Category: Travel Tips

Gujarat’s Top Wildlife Destinations

A Quick Guide

The exotic side of Gujarat comes alive in the vast array of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries each opening a different window to the wild beauty of the state. The state is the home of some of the most wonderful and unusual animals in India, which include the majestic Asiatic lions looking like they are on the prowl in the thick forests of Gir, Correls, elegant blackbucks skipping across the velvet grasslands of Velavadar and the blue bulls that whizz by on the roads. Among these treasures, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary also known as Blackbuck National Park or Velavadar National Park stands out as a heaven for rare wildlife and unforgettable safari experiences. 

Interested in your heart-stopping safari adventures, calm bird watching’s, or an intimate away-from-the-noise-of-the-cities acquaintance with nature, the conservation areas of Gujarat will deliver not just memorable, but an intimate experiences of the safari and nature overall.

Here is a quick coverage of the best wildlife spots in Gujarat which will treat you to the wildlife that is just amazing and the sheer biodiversity and beauty of this colorful western state is hard to describe. Here is a brief of best wildlife havens to visit in Gujarat:

Gir National Park

• Famous For: Asiatic lions, leopards, crocodiles, over 300 bird species
• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Top Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, nature walks

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park

• Famous For: Blackbucks, Indian wolves, lesser florican, open grasslands
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Activities: Jeep safaris, cycling, wildlife photography

Wild Ass Sanctuary (Little Rann of Kutch)

• Famous For: Indian wild ass (khur), desert fox, caracal, migratory birds
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, salt pan tours

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

• Famous For: Flamingos, pelicans, storks, over 200 migratory bird species
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Top Activities: Boat rides, sunrise birdwatching, photography

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

• Famous For: Sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, forest trekking
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Activities: Trekking, wildlife spotting, nature walks

Marine National Park

• Famous For: Coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, mangroves
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Top Activities: Snorkeling, boat rides, tide pool walks

Wildlife Destinations At A Glance

Sanctuary/National Park	Key Wildlife	Best Time to Visit	Top Activities	Region/District
Gir National Park	Asiatic lion, leopard	Dec–Mar	Jeep safari, birdwatching	Junagadh
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park	Blackbuck, Indian wolf	Oct–Mar	Safari, cycling	Bhavnagar
Wild Ass Sanctuary	Indian wild ass, caracal	Oct–Mar	Safari, birdwatching	Little Rann of Kutch
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary	Flamingo, pelican	Nov–Feb	Boating, birdwatching	Near Ahmedabad
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary	Sloth bear, leopard	Oct–Mar	Trekking, wildlife spotting	Banaskantha
Marine National Park	Coral, dolphin, sea turtle	Oct–Feb	Snorkeling, boat rides	Jamnagar

Did You Know?

• Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is India’s largest wildlife sanctuary, spanning over 7,500 sq km.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary was once a range for Asiatic lions and now shelters leopards, wolves, and rare birds.

Quick Tips For Your Wild Gujarat Adventure

• Best Season: Most sanctuaries are best visited between October and March for pleasant weather and active wildlife.
• How to Get There: Most parks are accessible by road, with nearby railway stations and airports in major cities.
• Stay Options: From luxury Blackbuck Lodge and Velavan Blackbuck Resort and forest guesthouses and in the wilderness, Gujarat offers a range of accommodations near each sanctuary.

Gujarat wildlife is not just about sighting wild animals but it is about entering into a world where the rhythms of nature still beat wild. It could be the sounds of a lion roaring in Gir, the elegant antics of blackbuck in the grasslands of Velavadar or the silent poetry of flamingos at the Nal Sarovar, every place has something to say in its voice of survival, wonder and an eternal relationship. These temples ask you to take it easy, open your eyes, enjoy things that will haunt you out even after visiting the places. Thus, in case you are out there yearning to have another adventure which nourishes the soul and ignites your curiosity, then the wild places in Gujarat are there to discover. Prepare your luggage, your imagination, and become ready to write a book of memories just nature herself will talk about it to you forever.

A Complete Guide

As a port, trading center of Gujarat and close to the wild lands of Velavadar, Bhavnagar has a wide variety of hotels and resorts to suit all types of visitors. Here is the ultimate list of where to stay in Bhavnagar with an information of the Blackbuck Resort and Blackbuck Lodge, a highlighting one of its kind that offers an amazing mix of both worlds, and the city best resorts and hotels of all types maintaining all in its budget.

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Velavan Blackbuck Resort & Blackbuck Lodge

Blackbuck Lodge and Velavan Blackbuck Resort are the incomparable options close to Blackbuck National Park Velavadar. Blackbuck Lodge is famous to the luxurious cottages that are enveloped on the outskirts of the park providing a panoramic view of the highlands. Each cottage has been carefully laid out in terms of privacy and comfort and there are large windows and the private decks where you can watch blackbucks grazing at sunrise. Gourmet food, custom safari, and serene atmosphere are some of the features that the lodge offers which makes it popular among wildlife watchers and couples on a romantic getaway. Velavan Blackbuck Resort has a family stay, well furnished rooms and cottages, local food and proximity to the entrance gate of the park. Visitors have praised about the friendly welcome, escorted safari tours, and the serene environment that gives you a chance to relax after the adventurous day out.

Highlights:

• Immersive wildlife experiences and guided safaris
• Private cottages and serene views of the grasslands
• Ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers

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Bhavnagar’s Top Hotels, Resorts, and Stays

City hotels and resorts in Bhavnagar serve all tastes, including the heretical chic to the modern luxury style, beyond the wilderness of Velavadar.

1. Iscon The Fern Resort & Spa, Bhavnagar

This is an eco-friendly resort that is popular within the family market and business travellers who enjoy its two outdoor pools, fitness centre, abundant gardens and spacious rooms (some with views of the park). Guests enjoy the soothing atmosphere, great food and the quality of the services they can rely on.

2. Nilambag Palace Hotel

Live like a king or queen in an 18 th century palace which has magnificent architecture, beautiful gardens and gourmet food. Its heritage feel, large rooms and outstanding hospitality are some of the reasons that makes it a preferred choice by those wanting an aristocratic accommodation.

3. Efcee Sarovar Premiere

This sophisticated hotel boasts of modern amenities, outdoor swimming pool, spa and a strategic location at the vicinity of Victoria Park. The stylish rooms with good eats and service make guests, whether business or leisure, happy.

4. Top3 Lords Resort Bhavnagar

A mix of comfort and conveniences, Top3 Lords Resort offers large rooms, a pool, spa, gym, and an all-purpose event place. Family-friendly facilities and polite staff make the place a perfect setting to have events and celebrations.

5. Hotel Clarks Collection-Bhavnagar

An up to date, well-furnished hotel that is also commended because of its clean rooms, good quality food and staff. There are no surprises about it as it is close to the temples and other attractions of the city, has in-room dining and creates a warm atmosphere to please any travelers.

6. Narayani Heritage

It is a heritage hotel that provides modern comfort at fair prices along with magnificent architecture. The clean rooms, friendly faces of service, and quality food is what put guests in love with this place and makes it a unique one in Bhavnagar.

7. Hotel Sun and shine

This hotel is famous due to its beautiful lobby, clean rooms and fast service, popular among the families and business travelers in search of the rest and convenience.

8. Aradhana Auberge

This is a good hotel to stay with the family, and what it has to offer include clean room, good foods, cooperative staffs. It is good value and its location is good, which makes it a fairly popular mid-range option.

9. The Basil Park

The Basil Park is a 24-hour front desk, garden, and airport transportation 4-star property that is convenient to both business people and people who prefer a relaxing stay.

10. Dared Tree of Life Darbargadh

To get a different experience, this facility has an outdoor pool, garden, and a mixture of the heritage facilities and contemporary facilities that are just right to get a different experience.

11. Hotel Rangoli Park and resort

It is a fine choice of venue and events and functions, there is a restaurant and maintained grounds. It is a little bit out of the city, but it is valued due to its emptiness and event facilities.

12. Virgo Sumeru hotel

A 3-star hotel with a concierge service, luggage depository and cozy clean rooms- suitable to business and pleasure guests.

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Quick Comparison Table

Hotel/Resort	Key Features	Ideal For
Blackbuck Lodge	Luxury cottages, wildlife safaris, fine dining	Nature lovers, couples
Velavan Blackbuck Resort	Family-friendly, guided tours, local cuisine	Families, wildlife fans
Iscon The Fern Resort & Spa	Pools, gardens, eco-friendly, modern amenities	Families, business
Nilambag Palace Hotel	Heritage palace, gardens, royal ambiance	Heritage seekers, couples
Efcee Sarovar Premiere	Modern luxury, pool, spa, city location	Business, leisure
Top3 Lords Resort	Spacious rooms, event spaces, pool, gym	Families, events
Hotel Clarks Collection	Clean, modern, central, friendly staff	All travelers
Narayani Heritage	Heritage charm, good food, reasonable rates	Heritage lovers, families
Hotel Sun ‘n’ Shine	Clean, convenient, family-friendly	Families, business
The Basil Park	4-star, garden, airport transfers	Business, peaceful stays
Tree of Life Darbargadh Dared	Heritage + modern, pool, garden	Unique experiences

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With the wildness beauty of Blackbuck Lodge and Velavan Blackbuck Resort to royalty of Nilambag Palace and the modern luxuries of Iscon the fern & resort, Bhavnagar has numerous places and sites of every traveller. Be it wildlife, heritage or urban comfort, whatever is the point of your trip you can surely find a stay that is just right in this bustling city of Gujarat.

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Gujarat is where the wild heart of India beats, where sun lights the grasslands and meets salt-kissed marshes, and ancient forests echo with the calls of mysterious creatures. Here, the mighty roar of Gir’s Asiatic lions stirs the soul, while the graceful leaps of Velavadar’s blackbucks paint poetry across the plains; a spectacle best experienced at the renowned Blackbuck Safari Lodge or Blackbuck Resort, both true Velavadar resorts offering an immersive escape into the world of the Velavadar blackbuck sanctuary. Each sanctuary is a living canvas, brushed with vibrant colors and teeming with life’s untamed spirit. If your heart yearns for adventure and your soul seeks the thrill of the wild, let Gujarat’s enchanting wilderness be your next unforgettable journey. Here are the state’s most magical wildlife destinations you simply can’t afford to miss.

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1. Gir National Park: The Land of the Asiatic Lion

Other than Africa, Gir National Park is the only place where you can spot the majestic Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. Spread over 1,412 square kilometers in the Junagadh district, Gir is also home to leopards, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds. Safari experiences here bring you thrillingly close to the king of the jungle and the park’s stunning landscapes of hills and rivers make every visit memorable.

Best Time to Visit: December to March
Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, photography

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2. Velavadar Blackbuck National Park: Grassland Wonderland

Velavadar Blackbuck national park in Bhavnagar District is an adventure center and a heaven for wildlife lovers. It is a specialized preserve as it is renowned to have gigantic golden grasslands and thriving population of blackbucks which are fine-looking antelopes with beautiful spirals of horns and amongst other things, have astonishing speeds of up to 80 km/h. Ruling the plains, the blackbucks are well over 3,000 to amuse the visitors with dramatic views of grazing herds, speed chasing as well as even fighting among the males particularly during the early morning or evenings hours when the animals are most active.

Blackbucks are not alone in the limelight however. Other animals which can be found in the park include the Indian wolves, blue bulls (nilgai), foxes, jungle cats and more than 180 species of birds including the rare lesser florican and large flocks of migratory harriers that travel annually to Siberia. The best season to see wolves is during winter because they are more evident and vocal as they are more often seen in groups when scouting the grasslands.

Best Time to Visit: October to May
Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, nature walks

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3. Indian Wild Ass (Khur) Sanctuary: The Last Refuge

Wild Ass Sanctuary of the little Rann of Kutch is the only such habitat in the world where the endangered Indian wild ass (Khur) makes itself at home. The sanctuary also has desert foxes, caracals, flamingos and cranes and is covered by almost 5000 square kilometers. The view as the territory changes dramatically during the monsoon period when it is transformed into a dense wetland is a spectacle on its own.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, salt pan tours

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4. Marine National Park: Underwater Marvels

The Marine National Park in Gujarat is India first marine national park situated in Gulf of Kutch. Coral reefs, mangroves as well as dolphins, sea turtles, and other colorful fish can be found in the park as it is a treasure trove of marine life. A snorkeling and a boat ride experience another form of a wildlife adventure which lets one see the beautiful world under the sea.

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Activities: Snorkeling, boat rides, nature walks

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5. Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: The Hidden Gem

There is also a less known sanctuary of Barda Hills, near Porbandar, which holidays home to the Asiatic lion, leopards, wolves, jackals, including rare species of birds such as crested hawk-eagles and flamingos. The tropical forest and natural landscapes will be an ideal location to walk and spend time, and the sanctuary also has ethnic tribes, which enrich your journey.

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Activities: Trekking, wildlife spotting, cultural tours

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6. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: Birdwatcher’s Paradise

If you love birds, Nal Sarovar is a must-visit. It is a huge wetland and possesses more than 200 species of migratory and resident birds such as flamingoes, pelicans, storks and herons. Smooth boat rides at sunset or sunrise provide enchanting bird watching sessions in peaceful environments.

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Activities: Birdwatching, boating, photography

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7. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary: Weekend Wilderness

The Green Camp is located in the Jambughoda deep inside at the core of the Panchmahal district, teak and bamboo forest. It harbors leopards, sloth bears, wild boars as well as various species of deer. Sanctuary can be used as weekend retreat and it is possible to stay in the forest guesthouses in order to enjoy the real forest view.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Activities: Nature walks, wildlife spotting, camping

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Ready To Awaken Your Inner Explorer?

following the pawprints of lions through the ancient forests of Gir, witnessing herds of blackbuck jumping like dancing poets across the golden grassland of Velavadar or being lost in the shimmering salt flats where Wild asses and their unending horizons dance together. The wildlife sanctuaries cannot be simply visited with simple sights to see, there is a high pulse factor to it, exotic finds and an opportunity to get in touch with your wild side in nature.

Gujarat Invites You To Experience Nature In Its Most Dazzling Forms.

So, dust off your binoculars, charge your camera, and let curiosity be your compass. The wild wonders of Gujarat are calling.

Tales of Wild Freedom

Blackbuck National Park Velavadar

Welcome to Velavadar, where nature writes its own epic story every single day. Velavadar isn’t just a park; it’s an experience. You get close to nature, observe animals in their natural habitats, and remember the moments you spend there for a lifetime. If you’re after a rare photo of a blackbuck or just enjoying the calm of the landscape, Velavadar has a magical effect. You ready? It’s time to pack up your gear, get your camera, and set out for Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar. Velavadar has something exciting for solo adventurers, families on holiday, and even groups of friends looking for adventure together.

The Urge to Follow Nature

The state’s greatest surprise for people who like wildlife, love nature, and enjoy photography. This park has more to offer than most, with spotting blackbucks, wolves, and birds above in its open grasslands.

Why Velavadar?

The reason it’s special is because it’s wild, real, and unforgettable. Established in 1976, Velavadar was designed as a home for blackbucks, but today it’s full of all kinds of wildlife.

Guide to Reach Velavadar

• By Air: Take a plane to Bhavnagar and ride a cab or bus out of the city to visit the park.
• By Train: Get off at Bhavnagar station. Afterwards, the road to Velavadar passes by some picturesque sights.
• By Road:
  • From Ahmedabad: It takes 150 km to get here.
  • From Bhavnagar: Only 65 km away.
  • An added bonus is that you can enjoy great views the whole way there.

Looking for Authentic Gujarati Food?

Make a pit stop at dhabas for theplas and buttermilk.

Safari Time

Isn’t just a drive, it’s an experience

• Safari Timings: Twice a day – 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Pro Tip: The morning safari is golden for wildlife sightings.
• Best Season: October to June, with November to February being peak perfection.

Who’s in the Park?

The Perfect Wildlife Spotting

• Blackbucks – The park’s posters. These sleek, spotted antelopes are a photographer’s dream.
• Indian Wolves – Rare and elusive, these guys are the park’s mysterious rockstars.
• Hyenas and Foxes – The night shift crew, adding a dash of drama to the ecosystem.
• Birds Galore – Over 140 species, including harriers, eagles, and the ultra-rare Stolizca’s bush chat.

Beyond the Park

While Velavadar is the star, the region has more to offer:

• Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (80 km) – A birdwatcher’s paradise.
• Lothal (130 km) – An ancient Indus Valley site where you can see how people lived centuries ago.
• Visit Bhavnagar (65 km) – Check out temples, museums, and the area’s special dishes.

Your Home Page – Stay Options

Life at the Best Destinations Should Fit the Destination

Blackbuck Safari Lodge

• Imagine eco-luxury and comfort coming together here.
• The accommodation has solar power, its own organic garden, and a talented chef who makes delicious dishes from local food.
• You can join a nature walk, see cultural performances, or try out astronomy at the lodge.
• Look out your window directly at grazing blackbucks.

An Off-the-Grid Alternative – Forest Rest House

• Book with Gujarat Forest Department to have a real forest experience.
• Not many facilities, but very close to nature.
• At night, the sounds of the grasslands will put you to sleep, and you’ll hear birds welcome the new day.
• If you want a bit of city life and adventure with nature, this is the place for you.

Things Still to Do Before the Exam

✔ Camera battery full and memory cards inserted.

✔ Bringing items in earth-brown tones is a smart clothing choice for safari.

✔ Binoculars to help in bird watching.

✔ Wear sunscreen and a hat for grassland safety.

✔ Be willing and kind when you meet wildlife.

✔ Honour nature and people in the area.

Your Adventure Awaits – The Call of the Grasslands

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar turns a visit into an experience that’s much deeper. Get your bags, your camera, and start preparing for a journey through Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar. No matter if you go on your own, with relatives, or with friends, Velavadar will give you an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

So, why not take action now?

The sound of grasslands echoes, and the blackbucks are ready for us. The wild can now begin.