A meeting with blackbucks at Velavadar

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is a paradise for bird and animal lovers in Gujarat... The Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, near the west coast of Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat is spread over 34.52 sq km area. From a conservation viewpoint, a unique feature of the park is that it is the only tropical grassland in India to be given the status of a national park. Mammals Velavadar has India's largest population of blackbuck, the elegant Indian antelope. India's largest antelope, the Nilgai or Blue Bull, is easily seen in this national park. People can find the endangered Indian Grey Wolf, the nocturnal Striped Hyena, Indian Fox, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat and hare, gerbil, field mice, mongoose and hedgehog. Birds The park is a good place to watch grassland birds like larks, bushchats, wheatears, sandgrouse, francolins and quails. The park's specialties include Saras Crane and Stolikza's Bushchat. Magnificent eagles, falcons and endangered vultures can be seen at Velavadar. In winter, Velavadar National Park hosts the world's largest harrier roost - Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier and Marsh Harrier can be seen in large numbers, while Hen Harrier is occasionally spotted. The lakes and seasonal marshes are important places to watch pelicans, cranes, storks, ducks, herons and other water birds. Getting to Velavadar -Nearest airport is Bhavnagar and it is at a distance of 72km/1 hr from Velavadar. Bhavnagar airport is connected with Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports with daily frequency. -Ahmedabad airport is at a distance of around 4 hours from the Velavadar National Park. It receives international and domestic flights. -Best time to visit: From mid October to late March, April - June are recommended for mammal sightings at water points. The park remains open from 6 am to 6 pm.