Wild life and Ecotourism of Gujarat
Gujarat is a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Deciduous forests, desert plains, grasslands, wetlands and coastal and marine locations have made Gujarat one of the most pleasant place for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The last Asiatic lions are found in the Gir National Park, in the Rann of Kutch are the only surviving wild asses in India and the Velavadar National Park conserves the rare, swift footed blackbuck. The Rann is also the only nesting ground in India of the large flamingo. Throughout most of the state there is a naturally rich bird life, peacocks and parrots are the most common. Migratory birds from North Eurasia find Gujarat a pleasant winter resting ground. With its long coastline, Gujarat enjoys the good fishing waters. Pomfret, a favourite in restaurants throughout the country is caught here, as are prawns, tuna and Bombay Duck which is salted and dried fish. There are about four national parks and twenty one wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat are the Marine National Park, Gir National Park, Indian Wild Ass Wildlife sanctuary, Velavadar National Park. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and the Porbandar Bird sanctuary are the other bird sanctuaries in Gujarat.
National Parks
- Gir National Park
Year of Esst. : 1965
Area of Sq. Kms. : 1153.42
Location : Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Amreli
Major Species : Lion, Leopard, Chausinga, Chital, Hyena, Sambhar, Chinkara, Herpetofuana, Crocodiles and Birds
- Blackbuck National Park
Year of Esst. : 1976
Area of Sq. Kms. : 34.08
Location : Velavader, Bhavnagar
Major Species : Blackbuck, Wolf, Houbara bustard, Harrieres, Leser florican, Herpetoufaua
- Vansda National Park
Year of Esst. : 1979
Area of Sq. Kms. : 23.99
Location : Vansda, Navasari
Major Species : Leopard, Hyena Chital, Chausinga, Birds, Herpetofauna
- Marine National Park
Year of Esst. : 1980
Area of Sq. Kms. : 295.03
Location : Gulf of Kachchh, Jamnagar
Major Species : Sponges, Corals, Jellyfish, Sea horse, Octopus, Oyster, Pearloyster, Starfish, Lobster, Dolphin, Dugong, waterfowls
Wild life Sanctuaries
Sanctuary Place
Gir Wild Life Sanctuary Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Amreli
Wild Ass Sanctuary Little Rann of Kachchh
Nal Sarovar Birds Sanctuary Nal Sarovar, Ahmedabad & Surendranagar
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Jessore hill, Banaskantha
Barda Wild Life Sanctuary Hingolgadh, Rajkot
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Hingolgadh, Rajkot
Marine Sanctuary
Narayan Sarovar Sancuary Narayan Sarovar, Kachchh
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary Khijadia, Jamnagar
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Ratanmahal, Dahod
Kutchh Desert Wild Life Sanctuary Great Rann of Kachchh
Gaga Wild Life Sanctuary Gaga, Jamnagar
Rampara Wild Life Sanctuary Rampara, Rajkot
Thol Wild Life Sanctuary Thol, Mahesana
Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary Narmada
Porbandar Birds Sanctuary
Pania Wild Life Sanctuary Amreli
Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary Banaskantha
Jambuhoda Wild Life Sanctuary Jambughoda, Panchmahal
Purna Wild Life Sanctuary Dangs
Kutchh Bustard Sanctuary Near Naliya, Kachchh
Eco Tourism of Gujarat
Eco-tourism is slowly and gradually becoming a thriving industry in Gujarat. Camping is the favourite activity of tourists who visit Gujarat. A tour to the eco-campsite of Gujarat is all about discovering peace quotient, living happily and de-stressing. Most wildlife national parks and sanctuaries provide nature-friendly overnight accommodation, making it easy for tourists to witness nature right outside their windows. Sasan Gir, Jambughoda, Jessore, Polo Forest, Saputara and Dasada are the known eco-tourism sites in Gujarat that will take one through the refreshing journey.
Waghai Botanical Garden have a wide range of native and exotic plant samples from which you can learn to identify plants, learn how they are used for food and medicine, and how much we depend on them. There is a nature education trail which leads you to and from Vansda Park.
The Mahal Eco Campsite is bestowed with rivers and bamboo glides, with excellent walking and trekking options. It is located on the banks of the Purna River, in the middle of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary and is a part of the Dang Forest Division North. For an eco-tourist wanting to enjoy birds of moist deciduous forest mixed with bamboo, this is the best place to visit.
Zarwani Eco Campsite is situated in the Narmada District. It is situated inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a gamut of flora and fauna. The wildlife attraction includes leopards, wild sloth bears, hyena, various species of deers and wild dogs.
Kevdi is a well-stocked forest eco-tourism site situated on the route connecting Jambughoda Sanctuary and Ratanmahal Sanctuary. It is situated at the bank of a river with rich biodiversity. Sloth bear, panther, hyena, giant flying squirrel is often sighted at the site. The main attraction of the campsite is the flying squirrel which can be spotted in the evening.
Sasan Gir, Jambughoda, Jessore, Polo Forest, Saputara and Dasada are the known eco-tourism sites in Gujarat that will take one through the refreshing journey. Gujarat tourism lays great emphasis on environmental conservation to enhance the tourists understanding and appreciation of nature. Right from stargazing under the clear sky or hiking up Satpura ranges, Gujarat packs a big punch for just one state.
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