Wildlife Sanctuary

Gir National Park

One of the largest domains of the ferocious Asiatic animals, Gir National Park is a sparkling diamond in the jewels of Gujarat. Along with lions, this dry deciduous forest is home to more than 300 avian species like great horned own, crested serpent eagle and other members of the cat family like leopards.

Going by the records of the forest department, there are 29 species of reptiles, 33 species of mammals, 93 species of invertebrates, 96 trees, and 448 flowering plants. Also, the national park is notable for its silk cotton trees; whose bright orange flowers add dashes of color to this dusty brown landscape. Best time to go for jeep safari at Gir National Park is between March and May.

Marine National Park

Western edges of Gujarat are flanked by 1600 km long coastline, which is perhaps the largest in India. In this long coastline, there is a tiny reserve called Marine National Park, which is one of its kinds in India, on the Gulf of Kutch.

It's the only place in India where one can see the coral reefs of different shapes and sizes without diving in the water. Some of the finest marine species that can be found in the national park are sponges, starfishes, sea cucumbers, puffer fishes, sea horses, huge green sea turtles, etc. Also, you can see many sea birds like cranes, flamingos, sea gulls, etc. To reach the marine national park, you will have to hire a boat from the Bedi Port or Sikka Port. The local boat takes one and a half hours to reach the main park. Dreamy beaches, picturesque coastline, clear water, and a dash of history-all can be found and experienced on a trip to Marine National Park.

Wild Ass Sanctuary

Taking about the wildlife tourism places, a vivid image of lush jungle with a countless number of trees and plants clicks our mind, but that’s not it. Certain wildlife sanctuaries can be found in the harsh deserts and best example of the same is is the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Located in Little Run of Kutch over an area of 5000 square kilometers, the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Kutch is the only home to wild ass in India.

Other than the wild ass, the sanctuary is home to 32 other type of mammals including chinkara(Indian gazelle), Jackals, Caracals, Nilgais (the largest antelope of Asia), Indian Wolves, Blackbucks, Striped Hyenas, etc. There are around 3000 wild asses in the sanctuary and can be best seen in and around October and November. Tourists who are visiting the sanctuary can book their stay in the resorts and hotels nearby the sanctuary. Day safari from Dhrandadhra, Zainabad and Dasada are provided by the resort. Wild Ass Sanctuary is no less than an empyrean for the tourists, needless to say- of all kinds!

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park

Travelers who love the concept of safari in African savannah but somehow not able to manage the trip then Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is one of the places that can quench your wanderlust. The national park is situated in Bhal region (approximately 150 km from Ahmedabad) and as the name suggest it is one of the largest roosting grounds of blackbucks. Along with the blackbucks, here you can spot birds of every shapes and size. Walking is the only way to explore the national park, and it indeed sounds exciting here.

Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary

ven if I go by the law of probability, there will be the best chances of spotting great Indian bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds, at the extensive grassland of Kutch.

The sanctuary is spread over an area of 2 sq km and is the second largest home ground of Indian Bustard, the largest being Desert National Park in the neighboring state of Rajasthan. Other than the Great Indian Bustard, birds that are found flying around the sanctuary are McQueen’s Bustard, Lesser Florican, Stoliczkas, Bushchats, Merlins. Varied vegetation, semi-arid grasslands, and marshy swamps make Kutch Bustard Sanctuary an ideal home for Great Indian Bustard. Best times to visit Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary are between August and March.