Tuesday, 06 October 2009 07:30

Blackbuck National Park-Bhavnagar

About:

Blackbuck N.P. Velavadar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the blackbuck, the wold and the lesser florican. Once found in open plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat, its largest population at present occurs in Velavadar N.P. This exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70 cm long. The body's upper parts are black and the underparts and a ring around the eyes are white. The light brown female is usually hornless.

 

Once found in open plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat. Its largest population at present occurs in Velavadar N.P. This exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to four turns and are up to 70 cm long. The body’s upper parts are black and the underparts and a ring around the eyes are white. The light brown female is usually hornless.

The wolf and the jackals are the main predators in t park. Wolves here use shrub land for lying-up, denning and for rendezvous and depend on blackbuck, hare and other small animals as their prey. Another rare sight is that of the lesser florican who migrate here and settle here to breed in the grasslands. After arrival, the male bird marks the territory and displays to attract the female. The courtship display of the male is a spectacular vertical leap up to a hight of two meters and may display over 500 times in a day! Velavadar is also an excellent place to see a large number of harriers. The Park is very rich in other birdlife as well.

The animal was once found in the plains and the state. Today, its habitat has been restricted within the boundaries of the national park. The beauty of the animal could have been one of the major reasons behind its decreasing population. As the name suggests, the upper part of its body is black in color, while the lower part is white. There are also white rings around its eyes, but the most striking attribute of the animal is its horns. Its ringed horns are approximately 70 cm long and have three to four spiral twists.

The female black buck is usually brown in color and does not possess horns. Black Buck Wildlife Sanctuary was once the private grasslands of the ex princely state of Bhavnagar, specifically to be used by the Maharaja. It is surrounded by Gulf of Kambhat towards south and wastelands and agricultural land on the other. Herds of Antelopes are seen wandering which attracts a number of tourists in the region. There is a bungalow provided by the Government Forest Department, which can be a good accommodation option.



The principal attraction of the park is the massive population, the largest in the country, of blackbuck, the handsome Indian antelope, seen here in numbers running into thousands. Rated among the most elegant antelopes and fastest long-distance runners (90km or 58 miles per hour), the exclusive Indian Blackbuck is one of the most graceful and beautiful animal of its kind. The males are black and white with a white ring around the eyes and ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70 cm long. The light brown female is usually hornless. The fauna of the park comprises mainly of Blackbuck, Antelope, Wolf, jackal and endangered species of birds.

Velavadar is also one of the few places in the world where the wolf is proliferating in India, indeed the world, though they are rarely seen in the daylight. The wolves and the jackals are the prime predators of Velavadar national park. Wolves here use shrub land for lying-up, denning and for rendezvous and depend on blackbuck, hare and other small animals as their prey. Other mammals like nilgais, jungle cat, hyena, wild pig, wild boars, hare, Indian fox and rodents are more easily seen on the periphery. Rarities include the bush cat. All these animals can be viewed on the open flat grassland from very close range. The best time for viewing is early in the morning and dusk. The best time to visit the park is from October to June. The park is closed during the monsoons.

Location info:

Address:Blackbuck National Park,Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India
District: Bhavnagar
Nearest City: Bhavnagar
Best time to visit: October and June

Climate/Weather:

History:

The Blackbuck National Park is located around 72 km from the district headquarter city of Bhavnagar in Bhal region. In 1976, Government on India has declared aprox. 34 Sq.Km. of grassland as National Park Blackbuck. The movements of blackbucks and nilgais (Blue bull) increase beauty of this park. The blackbuck is most famous for its jumping over the levels of grass. Since it is grassland, beauty of this park can be seen from long distant.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Flora and fauna:
The distinctive horns of the Blackbuck are ringed with 1 to 4 spiral turns, rarely more than 4 turns, and can be as long as 28 inches (79cm). A trophy Blackbuck is 18+ inches. In the male, the upper body is black (dark brown), and the belly and eye rings are white. The light-brown female is usually hornless. Blackbucks usually roam the plains in herds of 15 to 20 animals with one dominant male.On the open plain, the Blackbuck is one of the fastest animals and can outrun most predators over long distances. Its chief predator was the now extinct Indian Cheetah. It is now sometimes preyed upon by wolves, feral dogs, etc.The diet of the Blackbuck consists mostly of grasses, although it does eat pods, flowers and fruits to supplement its diet. The maximum life span recorded is 16 years and the average is 12 years. Mating season of the Black Buck rests from August to October and March to April.

 

Safaris:
Bear in Velavada National ParkThe jungle trail located in the park is a straight path with watchtowers dotted around it. The 'wetland', located just 3 km from the entry gate is an ideal spot to check out the wildlife. There are no safaris provided by the forest department, so your own vehicle is the only source of enjoying a ride around the park but be cautioned as animals cross the roads at all times, so be sure to drive slowly and safely.

lesser florican:
Another rare sight is that of the lesser florican who migrate here and settle here be breed in the grasslands during the rainy season. The male bird attracting the female is an unusual sight to watch. The male bird first marks its territory and then begins the courtship display which is a spectacular vertical leap up to a height of two meters, and which may be repeated over 500 times in a day

cowherds and shepherds:
Sometimes in the early morning or late evening, the colorful ‘Kathi’ cowherds and shepherds adorned in homespun, heavily embroidered kareya-chauni and traditional jewellery mingle naturally with the scene as they herd their oxen through the winding narrow expanse. Their cries to their animals an eternal assurance that life, in this sanctuary at least, is as it always was, always have been – safe, secure and peaceful. The cool and refreshing morning breeze, the reddish black earth, the wide expanse of flat, open grasslands teeming with gold, the grazing fauna, the sudden flights of birds, the tinkle of the cowbells, the shrill cries of the cowherds, all add to the panorama of serenity and timelessness in the lap of nature.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Bhavnagar railhead, connected by trains from Mumbai. Another railway station is at Dhala: 55 km away, but there is no regular public transportation from there to the park.
Nearest Airport:Bhavnagar airport. Mumbai is connected to Bhavnagar through domestic flights. Be sure to book in advance as not many flights are available.
Road Transport:The nearest town, Valabhaipur, is 32 km away, and Ahmedabad 145 km away. If you come by private vehicle, the Black Buck National Park is entered from Valabhaipur on the old highway or Adhelai on the Bhavnagar-Ahmedabad highway. Otherwise, the park is accessed by bus from Bhavnagar (72 km away). Two buses travel daily between Bhavnagar and the park; leaving the city at 2 or 3:30pm and returning from the park at 6 or 6:30am the next morning. For a day trip you will need your own vehicle; taxis can be hired in Bhavnagar for Rs. 700-1000 per day.

Nearest Visiting places:

Ghogha:
Ghogha is a historical town in Bhavnagar district of the western state of India, Gujarat. This ancient town is a major religious destination. It is located on the Gulf of Cambay, and attracts thousands of tourist and pilgrims every year. Palitana, Sonagarh and Girnarji are the neighbouring towns of Ghogha. The nearest railway station is the Bhavnagar Railway Station at a distance of 21 km. and the Bhavnagar Airport is the nearest airport. It is located between 21.68° North latitude and 72.28° East longitude.According to the 2001 India census report, Ghogha had a population of 10,894 inhabitants. Males and females constitute an equal proportion of the population. In Ghogha, 14% of th epopulation is less than six years of age.

 

Ghogha has an average literacy rate of 65% which is higher than the national averag eliteracy rate of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 76% and the female literacy rate is 53%.During ancient times this place was a major center of business. The three ancient Digambar Jain temples make Ghogha a popular pilgrim center. Chopra Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to Bhagwan Chandra Prabhu, the eight Tirthankar and Bhagwan Nemi Nath. A large number of ancient idols are installed in the temples of Ghogha. The idol is believed to be constructed 2500 years ago. Gujarati Mandir and Dandia Mandir are the other temples worth visiting.

Takhteshwar Temple:
Built in the year of 1893, Takhteshwar Temple is one of the prime places to see in Bhavnagar. The temple is located on top of a small hill, which is near the main railway station of the city. Takhteshwar Temple in Bhavnagar is also close to Mahuva, which is a small town near Bhavnagar in Gujarat. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the main deity of this shrine.The architectural beauty of the Takhteshwar Temple in Gujarat represents the typical late 19th century style and is made of pure marble. The temple is named after Maharaja Takhtasinhjii, as it was built in his memory. As the temple is situated on an elevated land, people can enjoy magnificent beauty of the city as well as the Gulf of Khambat.

Gandhi Smriti Museum or Gandhi Memorial:
Gandhi Smriti stands in Bhavnagar city as the vital link of the life of the political leader and the city. The memorial, which houses a hoard of photographs of the Mahatma, stands by the clock tower in Crescent Circle.Gandhi Smriti stands in the center of Bhavnagar city as an institution that commemorates the life and meritorious service of the Father of the Nation. Established in 1955, the Gandhi Smriti has since then become one of the most frequented places in Bhavnagar.Gandhi Smriti in Bhavnagar preserves a huge collection of books and other memorabilia used by Mahatma Gandhi. The repository also displays photographs that recreate the various events in the life of this great leader. Artifacts like religious carvings and betal cutters that are cultural representatives of Saurashtra are also found in Gandhi Smriti at Bhavnagar.

Barton Library and Museum:
Barton Library and Museum, one of the oldest monuments in Bhavnagar, is a favorite place for all age groups. The museum was established in 1895. Elderly people spend their time here reading newspapers, dailies and magazines. The museum houses old books, manuscripts, rare coins, arms and armours used by the rulers of Bhavnagar. Other collections include farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, weapons, musical instruments and reminders of Mahatma Gandhi's period as a student of Bhavnagar University.

Bhavnagar Lock Gate:
Bhavnagar Lock Gate is a popular tourist spots in the city of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, India. It enables the ships to remain afloat when the tide is low. The Lock Gate of Bhavnagar is situated in a dockyard of the city that was built 100 years ago. It is a very old dry dock of the country, which is still operational. It is at present used for the making of ships.

Gopnath Beach:
Gopnath Beach being profusely supplied with a dainty and colorful birdlife along with the presence of limestone cliffs and other adjuncts to the Gopnath Beach like a pleasurable sea breeze and breathtakingly beautiful views to enthrall the tourists who come down to the Gopnath Beach. It also houses the world"s biggest ship breaking zone and along with that there is the sacred presence of the Talja temple, which is built on a 350 feet high Volcanic hill.

Nava Bandar:
Bhavnagar Port, on the west coast of India is an all weather direct berthing port for small vessels. It is located in the Gulf of Cambay at a latitude and longitude of 21° 45" N and 72° 14" E respectively. Bhavnagar city is only 10 km from the port. Vessels to be disembarked alongside the concrete jetty must pass through the Lock Gate Door.

Mahuva:
Mahuva is a small town located in the district of Bhavnagar in Gujarat. It is also addressed as Kashmir of Saurashtra, because of the scenery around. The coconut tree plantations add to the beauty of the town. Tourists also enjoy at the beach of the city. Near the beach is the ancient Bhavani Temple, which is an important attraction of the city of Bhavnagar. The town enjoys an extremely pleasant climate throughout the year.

Gaurishankar Lake:
Gaurishankar Lake aka Bor Talav, named after a very able 19th century minister of the king, is a reservoir originally planned for water supply to the town. It is a popular picnic spot where one can watch a setting sun over lake and enjoy a stroll on the parapet wall of the lake. A small planetarium for children is also worth a visit. Bhav Vilas Palace lies on the shores of the lake.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

HP petrol pump:club hp pump near rammantra mandir,Bhavanagar,Gujarat,India

 

ioc petrol pump:Bhavanagar,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Blue Hill:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India

 

Hotel Apollo:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India

White Rose Hotel:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Goverment hospital:Bhavanagar,Gujarat,India
Dholakia hospital:Bhavanagar,Gujarat,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:www.tourism.webindia123.com

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Nearest Attraction

Palitana Jain Temples
Palitana is situated at a distance of 51 km from Bhavnagar and serves as an important Jain pilgrimage of Gujarat. The Shatrunjay Hill loacted nearby the place hosts approximately 900 big and small Jain Temples. These temples are dedicated to the 24 Jain Tirthankarars. Apart from this, the significance of the place dates back to the Mahabharata era of India. It is said that three Pandavas, Yudhishthir, Bheem & Arjun got Nirvana here. Therefore, it is known as Siddhakshetra, where one attains Moksha, amongst Jain devotees.....more
Gopnath Beach
A visit to Gopnath Beach is all what is required by a tourist and traveler who is on a jamboree to discover the delights of Gujarat and especially its divinely picturesque, scenic and resplendent seafront in the form of its various beatific beaches. Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, is one such place and travel destination which is popular amongsst the people and the various tourists visiting the beatific and enrapturing beach in Gujarat, India.Gopnath town in Gujarat, India, was the place of residence of Maharaja Krishna Singhji, at a distance of 75 kilometers from the city of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, India. Gopnath Town in Gujarat, India, is located near the Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, with the Gopnath Beach being profusely supplied with a dainty and colorful birdlife along with the presence of limestone cliffs and other adjuncts to the Gopnath Beach like a pleasurable sea breeze and breathtakingly beautiful views to enthrall the tourists who come down to the Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, in the hot summer months to get some relaxation from the sultry, trying and immobilizing heat....more
Arts And Crafts Museum
Arts and Crafts Museum, established in 1963, is situated at Bhavnagar, in Gujarat. The museum exhibits a rich collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat as well as known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles. Guide services are available on request.An arts and crafts museum it has a collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat and well known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles.Arts and crafts of Gujarat. Guide service, lectures, film shows. Timings : Summer 0830-1200 hrs and 1500-1900 hrs; Winter 0830-1200 hrs and 1430-1900 hrs. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry free Photography not allowed.....more
Shatrunjaya Hill
The Shatrunjaya Hill is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. One has to climb up the hill for about 4 kms 600 meters on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya place of victory over worldliness. You can reach this place either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. The rich persons visit this place on richly caparisoned elephants. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure. There is a stunning view from the top of the hill and the air is filled with the scent of the jasmine trees. On a clear day, you can also see the Gulf of Cambay. All the temples are enriched with gold, silver and jewels donated by rich merchants. According to local tradition, Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, visited the hill several times and the first temple was erected by his son. Thereafter the emple builders could not stop. Jains believe that Pundarika....more