Top 10 Popular National Parks in Gujarat

The biologically diverse land of Gujarat is one of the greenest states in the entire Indian subcontinent since 1/10^th of it is covered in thick, lush green forest. These green coverings serve as home to innumerable unique flora and fauna which you can experience by availing a holiday package to Gir. Other than being the only home in the world for the glorious Asiatic lions, Gujarat offers the perfect vacation opportunity for animal lovers, wildlife enthusiasts as well as avid photographers. In case you are planning on visiting this majestic state then make sure you take a trip to some of the most vital and popular national parks:

Gir National Park

Also popularly known as Sasan Gir this fully protected national park is famed for being the only and last remaining home for the majestic Asiatic lions. This national park falls under the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests Ecoregion making it a centre for various wildlife activities. This national park was established in the end of the 19^th century when the number of Asiatic lions was hugely affected and the numbers were dwindling due to hunting. However the lion population is looking up right now as per the census. You will get a chance to witness some of the most majestic animals in their natural habitat like the mugger crocodile, striped hyenas, Asiatic lions among a plethora of others.

Best Time to Visit - the national forest remains closed for visitation from 16^th June to 15^th October which are the monsoon season. The best time to visit Gir falls between the months of December to March.

Vansda National Park

Situated comfortably on the Vansda tehsil region of Gujarat, Vansda national park is a completely protected area which showcases the rich thick woodlands of the southern Gujarat region. Established in the year 1979, the park draws its name from the town which is located close to the park. Some of these attractions include Gira falls, local tribes and a conservation centre. Although the overall area of this national park is not much but it is extremely dense in its presentation and gives you an insight into the rich wildlife culture of the state of Gujarat. Some of the most easily witnessed animals include: wild boar, jungle cats, jungle babbler, four horned antelope among a range of others.

Best Time to Visit - the most appropriate time to visit this national park is during the months after monsoon, when the streams are full and the chances of animal sightings increase.

Velavadar National Park

Situated in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, this blackbuck national park is ranked among the lesser known places in the entire subcontinent where you can witness a whopping amount of blackbucks. The entire landscape of this national park is covered in tall grasslands in a semi-arid region making it an oasis for wildlife photographers and nature lovers in general. You can easily encounter a group of majestic looking blackbucks walking and loitering around in herds. The national park also serves as a safe habitat for various other rare species like wild pigs, Indian fox, and rodents among a whole plethora of others. Along with a massive collection of wild animals this place is also home to a large variety of flora and fauna including 95 species of plants, 140 bird species and 14 different types of mammals.

Best Time to Visit - the months of July to March are considered to be the most appropriate time to visit this national park.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

Located comfortably in the Jambughoda tehsil region of the state of Gujarat among the Kathiawar - Gir dry deciduous forest’s Ecoregion this wildlife sanctuary falls among one of the most prominent places to visit in Pavagadh and Champaner. Covering an area of 130 sq km, along with a part of it falling in the Vadodara region this massive wildlife sanctuary is home to a huge collection of flora and fauna. On your visit here you can feast your eyes with thrilling sights of leopards, ducks, teals, cobra, crocodiles, jackals, hyenas and many more. If you want to feel once with nature then you also have the option to stay inside the national park premises in a government guesthouse which is under the care of the forest department.

Best Time to Visit - the best months to visit are considered to be between the months of July and March when the rain washes away all the dirt and pollution and the entire environment is clear.

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Situated in the Banaskantha district, as the name suggests, this sanctuary primarily serves as the home to the endangered sloth bears. These bears are declared threatened species in the wild since they are close to extinction. You will be able to witness these giant and glorious creatures living happily and peacefully in the sanctuary environment since their numbers in the wild is dwindling at an alarming rate. Panning all across the iconic Thar Desert this place serves as home to 405 species of plants among other varieties of flora and avian species. If you are planning to have an ultimate thrilling experience then a stay at one of the government cottages inside the sanctuary premises is a must.

Best Time to Visit - monsoon months are considered to be the best time to pay a visit to this wildlife sanctuary.

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to a plethora of birds which serves as host to almost 300 different types of birds. Situated in Jamnagar you can witness some of the most iconic and mesmerizing birds like black necked stork, great crested grebe, Indian spotted eagles, black winged kite among a whole range of others. Adventure seekers and tourists from various parts of the world visit this place to have an authentic experience by being a part of the eco - tourist village present here. This is a safe haven for nature lovers and bird watchers alike who are seeking for a unique and one of a kind experience.

Best Time to Visit - For witnessing some of the most majestic birds it is advised for you to visit this place from September to February and March.

Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated at a mere distance of 15 kms from Porbandar at the magnificent and scenic Barda hills, this panoramic wildlife sanctuary is popular for its dense forests which covers over a massive area of 192 sq. km. it is not only home to some of the most unique and one of a kind collection of flora and fauna but it also houses a variety of medicinal plants and trees. During your visit here you can feast your eyes to the sights of wolf, jackals, blue bull, leopards and hyenas among others. These hills are also famed for being the 2^nd largest territory for the endangered Asiatic lions that co-exist peacefully with the ethnic tribes here like Bharvads, Rabaris, Gadhvis and others.

Best Times to Visit - The most ideal time to visit these hills are in the months of November to mid-June.

Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary

The protected area of this wildlife sanctuary falls in the high tidal zone of the northern pastoral fields of Jamnagar. Located in the coastal region of Gulf of Kutch this iconic sanctuary pans over a massive region of 332 sq. km. the landscape is covered in an impressive covering of vegetation and patches of incredibly lush greenery which gives this area an overall feeling of immense serenity and a feeling of unmatched peace. This place is the abode for pouched bills, large pelicans, spot billed ducks and even some glorious flamingoes along with a wide variety of mammals like mongoose, jungle cats, wolfs, jackals etc and even butterflies. This is one of the most ideal locations for bird watching or just feeling closer to nature.    

Best Time to Visit - The entire sanctuary springs to life during the months which pans from autumn to spring i.e. October to March.

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary

Also popularly known as Mitiyala grasslands, this place is known for its rustic vibe, undulating hilly terrains and the semi-arid deciduous trees. This wildlife sanctuary occupies an area of 18.22 sq. km. which was a part of the royal Bhavnagar estate prior to independence. You will be able to have an insight and glance into the lives of the regal Asiatic lions basking in the sun. You will also be able to witness some other mammals collection like spotted deer and others. This wildlife sanctuary is connected to Gir Sanctuary via a natural passage for the convenient movement of animals.

Best Time to Visit - Unlike other sanctuaries the best to visit this place is during the winter months of October to February.

Kutch Bustard Sanctuary

Located in the vibrant and extensive grasslands of Kutch, this wild life sanctuary also goes by the name of Lala - Parijan sanctuary which was declared a sanctuary in the year 1992. Named after the heaviest Indian bird bustard this place serves as a safeguard home for these endangered birds. Other than these easily available birds you can also spot birds like lesser Florican, Stoliczkae, Merlins, Bushchats among others. This iconic sanctuary was created with an aim of preserving these bustard birds when it was declared as an endangered bird species. The sanctuary represents semi-arid type of climatic conditions and landscape which is an ideal location and thriving centre for these birds.

Best Time to Visit - The autumn months of October to march are considered to be the best window for you to visit this place.