Home | INFORMATION | Tiger Reserves | Other National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Bird Sanctuaries | Elephant Reserves | Endangered Species
Introduction
Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park in Gujarat is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Bhavnagar district, Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is a unique grassland park famous for huge herds of Blackbuck antelopes, Indian Wolves, and Harrier raptor roosts.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Districts | Bhavnagar |
| Year of Notification | 1976 |
| Total Area | 34.08 sq km |
| Landscape | Open coastal grassland, saline mudflats, acacia scrub, and seasonal water ponds. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Gulf of Khambhat coastal mudflats and Alang river creek line |
| Nearest Airport | Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) – 50 km / Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) – 140 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Bhavnagar Terminus (BVC) – 45 km / Dhola Junction – 30 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Location
The national park lies in the Bhavnagar region of Gujarat. 50 km north of Bhavnagar city off Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar highway.
History
Established in July 1976 from the former private hunting grassland (Vidi) of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 34.08 sq km, the park’s terrain features Open coastal grassland, saline mudflats, acacia scrub, and seasonal water ponds.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Open coastal grassland, saline mudflats, acacia scrub, and seasonal water ponds.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Blackbuck (over 3,500 blackbucks), Indian Gray Wolf, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, and Wild Boar.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: World’s largest roosting site for Harriers (Montagu’s, Pallid & Marsh Harriers – over 2,000 raptors). Also Lesser Florican, Saras Crane, Stolk, Flamingo, Pelican, and Pintail.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park is sustained by: Gulf of Khambhat coastal mudflats and Alang river creek line.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Bhavnagar Nilambag Palace (45 km), Palitana Jain Temples (75 km), Lothal Archaeological Site (60 km).
Weather & Climate
Semi-arid climate (12°C to 42°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) – 50 km / Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) – 140 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhavnagar Terminus (BVC) – 45 km / Dhola Junction – 30 km
- Road Connectivity: 50 km north of Bhavnagar city off Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar highway.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park is from October to March.
Accommodation
Gujarat Tourism Kaliyar Bhavan Eco-lodge at Velavadar gate.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Prime grassland sanctuary for endangered Blackbucks and breeding Lesser Floricans.
Visitor Tips
Witness the spectacular evening return of thousands of Harrier hawks to grassland roosts.
Did You Know?
- Boasts world’s largest night roosting population of Harrier raptors.
- Famed for leaping Blackbuck antelopes sprinting across open golden grasslands.
- One of India’s top sites to observe the rare Indian Grey Wolf.
Last Updated: August 2026