Gujarat for wildlife lovers: top five picks

Most travellers perceive Gujarat as a gorgeous, culturally-rich, but mostly dry state. Not many are aware that the destination is also home to majestic Asiatic Lions and has a rich wildlife. From the dry region of the Rann to the wet grasslands and coastal shores, Gujarat is diverse when it comes to topography. This is the reason why its terrain is perfect for housing endangered species like the Asiatic Lions, blackbucks and wild asses (also known as khur or Indian onager).

Here, we have our pick of the top five must-visit national parks in Gujarat. Get ready for some adventure.

Gir in Gujarat is one of the most prominent national parks of India, known to be abode of Asiatic Lions. The park encompasses a huge area of around 1412 sq km and one can book a jungle safari to witness the royalty in person. Gir forests are protected because of the most rare species of flora and fauna found inside. Besides, one can also spot Nilgai, sambar and pangolin in these forests.

Also known as the Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar park is spread over an area of 34 sq km. A huge part of the park is a semi-arid region and touches the Gulf of Khambat. This is the place secured for the conservation of rare species of blackbuck. The park is also home to striped hyena, jackal, wild pigs, wolf and cats.

The Wild Ass Sanctuary covers a huge area of 4954 sq km in the Little Rann of Kutch and is among the largest sanctuaries in the country. The park is home to wild asses or khurs, which are protected species. Chinkara, Macqueen’s bustard, fox and wolf can also be found inside the park.

Bansda or Vansda National Park is a protected region set in the Navsari district. The park is home to rare species of flora, fauna and avifauna. Some of the prominent residents of the park are hyena, leopards, giant Indian squirrel and spotted deer. Keep your eyes open for freely-roaming pythons when inside the park.

Very few people are aware of the existence of a marine park in Gujarat. This rather special and unique national park is spread over an area of about 162 sq km in Jamnagar. Set on the shoreline of the Gulf of Kutch, this park is full of coral reefs, jelly fishes, octopus, sponges and lobsters. If lucky, you can also spot dolphins and pearl oysters here.