The park is renowned for hosting the world's largest population of blackbucks, with over 3,000 individuals. It's also home to the Indian wolf, striped hyena, and jungle cat. The grasslands support numerous bird species, including the critically endangered Lesser Florican, harriers, and various raptors. During winter, Velavadar becomes a crucial roosting site for harriers, hosting one of the world's largest harrier roosts with species like Montagu's, Pallid, and Marsh harriers gathering in significant numbers.
Velavadar's vegetation primarily consists of grassland species, dominated by Dichanthium annulatum and Sporobolus virginicus. The park features various grass species including sewan, dharaf, and khariyo, which are crucial for supporting the herbivorous wildlife population. Scattered shrubs and trees, including Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica, dot the landscape, while the coastal edges support halophytic plants adapted to saline conditions. This diverse flora creates a perfect habitat for the park's signature species.
The park is characterized by flat grassland terrain interspersed with saline plains, known locally as 'vidis.' The landscape was formed by the gradual recession of the Gulf of Khambhat, resulting in alluvial soil deposits. The area features a unique combination of grassland, shrubland, and mudflats, with subtle elevation changes ranging from sea level to about 8 meters. The soil composition varies from sandy loam to black cotton soil, supporting the growth of native grass species.
Velavadar National Park, formerly the private grassland hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, was established as a Blackbuck National Park in 1976. The area has historically served as a vital refuge for the endangered blackbuck antelope, which once roamed freely across the Indian subcontinent. The park's transformation from a hunting reserve to a protected sanctuary represents a significant conservation success story in Gujarat, preserving not only wildlife but also the region's natural grassland ecosystem.
Velavadar's most distinctive feature is its vast, uninterrupted grassland ecosystem, one of the last remaining examples of tropical savanna in India. The park offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly during dawn and dusk when blackbucks are most active. The unique harrier roost phenomenon during winter months attracts bird enthusiasts from around the world. The park's relatively flat terrain and well-maintained tracks make it easily accessible for visitors, while strategic viewing points provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
Velavadar experiences a semi-arid climate typical of Gujarat, with three distinct seasons. Summers (March-June) are hot and dry with temperatures reaching 40°C, while winters (November-February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C. The monsoon season (July-September) brings moderate rainfall averaging 500mm annually, transforming the dry grasslands into lush green expanses. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is comfortable for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
India
22.0510°, 72.0460°
1976
34.08
Velavadar National Park is known for hosting the world's largest harems of blackbuck antelope. The grassland ecosystem supports various species including wolves, jackals, and numerous bird species. The park is particularly famous for being one of the few places where blackbucks can be seen in their natural habitat.