10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat

In the diverse country of India, you will find some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat, a state in the western part of the country. With an abundance of flora and fauna in the state, Gujarat is well known for its wildlife tourism. There are many birding and wildlife tours in Gujarat, which are perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. In this blog, we talk about the 10 best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat.

Gir National Park

Sasan Gir is the only place in the world outside Africa where you can spot Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Located in Junagadh district, the Gir Forest National Park was established in 1965. The park is spread over 1412 square kilometers and along with the majestic Asiatic lions, it is home to a variety of other animals, such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, spotted deer, crocodiles, and more than 300 bird species.

Gir National Park offers safari experiences which give visitors a chance to spot wildlife from close quarters. With a stunning landscape full of hills and ridges, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in Gujarat.

Gir National Park

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park

The Velavadar National Park, or the Blackbuck National Park, is the home of the blackbucks. Located in Bhavnagar district, the park was established in 1976 and houses more than 3000 blackbucks, which includes some rare species. The park also has other animals such as the jungle cat, nilgai, Indian wolves, jackals, and foxes, along with more than 120 species of birds, such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks.

This grassland ecosystem is spread over 34.08 kilometers and offers wildlife safaris for visitors. The best time to visit Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is from October to December and January to May.

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park

Marine National Park

The Marine National Park is the first marine sanctuary in India. Located in the Gulf of Kutch, the park spreads over 162 square kilometers. There are many species of marine life in the park, such as dolphins, sea turtles,sea cucumbers, sponges, mollusks, fishes, and vibrant corals. The national park has 42 islands surrounded by coral reefs, among which, Narara and Pirotan are the most popular ones.

The area was declared a national park in 1982, before which it was known as a marine sanctuary. The Marine National Park has three divisions – the coastal sea, the mangrove backwaters, and the salty marshland. Here, you can spot animals like sea anemones, stingrays, starfish, crabs, octopuses, and more.

You can explore the mesmerizing underwater world by indulging in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and even boat rides in glass-bottomed boats! Visit the park from October to February for the best experience.

Marine National Park

Wild Ass Sanctuary

Located in the Little Rann of Kutch, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is the only place in the world which houses the endangered Indian Wild Ass. Covering an area of 4954 square kilometers, the sanctuary also houses other animals like desert foxes, jackals, and wolves.

The region is famous for its expansive salt flats, a majestic sight especially during the Rann Utsav. The best time to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary is from October to March.

Wild Ass Sanctuary

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and avian enthusiasts. Located near Ahmedabad, the sanctuary attracts many local and migratory birds. It is home to more than 250 species of birds such as pelicans, storks, cranes, fishing eagles, kingfishers, and flamingos. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world come here to study the different flora and fauna present here.

You can explore the birds in the sanctuary by going for bird-watching and boating. The ideal time to visit the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is during winters, from October to March.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to the endangered sloth bear. Located on the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the sanctuary covers 180 square kilometers across the Thar Desert. It is named after a part of Aravalli Hill, Jessore.

Apart from sloth bears, the sanctuary also has leopards, sambars, nilgai, wild boars, porcupines, and around 105 species of birds. Plus, the dry climate is helpful for the 405 species of plants that can be found here, most of which are thorny scrubs. There are many huts and cottages near the lakes in the sanctuary, built and maintained by the forest department.

You can also visit the Kedarnath Mahadev Temple and Muni Ji ki Kutia in the sanctuary.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during monsoon, between June to August, but make sure to dress appropriately and carry raincoats. Wear knee-length boots to save yourselves from leeches. You can also visit during winters, from October to March.

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

The Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Rana Barda and Jam Barda, is located 15 kilometers from Porbandar and is a major tourist attraction in Gujarat. It is home to many endangered animals, birds, and reptiles. You can spot animals like lions, leopards, wolves, snakes, crocodiles, and chinkaras, and birds like spotted eagles, crested eagles, and flamingos. The sanctuary also has many endangered plant species with medicinal properties.

Spread over 192 square kilometers, the sanctuary has beautiful landscapes full of lush forests, dams, streams, and rivers. Khambala and Fodera are the main dams here. Barda Hills is the second largest territory of Asiatic Lions, and is home to ethnic tribes like Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis.

The best time to visit Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to February.

Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1982, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River. The sanctuary is named after a temple of Lord Shiva that was once located in this area. However, the temple was submerged under the Sardar Sarovar, and a new Shoolpaneshwar temple was then built near Rajpipla.

The sanctuary includes many animals such as leopards, sloth bears, pangolins, barking deer, and various species of birds and reptiles. The region is full of deep valleys, waterfalls, and lush greenery, offering breathtaking vistas. It is the perfect place to connect with nature.

A good time to visit Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is during winters, between November and March.

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

Around 70 kilometers from Vadodara, the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Situated in Panchmahal district, the wildlife sanctuary was once a part of the princely state of Jambughoda. Today, it is a full-fledged natural reserve.

Spread over an area of 130 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, such as leopards, wild boar, blue bull, sloth bear, striped hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, cobras, and pythons. You can also spot birds like the tailor bird, golden oriole, teals, and ducks.

November to March is a great time to visit Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary

Located a short distance away from Gir Forest National Park, Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the five protected areas which houses Asiatic lions. Before independence, the area was a part of the Bhavnagar royal estate. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2004. Covering 18.22 square kilometers, the sanctuary is inhabited by more than 12 lions, leopards, spotted deer, pangolins, sambar, chinkara, and nilgais.

With hills, deciduous forests, and tall grass, the Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary offers mesmerizing views. November to March is the ideal time to visit Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary

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