Blackbuck National Park
Established in 1976 within the Bhal region of Shaurashstra, this park is situated approximately 42 km from Bhavnagar, the district headquarters city. This area is locally known as Bhal, literally meaning the forehead because of its flat vast extent. Embracing the coasts of the Gulf of Khambhat to the south, the park spans an area of 34.08 km². Initially, it served as a "vidi" (grassland) utilized by the Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar for hunting blackbucks with his renowned hunting cheetahs. On its northern side, the park is bordered by wastelands and agricultural fields. Classified as a 4B Gujarat-Rajwada biotic province within a semi-arid biogeographically zone, the National Park showcases a unique ecological setting.
Situated between the Parvalia and Alang rivers, both draining into the Gulf of Cambay, the grassland encounters periodic flooding during the monsoon season. Predominantly, the blackbuck herds inhabit the northern region of the sanctuary, while the southern part features patches of thorn forest, creating an ideal setting for bird watching, particularly for birds of prey. The Alang River serves as the southern boundary of the park, serving as a favoured sanctuary for wolves. Exploring the park is possible both by vehicle and on foot, offering diverse perspectives of this unique landscape. There a several Blackbuck sanctuaries in India. However, there is only one Blackbuck National Park in India, situated in Gujarat.
Wildlife at Blackbuck
The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. Some of the most prominent wildlife species found in Nagarahole National Park include Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Bison, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Four-Horned Antelope and Indian Wild Dog. Apart from these, Nagarahole National Park is also home to several species of deer, primates, reptiles, and birds.
Nearby Attractions
Takhteshwar Temple - Nestled atop a small hillock, this temple in Bhavnagar, crafted entirely from marble, provides elevated vantage points offering splendid views of the city and the Gulf of Khambhat beyond. Following a distinctive Gujarati architectural style, the temple features 18 intricate pillars and a main hall preceding the sanctum, which enshrines an idol of Lord Shiva. A staircase made of marble facilitates devotees' ascent from the base of the hillock to the main courtyard of the temple. Beyond its religious significance, the temple serves as a popular gathering spot for youngsters and regular visitors, especially during the serene evenings. The breezy hilltop setting creates a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling cityscape below.
Palitana Jain Temple and Shatrunjaya Hill - Palitana, a bustling town near Bhavnagar, has witnessed rapid growth due to its association with the pilgrim trade centredonShatrunjaya Hill. This sacred site encompasses hundreds of shrines that gained sanctity when Rishabha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, delivered his inaugural sermon in the temple atop the hill. Despite the strenuous ascent to the temples, the journey rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of intricately carved temple structures. The town experiences a surge in pilgrim influx, particularly during the KartikPurnima festival, leading to a high demand for accommodation.
Khodiyar Mandir - Despite being constructed in the early 20th century, the Khodiyar temple, located on the outskirts of Bhavnagar, has garnered a dedicated following among Janbai (Khodiyar Mata) devotees. Situated on the periphery of the TataniyaWali Lake, the temple features a ropeway at the rear, connecting the base to a shrine atop a hill. The primary prasad of the temple is Lapsi, a broken wheat dessert. Maharaja Wakhat Singh jiGohil, who presided over the state of Bhavnagar from 1748 to 1816, is credited with the construction of this revered temple.
More Tour Packages in Blackbuck
Best Time to Visit
The most perfect time to visit Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is during the winter season and the ideal months are November to March. The entry to the national park is restricted to tourists during the monsoon season as most areas of the national park are filled with salt water due to rain.
How to Reach
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is situated in the Bhavnagar district in the state of Gujarat. The national park is a beautiful travel destination located about 45 km from the headquarters of Bhavnagar. Some of the prominent cities of Gujarat such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, and Kutch lie below 200 km from the national park. The nearest airport and railway station is at Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad is the next major city with a railway station and airport to reach Velavadar Blackbuck National Park.
To procure safari tickets and accommodation for a Blackbuck :
Once the dates are fixed, the rest of the plan is followed by making reservations and bookings for transportation and accommodation respectively. Stay updated with the weather forecasts and guidelines of the jeep safari in the grassland regions. Also, making a list of packing essential items and executing it accordingly is necessary. Most parks have websites where you can book safari tickets online. Alternatively, you can contact the park authorities through phone or email to inquire about booking procedures.
Check for the availability of safari slots on your desired dates. Popular parks tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it's advisable to book well in advance.
Pay for the safari tickets through the park's official website or any authorized booking agents. Make sure to keep the confirmation details handy.
