Gujarat consists of almost 11% of forest cover which is home to a range of thriving wildlife fauna, flora, and birds. The people and authorities of Gujarat respect nature and do everything they can to preserve it. Being a place largely famous for its religious and pilgrimage purposes, the wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat also deserve some much-needed appreciation. The state has managed to conserve some of the rarest breeds of lions that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, exotic bird selection that will leave you spellbound among a plethora of other animals.
A great idea to spend a day with your family in the wilderness, here are the top 10 most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat:
1. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Serving as home and an oasis to more than 250 different types of exotic migratory and domestic birds this place is especially famous for being the hub for people looking to know more and study about the habits, Behaviours, and characteristics of various different birds. You can spot birds like Brahminy Duck from Tibet, spoonbill, fishing eagles, kingfishers, etc. The variety of birds present here also makes it a playground for birds and landscape photographers to have a great time and get some memorable shots. This is the perfect place to spend at least half your day here with family, friends, and especially kids while booking a Gujarat Tour Package.
2. Marine National Park
This truly is a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary that is dedicated entirely to the amazing marine life that thrives in Gujarat. Located in the Gulf of Kutch, Dwarka, there are in all 42 different islands adorned all along the Jamnagar coast, and several of them are surrounded by well-preserved life-giving coral reefs. Going there during the lower tide times when the sea falls miles back and exposes the hidden sea floor underneath. One can explore the place by foot or by a small motor boat and check out marine animals and plants like sponges, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, shrimps, sting rays, sea horses, whale sharks, etc.
3. Wild Ass Sanctuary
Located in the little ran of Kutch, this vast shrubby wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat is a one-of-a-kind place dedicated to the endangered Indian wild ass or Khur. Taking a safari through the park for a peaceful day out with nature and family seems like the perfect idea if you wish to visit this place. The part dry salt desert and part vast green shrubland give an otherworldly feel to the whole place. If you happen to be there at the right time then you will be able to witness desert foxes, cranes, black cobra, and caracals among others.
4. Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary dedicated entirely to sloth bears. Located at a very convenient distance of 45 kms from Palanpur within the forest area of the Jessore Hills (along with the adjoining areas) is an unexpectedly green and thriving sanctuary. The sanctuary was mainly developed and is being preserved in an attempt to restore the depleting condition of the Aravali ecosystem. Bears have become a tourist attraction here as many have reported them witnessing hanging and sleeping on the branches, hence the name. Watching bears and other animals in their natural habitat, feeling free and unobstructed is one of the greatest pleasures of life and for that, Jessore is the place to be.
5. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
Facing the Arabian Sea which is also a life source for the animals, birds, and plants thriving within the sanctuary and located at a distance of 15 kms from Porbandar, Barda can be included in one of your holidays in Gujarat. This place is worth the visit for many reasons, some of them are - walking around and exploring the dams of Khambhala, Fodara; visiting the river bays in Bileshvary and Joghri; going on safari rides and spotting various animals in the wild. It has been described as a green oasis with agricultural lands, forested regions, and wastelands where one can see animals like blue bull, blackbuck, wolf, Asiatic lions, and many more.
6. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
This has to be one of the most magnificent, lush green wildlife sanctuaries that was established in May 1990. The striking feature of this sanctuary is the lush green undulating hills and valleys with minimal human settlement that creates a picture-perfect landscape that seems straight out of a fairytale book. Consisting of 2 water reservoirs for the animals and plants one can spot animals like blue bulls, jackals, sloth bears, and horned antelopes among other exotic ranges of birds. Hike out on trails through the forest over or spend a night under the starlit skies in one of the many campsites available here.
7. Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in the year 1983 and adorned with the whimsical landscape of tiny hillocks and arid shrubby grasslands it is a wonderful option to spend a day with your loved ones here. Apart from the colorfully vibrant bird collection you will also encounter thrilling sights of groups of antelopes running around. The wooden landscape offers much-needed relief from the otherwise overpopulated other parts of Gujarat tourist destinations. Checking out this place on a fun-filled and thrilling safari ride would be an activity you wouldn’t want to miss especially if you are traveling with kids and want them to be more aware of their environment and surroundings.
8. Pania Wildlife Sanctuary
Considered to be the best dwellings and habitat for Chinkaras due to the presence of abundant food in the vast tracts of land, Pania pans out over an area of 39.63 sq. km. Located in Amreli, the sanctuary is home to various types of terrain like undulating rough topography, vast expansive grasslands, and steep mountains, Allowing numerous types of wildlife animals, plants, and birds to coexist in peace. Being an extension of Gir National Park (one of the largest national parks in Gujarat) one can easily spot various kinds of animals including lions, in their natural habitat.
9. Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is located in the district of Kutch and is a great place to spot some of the unique flora and fauna selection that cannot be seen otherwise anywhere else in Gujarat or India. Serving as a safe oasis for 15 species of threatened wildlife the sanctuary comprises of various types of landscapes ranging from arid to seasonal wetlands and even forests. This allows a plethora of living beings to coexist in peaceful harmony with each other and can even be seen via a jeep safari tour of the area. Check out animals like Chikara, cheetah, black partridge, bulbul, house sparrow, and more.
10. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Adorning gracefully the western Satpura Range and Narmada River and sharing a common boundary with the neighboring states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh this famous wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat is a great way to spend your day with the family and loved ones and especially children. Established in the year 1982, the sanctuary consists of different types of forests like deciduous, riverine, teakwood, and agricultural fields. Some interesting flora and fauna collections that you will get to observe here include - Rusty Spotted Cat, Red Sand Boa, Brooke’s House Gecko, Bengal Monitor, Indian Rock Python, Indian Softshell Turtle, etc.
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