You must have visited several wild life Sanctuaries but the one I am taking you to is something different. There are not many big trees and forests but still it offers just the perfect environment for some of the endangered wild lives. Isn’t it great to explore a place that is quite similar to the African Savannah that too in our country? The Blackbuck National Park Velavadhar is the place which resembles to the Savannah but it is smaller in size definitely.The Blackbuck National Park, Velavadhar is located in Bhal region of Saurashtra of Bhavnagar District in the state of Gujarat, India. You may be surprised to know that this tropical grass land is the only one in the entire country to get the status of a national park. Spread over an area of 34.08 km the Velavadhar National Park was established in the year 1976. At the time of its inception it was only 17.88 km but later on in the year 1980 another 16.22 km has been added to the park to make it the present park. It comprises of basically grasslands and thorny shrubs. The Park is governed by the forest department of Gujarat. Close to the”Gulf of Khambat” at the south the Valavadhar National Park is the 4B Gujarat Rajwada biotic province of semi arid bio geographical zone in the state. The park consists of the following geography:• 17.5 km2 grass land• 5 km2 invasive shrub• 10 km2 saline lands and high tidal mudflat landsThere are two rivers flowing from both the sides. It is said that the soil here is really rich in nutrients. The highlight of this National Park is the very handsome Blackbucks (Indian antelope) that are found here in large numbers. You can sight them in herds of thousands running together. Though Blackbucks are one of the most common species in India but today they are endangered and are found only in this Park.The Blackbucks are quite graceful antelopes who are said to be the fastest animals of long distances. If we take a dip into the history then we come to know that this place initially belonged to the Maharajas of Bhavnagar and it was harvested for grass in order to the food requirements of royal cattle herds. The blackbucks were hunted by the royal family members on occasions but otherwise they were protected. But now the antelopes are fully protected and as a result they multiplied fast and a massive population is the success of the efforts.The wildlife in the park includes the following fauna:• Blackbucks• Wolves (carnivores)• Fox (carnivores)• Jackal (carnivores)• Jungle cat (carnivores)• Wild pig• Houbara bustard• Nilgai (Indian antelope)• Hare• RodentsSeveral species of birds are the life of this park. It includes:• Sand grouse• Larks• Harrier roost• Pelicans• Flamingos• White and painted storks• Three kinds of cranes• Stolizca’s Bush chat• Lesser floricans, etc.This park is the breeding ground of wolves. It is said that very few places in the world are of such type where wolves’ population is growing as wolves is the main predator in this park. The Harrier roost seen here is the largest in the entire world according to the research by the British Harrier expert Mr. Roger Clarke. You can find the largest population of Lesser Floricans in this Park.Best time to visit the park:Though the park is open all year around but the best time to make a visit here is from December to March as during this time you can sight beautiful foreign migratory species of birds along with animals. The migratory birds include Harriers, Lesser Floricans, Eagles, Waders, various water birds, etc. that come here while winters are on high in European countries.How to reach here?Bhavnagar is 72 kilometres away from the National Park and Ahmedabad is 140 miles away from the park. One can reach here easily by road. The nearest railway station is Dhola Town which is 50 kilometres away. The nearby attraction is Vallabhipur located 30 kilometres from the Velavadhar National Park. It is a historical place. It will cost around Rs. 700 to Rs.1000 a day for taxi to visit the park from Bhavnagar.Accommodation:A bungalow at the park provides accommodation facility for visitors on prior bookings only. It is maintained by the Forest Department of Gujarat Government. You can also avail accommodation in the nearby private lodge. For reservation you can call the headquarters at Bhavnagar on 02782426425 or to the Park authorities at 02782880342 between 10.30 am and 6.00 pm.RUCHI MAHAJANзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн