arid condition of the park combined with the tide of seawater in monsoons creates habitable conditions for various species of fauna in the park. People from all walks of life all come together to explore and celebrate the rich biodiversity of Velavadar national park. Located between the Parvalia and Alang Rivers, the sanctuary offers a placid environment. Furthermore filled with serenity and peace for travellers who want to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
The park is truly a bird watcher’s delight as it contains more than 180 distinct species of birds. The natural beauty and magnificent sights lead many tourists for a nature walk in the midst of the wilderness. If you wish to witness the magical forests and their sprawling wildlife from up close. Then nature walks are the best ways to quench your thirst for adventure.
Farm Visit near Velavadar
There are times when all people want is a place that can soothe their minds and ease their pains. They just want to get away from the hustle-bustle of loud cities. Along with, spending some time in the lap of nature. Velavadar is a unique wildland that is like a treasure chest. A chest containing all the gems of nature in a single place. The Velavadar national park is home to the largest concentration of Blackbucks. Blackbucks are one of the most elegant and fastest antelopes in the world. The area comprises mainly flat golden grasslands and is surrounded by various fields and farms.
Despite being located on the periphery, the farmlands in Velavadar offer unparalleled views of birds, mammals, butterflies in the beautiful land of savannah. A visit through these exotic farms provides a great experience of simple and rustic living. With an extensive birdlife present in Velavadar, tourists can easily spot colourful migratory birds. Birds like Pelicans, flamingos, white and painted storks. The blackbucks sometimes venture into the farms surrounding the national parks. Majorly to feed but their main predator, the wolves, keep an eye out for them for the ultimate kill. Velavadar is also home to temples, bird sanctuary, archaeological sites.
Furthermore making it an ideal tourist destination for the perfect getaway plan.
Village Visit near Velavadar in Bhavnagar
Village life is an embodiment of peace, sobriety and simple living. With arrays of trees, pure ponds, patches of green lands and an atmosphere of tranquillity. The Velavadar villages represent the rural lifestyle in their truest form.
They are free from the complications of city life and provide a fresh and pollution-free environment. Velavadar is one such village situated in the Bhavnagar district of the state of Gujarat. It attracts tourists who want a taste of the rural and rustic way of life.
Due to its close proximity to the Velavadar Blackbuck national park, the region of Velavadar receives a lot of visitors. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the picturesque views and calm their busy minds. The village visit in or nearby Velavadar is a great way to grasp the unique blessings as well as challenges of living outside the noisy cities. The village life lends its authenticity to its pure and unpolluted air, clean surroundings, unadulterated food and a bucolic sense of peace.
If you wish to savour the benefits of your toil in a place that can charm your senses and make all your worries go away, then a village visit near Velavadar, Bhavnagar must be on your bucket list.
