A Day Visit to Lothal from Blackbuck National Park
The Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is a secret landmark, quietly tucked away in the Shaurashstra region of Gujarat, hugging the Gulf of Khambhat. The national park lies close to both Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat and Bhavnagar. Hence, making a commute to this wildlife haven is not a big deal. Both the airport and the railway station are at a convenient distance from Velavadar. As the name suggests, Blackbucks are the star attraction of the national park. Watching these spiral-horned antelopes swiftly running and crossing your safari vehicle is indeed a mesmerising experience.
With its flat terrain, dry grasslands, and abundance of antelope herds, this park boasts a unique grassland ecosystem that has long captivated visitors. A dedicated conservation program is in place to safeguard various species, including the Blackbuck, Wolf, and Lesser Florican—a bustard species. The Lesser Florican, once widespread across India, has seen a decline in numbers nationwide, making the population in this park particularly significant. Notably, the park has become a stronghold for this exclusive Indian species. Additionally, local wolf populations are on the rise, as evidenced by increased sightings, along with an uptick in Striped Hyena sightings during daylight hours in the winter of 2012-2013.
Activities to be involved in Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
1. Jeep Safari- Jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening shifts, from 6:00 am - 8:30 am and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm respectively. Jeep safaris are operated to offer an adventurous and thrilling experience traversing through the national park’s rich collection of flora and fauna
2. Walking Safari- The most interesting feature of Blackbuck National Park is the walking safari conducted under the vigilance of expert guides. Learning about the interesting facts about the national park and its inhabitants, while trodding on foot is a next-level experience.
3. Birdwatching Set your binoculars and cameras into activity, while going birdwatching in Blackbuck National Park. Flamingos, larks, sandgrouses and eagles are commonly sighted while on a birdwatching tour in Velavadar Blackbuck National Park.
Visit Lothal While on a trip to Velavadar
Lothal lies about 71 km from Blackbuck National Park and its significance dates back from the browned pages of history. Lothal used to be an important port city in the Harappan Civilization, back in 2400 BC. Lothal is indeed a true paradise for history buffs. The site’s findings, a boundary wall, a tidal dockyard, an efficient sewage system, and well-planned settlements with neatly laid roads, link Lothal to other planned cities of the Harappan Civilisation like Moenjodaro and Harappa. Like any other contemporary Harappan Civilisation, Lothal was divided into two sections - the Upper Town and the Lower Town.
Explore the Archeological Museum in Lothal which was established in 1976 and learn about the flourishing of the trade centres of that era and how the entire civilisation took place in the case of the trade of gems and metals. The excavation at the site has resulted in the discovery of over 5000 artefacts, out of which nearly a thousand are currently on display at the Lothal Museum. The museum showcases an exquisite collection of Harappan pottery, beads, seals, terracotta ornaments, copper and bronze objects. Besides these, it also features photographs and plans of Dholavira, an ancient Harappan site situated in Gujarat.