Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Gujarat

Geographical location and physical features of Gujarat State make it one of those states which have rich and diverse wildlife. For many rare species like Asiatic Wild Ass and Black buck, Gujarat is a safe habitat. Many types of rare migratory birds are seen at various forests and wildlife parks of Gujarat making it a paradise for bird watchers. Considered as n ideal wildlife Getaway, Gujarat has 20 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.

Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country therefore it is also the home to many marine animals and plants. Exclusive bird sanctuaries are also there in Gujarat. Read this document to know about these wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in detail.

Marine National Park

Marine National Park and Sanctuary is situated in Jamnagar and was given the status of sanctuary and National Park in the year 1980. It is located along the coasts of Jamnagar in the Gulf of Kutch. This national park is blessed with varieties of marine habitats spread in and around its group of islands which comprises of 42 islands. There are coral reefs, estuaries, creeks, mangroves, rocky shores and marshy areas in this National Park. Different types of fish and other marine animals like sea horse, octopus, oysters, sea horse, sea urchin, prawns, crabs, lobsters, porpoise, sea anemone, dolphin, sharks, Portuguese Man of War etc. are found here. Narara Island is one of the most visited tourist destinations of this national park.The best time to visit this National Park is from end of October to end of February.

The nearest airport is the Jamnagar Airport that is located about 7 KM away from this national park. The nearest railway stations are Rajkot and Jamnagar. The main bus stand near to this park is the Jamnagar Bus Stand. From the Jetties of Jamnagar, ferries are available to enjoy a trip to this Marine National Park.

Contact Address:
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Marine National Park
Van Sankul C.F. Office
Near Nagnath Rod
Jamnagar
Phone no.: 0288 255 077

Vansda National Park

Located at Navsari District of Gujarat, this national park is situated in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges and has total area of about 24 square KM. This dense forest area is the home to varieties of flora and fauna. It got the status of National Park in the year 1979. The main type of vegetation in Vansda National Park is dry and moist deciduous forest that comprises of Mango Teak, and Bamboo. Orchids and huge creepers are also found here. This forest area has got more than 250 species of plants. The animals found here are Barking Deer, 4-horned Antelope, Langur, Small Indian Civet, Wild Boar, Leopard, Indian Porcupine, Hyena, Flying Squirrel, Python and Jungle Cat. The birds that are found here are Grey Hornbill, Spotted Owlet, Sunbird, Malabar Trogon, and Jungle Babbler. The best time to visit this national park is from November – March.

Contact Address:
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Dang (South), Ahwa, Dangs District
Gujarat
Phone no.: 02631 220 246

Veravadar National Park

Located at Bhavnagar, Veravadar National Park is popular as Black Buck National Park. This national park is spread over an area of 36 sq KM. the vegetation is mainly the tropical grassland. This area got the status of National Park in 1976 and is the land mainly for the conservation of Blackbucks. The location of this national park is in between rivers Alang and Parvalia which flow down into Gulf of Cambay. During heavy rainfall, this area gets flooded. The southern part of this national park has patches of thorny plants and is an excellent place for watching different types of birds. The northern part of this national park houses the herds of Blackbucks. The other animal found here are Wolf, Blue Bull, Jungle Cat, and Jackal.

The nearest International Airport is the Ahmadabad Airport. The nearest Railway Stations are Dhola and Ahmadabad. This national park can be reached easily through road from various parts of Gujarat.

Contact Address:
Assistant Conservator of Forests
Blackbuck National Park Veravadar
Bhavnagar
Gujarat
Phone no.: 0278 242 6425

Gir National Park

One of the most known national parks of Gujarat is the Gir National Park. This national park is famous for being the largest home to Asiatic Lions in India. Located at a distance of 43 KM from Somnath, Gir is one of the most preferred destinations for the tourists coming to Gujarat. With captivating landscapes comprising of hills, valleys and ridges, this national park has gained fame worldwide.

The Gir National Park is spread over 259 Sq KM and has got rick flora and fauna. There are about 32 mammal species found here, more than 300 bird species and 26 reptile species. More than 300 Asiatic Lions are found in this national park.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary belonged to the princely state in the past. This sanctuary is situated in Pachmahal District in the central region of Gujarat. A part of this sanctuary also falls in the Vadodara District. Two reservoirs are there in this sanctuary. The places to visit in this sanctuary area are Targol, Kada and Jhand Hanuman Mandir. Kada also has a forest rest house. Visitors have facilities to stay within this sanctuary and enjoy camping and nature walks. Important animals found here are Wild Boar, Antelopes, Barking Deer, Hyena, Jackal, Porcupine, Leopard, Sloth Bear and python. The trees available in this sanctuary are Mahuda, Khair, Sisam, Dhav, Dudhalo and Sag. The total sanctuary area is about 130.38 sq km. the best time to visit this sanctuary is from July – February.

Contact Address:
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Kothi Annexe
Raopura
Vadodara Gujarat
Phone no.: 0265 242 8940

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Known mainly for Sloth Bear, Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the border of two states, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The type of vegetation is thorn forest and dry deciduous. It is a large habitat of endangered species, sloth bear. The beautiful Jessore Hills belonging to Aravalli Ranges pass through this wildlife sanctuary. The forest got the status of wildlife sanctuary in 1978. The important animals found here are langur, Blue Bull, Fox, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Fox, Indian Civet Cat, Striped Hyena and Leopard. Reptile population here includes lizards, snakes and many tortoises. Bird found here are storks, egrets, flycatchers, woodpeckers, cuckoos, spoonbills and cranes.

The floras found in this wildlife sanctuary are Gando Baval, Ber, Gorad, Dudhalo, Kadaya, Saledi and Siras. Tourists enjoy Jungle trekking here. The nearby attractions are Muni Ji Ki Kuthia and very old Kedarnath Mahadev Mandir.

Hindolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary

Located in Rajkot District in Gujarat, Hindolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is located only 10 KM away from Jasdan. It is very small sanctuary yet holds an important place in conservation of wildlife. The total area of this sanctuary is 654 ha. More than 230 species of birds are found here. This education sanctuary has rich population of reptiles including 19 types of snakes. Every year during the monsoon, near about 100 nature camps get organized here for the school children. The types of plants and trees found here are Desi Baval, Neem, Thor, Satodi, Kasedo etc. the birds found here include Red-Vented Bulbul, Woodpecker, Shrike, Spotted Dove, Indian Pitta and Indian Roller. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from July to February.

Contact Person (s)
Range Forest Office
Hindolgadh
Phone no.: 9825 226 403

Assistant Conservator of Forests
GEER Foundation Gandhinagar
Gujarat

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

Considered as one of the best Bird Sanctuaries of Gujarat, Khijadiya Sanctuary has an area of 6 sq KM. the sanctuary is only 15 KM away from the city and was declared as bird sanctuary in 1981. This sanctuary has more than 220 bird species making this place a paradise for the bird watchers. Located on the coasts very near to Jamnagar, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is rich in different types of Marine and fresh water habitats. This sanctuary also has mudflats, creeks, marshy lands, mangroves and salt pans. Birds such as ducks, purple moorhen, egrets, sea gulls, ibises, flamingoes, Indian Skimmer and Pelicans are found here in great numbers. Animals like Blue Bull, Jungle Cat, Mongoose and Jackal are also found in this sanctuary. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from October to March.

Contact Person
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Marine National Park
Van Sankul
Near Nagnath Road
Jamnagar
Gujarat
Phone no.: 0288 255 2077

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated only at a distance of 15 KM from Porbandar City, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary used to be a part of princely state of Porbandar and Jamnagar. The sanctuary has an area of 192.32 sq KM. It got the status of sanctuary in the year 1979. This sanctuary is famous for its huge population of flora which includes nearly 650 plant species. Common plants here are Amli, Bamboo, Ber, Dhav, Gorad and Jamun. Among the birds, threatened ones like Crested Hawk Eagle and Spotted Eagle are found here. Animals like Chinkara, Sambar and Chital find this habitat very suitable to breed and stay. Other animals found here are Wild Boar, Jackal, Blue Bull and Hyena. This is also the 2nd largest home to Asiatic Lions. Many tribal races like Gadhvis, Rabaris, Bharvads and Maldharis live in the surrounding areas. The best time to visit here is from November to middle of June.

Contact Person
Assistant Conservator of Forests
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
Forest Colony
Chaupti Maidan Porbandar
Gujarat
Phone no.: 0286 224 2551

Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary

Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is located in District Jamnagar. Though it is a small sanctuary but it has endless opportunities for the nature lovers. Situated on the Gulf of Kutch, Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is home to endangered species like Indian Wolf and Houbara Bastard. The entire area is of 332.87 ha. This sanctuary has about 88 bird species, 12 mammal species and 8 reptile species. Nature lovers get to see huge numbers of honeybee, butterflies, moths, termites and spiders in this sanctuary. The flora found here are Kerdo, Piloo, and Gorad. Birds like Larks, sand grouses, partridges and flamingoes are seen here in great numbers. The best time to go there is from October to March.

Contact person
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Jamnagar Gujarat
Phone no.: 0288 255 2077

Mitiliya Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated very close to Gir National Park, Mitiliya Wildlife Sanctuary has huge population of Asiatic Lions as they walk down from the Gir National Park to this sanctuary. Other animals found here are Blue Bull, Wild Boar, and Spotted Dear. The forest is full of tall grasses and semi-dry deciduous vegetation. The best time to be here is from November to March.

Pania Wildlife Sanctuary

Pania Wildlife Sanctuary is an important portion of Gir National Park and is located very close to Amreli. This sanctuary is popular as Chanchai Pania and is a home to Chinkara. Other animals found here are Hyena, Civet Cat, Wild Cat, Wild Boar, 4-horned Antelope, Blue Bull, Lion, Leopard and Pangolin. The entire area of this sanctuary is about 39.64 sq km. Many types of birds are found in this place. The trees commonly found here are Bamboo, Dhav, Bordi, Gorad, Khair, Modad and Karamda. The best time to come here is between October to June.

Contact Person
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Gir (East)
Dhari, Amreli
Gujarat
Phone no.: 0279 225 044

Kutch Great Indian Bastard Sanctuary

Considered as an excellent habitat for the endangered species of the Great Indian Bastard, this wildlife sanctuary is situated in Kutch District of Gujarat. This sanctuary is also home to many other birds like Common Cranes, Sand Grouses, Grey and Black Francolin, Black Partridges and Harriers. Animals found here are Blue Bull, Striped Hyena, Wolf, and Desert Cat. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from August to March.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a lake which has 360 islets. It is located about 64 KM away from City of Ahmadabad. It is the largest wetland sanctuary for birds in Gujarat. More than 200 species of birds are available here and it is a heaven for the bird watchers. People come here from every corner of India and also from far off places. Migratory birds from Siberia, Europe and Central Asia come here during winter. The types of birds found here are Spoonbills, Sarus Cranes, Ibises, Egrets, Storks, and Moorhens, ducks, pelicans, teals and Flamingoes. The best time to visit this place is from November to April.

Contact Person
Assistant Conservator of Forests
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Near Mamlatdar Office
Sanand
Gujarat – 382 110

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Comprised of dep valleys, rocky cliffs, waterfalls and canopy of trees, this wildlife sanctuary has got its name from the nearby ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trees found here are Bamboo, Amaltas, Tanachh, Amla, Aritha, Khair, Mahua, Herde and Bor. More than 32 mammal species exist within this wildlife sanctuary. The animals found here are Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine, Chital, Pangolin, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrel, Mongoose, Sloth Bear and 4-horned antelope. Tortoise, lizards and many types of snakes including pythons are also found here. The birds that can be seen here are Sparrow, Shikra, Crested Serpent Eagle, Gray Hornbill, Gray and Red Jungle Fowls. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March.

Contact Person
Deputy Conservator of Forests Rajpipla
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctury
Bharuch
Gujarat
Phone no.: 02640 220 013

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary, located in Dahod District in central part of Gujarat, is mainly the home to Sloth Bear. The vegetation type is mixed deciduous type with bamboo trees surrounding the periphery. This sanctuary is situated on the border of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It got the status of sanctuary in the year 1982. Huge numbers of Mahua tree present in the forest provides good supply of food to the population of Sloth Bear here. Types of trees in this forest area are Bamboo, Mahu, Ber, Jamun, Khkro, Amla, Dudlo, Teak, Khakhro and Charoli. Animals that are seen here are Leopard, 4-horned Antelope, Porcupine, Jackal, Civet Cat, Striped Hyena, Mongoose and over and above Sloth Bear. Numerous birds can be seen here like Quail, Green Pigeon, Hoopoe, Babbler, Tailor Bird, Serpent Eagle etc. Snakes like Saw-scaled Viper, Bamboo Pit Viper, Cobra and Krait are found here.

Contact Person
Deputy Conservator of Forest
Bariya Division
District Dahod
Gujarat
Phone no.: 02678 220 362

Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary

Notified as sanctuary in 1981, this forest is spread over an area of 444 sq km. This sanctuary is located in Kutch District. This sanctuary is famous as the home to huge numbers of Chinkaras. The grassy land of this place makes it an ideal habitat for the Chinkaras. Arid region of this wildlife sanctuary houses animals like Desert Cat and Desert Fox. Birds found here are Black Partridges, Lesser Florican, Cranes, Houbara Bastard and Great Indian Bastard. Other animals found here are Porcupine, Indian Pangolin, Mongoose, and Blue Bull. Plants and trees found here are Salai, Gugal, Gorad, Desi Baval, Carissa and Kerdo. The best time to visit this wildlife sanctuary is from September to January.

Contact Person
Assistant Conservator of Forests
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kutch West Division
College Road
Kutch, Gujarat
Phone no.: 02832 233 304

Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann

Situated in the Rann of Kutch, this wildlife sanctuary is unique because it is the only place where one could see Indian Wild Ass. This sanctuary covers areas of multiple districts like Patan, Rajkot, Sundernagar, Banaskantha and Kutch and is spread over an area of 5000 sq km. The animals inhabiting this place are hyena, wolf, Hare, Blue Bull, Jackal, Desert Cat and Wild Boar. Numerous types of birds can be seen here such as Pale Harrier, Houbra Bastard, Herons, Pelican, Great Crested Grebe, Cranes, Eagles and Spoonbill. Types of trees found here are Theg, Kerdo, Mithi Jar, Morad, Kheri etc. The best time to visit this wildlife sanctuary is from November to March.

Contact Person
Sanctuary Superintendent
Wild Ass Sanctuary
Dhranghdra
Sundernagar
Gujarat
Phone no.: 02754 260 716

Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary

This is located only 10 KM away from Ahmadabad City and is spread over an area of 7 sq km. more than 100 types of birds are available here such as Geese, Spoonbills, Flamingoes, Cranes, Whistling Teals, Herons, Egrets and Pelicans. This freshwater lake has marshy land surrounding it and also dense forest on the side. The best time to visit here is from November to February as this is the time to watch different types of migratory birds here. This area was declared as bird sanctuary in the year 1988.

Contact Person
Assistant Conservator of Forests Ahmadabad
Thol Bird Sanctuary
Near Mamlatdar Office
Sanand
Gujarat
Phone no.: 079 372 3500

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Known for the highest rainfall and dense forest area, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is the home to numerous flora and fauna and it is located in Dangs, the tribal district of Gujarat. The total area of this sanctuary is about 160 sq km and houses more than 700 types of flora. The common animals found here are Indian Civet Cat, Flying Squirrel, 4-horned Antelope, Mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Sambar, Barking Deer and Chital. The birds found here are Grey Jungle Fowls, Woodpeckers, Cloropsis, Flycatchers, Shrikes, and Barbets.

Contact Person
Deputy Conservator of Forests
North Dangs Division
Phone no.: 02631 220 203

Gujarat has no dearth of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Conservation of endangered species and beautiful views can be enjoyed at these wildlife destinations of Gujarat during the visit. Apart from nature lovers, these places are gaining popularity among the common tourists as well.