Top 7 National Parks of Gujarat for Wildlife Sanctuaries

The princely state of Gujarat has some exotic collections of flora and fauna. The beautiful state is a natural habitat for many rare and endangered species. Further, the National Parks in Gujarat showcase the rich bio-diversity of the entire state in forms of dry deciduous forest, lush green grasslands, wetlands and marine ecosystems. It is also home to a sizable population of the Asiatic Lions which are only a few left in India.

So having a unique and rich ecosystem, it is a great destination for the wildlife enthusiast in India. Along with wildlife, Gujarat is a popular destination for beach lovers, nature lovers and spiritual travellers. Here we only discussed the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat for all wildlife lovers.

Table of Contents

1- Gir National Park

Gir Forest National Park is famous for its Asiatic Lions which are only a few left in India. Established in the year 1965 with a motive to protect Asiatic Lions, it is popularly known as Sasan Gir. Spread an area of 1412 sq km, it is one of the largest national parks in Gujarat and also considered as a popular wildlife spot in India. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, it is also listed as one of the best national parks in India. Apart from Asiatic Lions, some of the popular wildlife animals species that you can spot here such as leopard, chausingha, spotted deer, hyena, sambar deer and Nilgai.

Further, the national park consisting of a wide expanse of thick forest, isolated hills, deep valley and lush green grassland. In addition, the park houses 450 species of plants, 32 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and about 37 species of reptiles. So having such a kind of diverse range of flora and fauna, it is a great place for the wildlife enthusiast in Gujarat. One can also take a jeep safari to explore this park from the closet.

Best Time to Visit – December to April (Closed Mid-June to Mid-October)

2- Marine National Park

Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is one of its kinds in India. Established in the year 1982, it is the first marine national park in India and it covers an area of 162 sq km. The park is distributed in 42 scattered islands which is home to different species of aquatic animals such as sponges, sea turtles, finless porpoise, dugong, lobster, dolphin, jelly-fishes and corals. The Marine National Park established with an aim to protect two major ecosystems namely, mangroves and corals. At present, the park houses around 108 species of algae, 37 species of hard and soft corals and about 70 species of sponges. It is also home to some endangered species like whale sharks, sea turtles, leatherbacks and olive ridleys. So if you want to observe exotic species of marine life then, it is one of the best national parks in Gujarat.

Best Time To Visit & Entry Fees – October to February, Rs.150 per person

3- Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Porbandar — source

Located in Porbandar as well as in Jamnagar, Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its exotic range of flora and fauna. Having a wide expanse of dense forests, agriculture fields, wetlands and medicinal herbs, it is listed as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. Covering an area of 192 sq km, it is home to rare and endangered species of fauna like Lion, Chinkara, Sambar, crocodile, crested hawk, leopard, hyena, wild boar, wolf and jackal. The sanctuary lies on the private property of princely states of Ranavav (Porbandar) and Jamnagar. Further, most of the part of this sanctuary covers a hilly area thus it is an ideal place for trekking.

Best Time to Visit – November to May

4- Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat about 100 km away from Bhuj. The wildlife sanctuary spread an area of 7505.22 sq. km, so it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India areawise. Encompasses largest seasonal saline wetland areas, it is one of its kind. Home to a large population of flamingo birds, it is a famous bird watcher paradise in Gujarat. On the other hands, it also has a wide variety of wild animals like hyenas, foxes, wolves, and chinkaras. Some other popular birds species that you can spot here such as Indian porcupine, spiny-tailed lizard, black-necked storks and Indian cormorant.

Best Time to Visit – October to February

5- Velavadar National Park

Velavadar National Park is also known as Blackbuck National Park which is located in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Famous for its sizable population of Blackbucks, it is a popular paradise for birdwatcher. The park also is known to be for its unique topography which comprises evergreen grasslands to mud flats. Besides that, it is home to some endangered species too such as Indian wolf, Jackal, Indian fox, Jungle cat, Rodents and wild pigs. Initially, it was declared as a Forest Reserve and later got a status of National Park in the year 1976. Further, the sustain ecological condition of this park makes it a natural habitat for various birds and avifauna species. Moreover, you can’t miss this site in the list of all famous national parks in Gujarat.

Best Time to Visit – November to March
Entry Fees – Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 350 for Foreigners

6- Vansda National Park

Situated alongside Sahyadri mountain ranges in the deciduous forest of Western Ghats, Vansda National Park is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in Gujarat. Spread over an area of 23 sq km, the park boasts a diverse range of flora, fauna and avifauna species. Further, a beautiful river Ambika also flows throughout the park which offers it a glorious look. Located very close to Waghai town, the park serves as an entry point for the Dang jungles which is a great site for nature lovers.

Apart from that, the surrounding area of this park inhabited by various local tribes, so you can also get a chance to explore their unique culture and traditions. Apart from wildlife, it is a picture perfect place for photographers as it is filled up full of natural sightseeing. Popular wildlife species that you can spot at Vansda National Park are Leopard, macaque, wild boar, hyena, spotted deer, Indian porcupine, jungle cat, flying squirrel etc. Undoubtedly, it is the best tourist destination for the wildlife enthusiast in Gujarat and should not be missed.

Best Time to Visit – November to March

7- Porbandar Bird Sanctuary

Covers an area of 1 sq km, it is the smallest bird sanctuary in Gujarat. Located in the heart of Porbandar around a freshwater lake, the sanctuary attracts lots of migratory birds all around the year. You can see a wide range of local as well as migratory birds here including Flamingoes, whistling teals, gulls, terns, jacanas, ruff, redshanks, pelicans, ducks and geese, avocet, coots, cormorants, herons etc. With all these species of birds, it is a famous paradise for the birdwatcher in Gujarat. Apart from birdwatching, it is an ideal place for nature lovers and ornithologists.

Best Time to Visit – November to April

So these are the most popular wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat that makes it a heaven for the wildlife enthusiast. All these wildlife reserves are famous for its endemic range of flora and fauna. So if you are looking for a perfect wildlife tour in Gujarat then must explore all the above mention sites.