Velavadar is situated in the Bhal region of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is a unique grassland ecosystem and perhaps the only tropical grasslands in India to be deemed a National Park. It is most renowned for its enchanting blackbuck population.
The elegant blackbuck is endemic to India and Velavadar is one of its prime home territories. Wolves are the main predators of blackbuck in the park. It is highly recommended for any birdwatcher, with several birds like the Lesser Florican visiting the area. Besides, Velavadar has also earned fame as the world’s largest roosting site of the harrier. Pack your bags, right away!
Velavadar National Park extends over an area of 35 sq. km. comprising mainly flat grasslands. The Park lies between two rivers, some distance away from the Gulf of Cambay. The fertile soils are believed to have arisen from the sea.
This is a unique National Park with exclusive grassland habitat. The savannah type grasslands extend uniformly, interspersed with dry thorny scrub. The grasses on an average grow about 30-45 cm. tall.
Velavadar must feature on any birdwatcher’s itinerary. The international harrier expert, Roger Clarke of the UK, has certified the harrier roost at Velavadar National Park as one of the largest in the world. Harriers mainly arrive during the winter. Species found include the Pale Harrier, Montague Harrier, Marsh Harrier and the Hen Harrier.
Several other bird species are also found in Velavadar. Sarus and Demoiselle Cranes, Painted and White Storks, the Spot-billed Duck and the White Ibis are some of the prominent amongst these. Sandgrouse, pintails and partridges abound while species like the Red Wattled Lapwing also make the occasional appearance.
Five species of larks are found at Velavadar including the Sykes’ Lark. The Red-necked Falcon, Painted Francolin, Rain Quail and flocks of the Indian Courser may also be encountered within the park. The Oriental Pratincole is fairly common and the Little Bustard Quail is sometimes seen.
The dainty Lesser Florican arrives in time for the rains, almost like clockwork, year after year. Velavadar is often quoted as one of the best places to observe the Lesser Florican. Sightings are almost assured during the monsoons, when they arrive to breed.
More than 1,000 blackbuck exist on the open grasslands of Velavadar.
These are shy and extremely graceful animals and the fastest of all Indian antelopes. The male has ringed horns spirally twisted into three or four turns; up to 70 cm. long. Females are light brown and usually lack horns. Wolves and jackals are prime predators in the park. Other mammals seen in Velavadar include the fox, jackal, jungle cat, wild pig, nilgai, the blacknaped hare and several rodents.
Transport:
By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhavnagar (65 km.).
By Rail: Bhavnagar, 65 km. from Velavadar is a convenient railhead. There are direct trains everyday from Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar (299 km.) Bhavnagar is 65 km. from the Park.
By Road: The park is 315 km. from Rajkot and 170 km. from Ahmedabad. It is most easily accessible from Bhavnagar city (65km.) Buses ply everyday between Bhavnagar and Velavadar. Two buses leave Bhavnagar every afternoon and return the next morning. The buses halt at Vallabhipur, 45 km. from the park. You can also hire taxis if you want to simply make a day trip to the park.
