Perhaps, the only tropical grassland in India
to be given the status of a national park, Velavadar
national park is a 36 km patch of Savannah type
grasslands and thorn scrub. The park is set
between two rivers, a few miles from the Gulf
of Cambay sea coast. The rich soil is believed
to have origins in the sea.
The principal attraction of the park is the
massive population of blackbuck, the handsome
Indian antelope, seen here in numbers running
into thousands. The blackbuck is endemic to
India and is rated among the most elegant antelopes
and the fastest animals over a long distance.
During the rule of the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar,
Velavadar was harvested for grass to feed the
royal cattle herds and the antelope were protected
except for an occassional hunting camp. This
is where His highness Krishnakumar Sinhji coursed
blackbucks using cheetahs and flew falcons.
Black bucks fighting
The wolf is the prime predator of Velavadar national
park. Studies by WII research scientists have shown
that Velavadar is one of the few places in the world
where the wolf population is proliferating.
Other mammals seen in Velavadar are fox, jackal, jungle
cat, wild pig, hare and rodents.
The birdlife is extensive. Sandgrouse,
larks and other grasslands are seen in fair numbers.
The harrier roost at Velavadar national park is one
of the largest in the world, as certified by international
harrier expert, Roger Clarke of UK. .
GETTING THERE
Convenient trains from Ahmedabad
to Jamnagar, from where boats can be hired.
PLACES TO STAY
-
LUXURY
Express
- DELUXE
President, New Aram
-
MODERATE
Ashiana,
Kanku, Kirti, Puneet
- BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE
Kama, numerous guest
houses near ST bus stand. Also government guest
house at Okha, facing the sea.
PLACES
TO EAT
President(multi-cuisine,
veg and non veg), New Aram(Indian-western veg),
Rangoli, Kalpana, numerous good thali places.
