wastern Indian state of Gujarat can be defined. This absolutely vivacious state is also one of the wealthiest wildlife destinations in the country. Well, we cannot forget that Gujarat is the only state in India that shelters a sizable population of the Asiatic Lions, which is a threatened species. It is a secure habitat for rare species of blackbuck and the Indian wild ass. The state is also a preferred haunt of many rare and endangered species of migratory birds. Call it a haven for wildlife, Mecca for the ornithologists or paradise for the nature lovers, Gujarat is all in all an ideal place for a wildlife getaway in India. Here is the list of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are a must see.
Veravadar Blackbuck National Park
The park is located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat and is stretch over an area of about 34 sq km. This is amongst the few places in India, where one can cite a sizable population of Blackbucks. Apart from blackbucks, this national park is the secure habitat for the endangered Indian wolf, Jackal, Indian fox, Jungle cat, Blue bull antelope, Wild pigs, Hares and Rodents. The southern part of the park is ideal for birdwatchers, while the southern border is also the much-loved place of packs of wolves. The best time to visit this Blackbuck National Park is between the month of July and March.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
One of the largest wetland bird sanctuary of Gujarat, this bird sanctuary is a lake that have over 360 islets. Located near Sanand Village, this bird sanctuary is hailed as the best places to enjoy bird watching. There are 200 species of birds in the lake which is a safe shelter for migratory birds from Europe, Central Asia, Serbia and many other countries. Greater and lesser flamingoes, pelicans, ducks & geese, rails, coots, cranes, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills, teals, sarus cranes, moorhens and waders can be spotted in the sanctuary. The best time to visit Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is from November to April. You can also spot herds of wild ass, mongoose, jungle cat, Indian fox, jackal, wolf and hyena here.
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is situated in Rajkot district and is just 10kms away from Jasdan which was once a princely state. A small sanctuary but worth a visit one and several camps are organised to generate awareness regarding wildlife and its conservation. You get to see Chinkara, Leopard, Flying fox, Hyena and Wolf. Along with 230 species of birds, this sanctuary is also the home to about 19 species of snakes.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Spread over 6 sq km of area, Khijadiya is amongst the unsurpassed bird sanctuaries in Gujarat. A striking number of 220 species of birds are found in this small area. Situated in the coastal area near Jamnagar, this sanctuary also has marine habitat, fresh water habitat, marshy lands, mangroves, prosopis areas, salt pans, open mudflats, intertidal mudflats, creeks and scrubs sandy beaches covered under its shelter. Along with birds like Pelicans, spoonbill, Indian skimmer, great crested grebe, little grebe, purple moorhen, ducks, coots, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, gulls, terns, jacanas, darter and flamingoes, one can spot Jackal, jungle cat, blue bull, mongoose as well here. The best time to visit this bird sanctuary is between October and March.
