Latest Update : For the upcoming season 2024/25, safari bookings are open for Gir National Park. Always book your safari in advance.
The Blackbuck National Park, a unique grassland biosphere in Gujarat, is home to a multitude of wild animal species and amazing landscapes. Located just a few miles from the coast of the Gulf of Cambay (or Gulf of Khambhat), it is India's only tropical grassland national park. This 34 square kilometer area boasts savannah-type grasslands nestled between the Parvalia and Alang rivers.
This grassland provides the perfect habitat for the park's namesake, the Blackbuck, a handsome black and white antelope endemic to India. The park boasts the highest concentration of Blackbuck in the country. However, Blackbuck aren't the only stars of the show. Visitors can also expect to see Nilgai, Jackal, Jungle cats, foxes, and even the occasional wolf.
Furthermore, the park is a major attraction for birdwatchers with a diverse and populous bird community. Pelicans, white and painted storks, flamingoes, and cranes are just a few of the many interesting bird species found in this park.
Earlier this land was a private grassland which belonged to the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, who used to hunt the mystical Blackbucks of this region. However, at present the species is endangered and protected from hunting and poaching. Blackbucks are considered godly in the local beliefs and thus are considered sacred. They can be seen in big herds grazing and swiftly moving across the field.
Blackbuck National Park covers a total of 34 square kilometres of area with 'vidi', a grassland ecosystem. It is mostly covered by dense and sparse grassland, majorly steppe, with rest covered by shrub-land, saline land, and light tidal mudflats. The surrounding area consists of wasteland and agricultural fields. The grass stretch in Black Buck National Park is pale, custard coloured coupled with few green flora species like Vad, Karanj, Kalam, Charal Sirus, Acacia, Banyan Jambu, Amli and Umro.
However, the park does not consist of varied vegetation types, still is home to a staggering count of mammal, reptiles, and bird species. Apart from the large population of Blackbucks - beautiful fast antelopes on which the park is named and dedicated to, there are many other notable species of mammals in the Blackbuck National park. Nilgai, Wild boar, striped hyena, golden jackal, hare, Indian wolf, wild pigs, mongoose, hedgehog, and others.
The park has various reptile species like the common cobra, saw scaled vipers, krait, rat snake, etc. Moreover, Blackbuck National Park is a hotspot of birdlife. Many permanent and migratory birds can be seen in this biosphere including lesser florican, houbara bustard, Singing Bushlark, Laggar Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Tawny Eagle, Painted and Grey Francolin, Painted Sandgrouse, Greater Short-toed Lark, Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Spotted Sandgrouse, Eurasian Imperial Eagle, and around 100 more.
Blackbuck National Park observes a semi-arid climate, which means it receives comparatively less rainwall and is hotter. Thus, the best time to visit Blackbuck national park is between November to March. This is the winter months in India and the region receives a comfortable temperature during these months.
Blackbuck National Park stays closed during the monsoon, from mid-June to mid-October. The closing of the park is done to support the breeding season of many animals and bird species. Moreover, Early morning is the most favorable time to spot wildlife in the Blackbuck national park. However, you can spot blackbucks more easily during daytime.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gir
Get In TouchThe major attention drawing animal of Blackbuck National Park is the Blackbuck antelope itself. A handsome Indian antelope species with black and white skin colours and a pair of majestic horns. The park was established specifically for their conservation.
Blackbuck National Park has a grassland ecosystem with scattered shrubland and pockets of thorny forests. It is the best environment for Blackbucks to thrive.
There are a multitude of animals, other than the majestic Blackbuck, to get a glimpse in the Blackbuck national park. Other notable species in the park include foxes, jackals, hyenas, and several bird species.
You can explore the park through a Jeep Safari on a guided tour. Blackbuck national park also offers birdwatching opportunities to the tourists.
The park is located near Bhavnagar city in Gujarat, India. You can reach Bhavnagar by train, bus, or car, and then hire a taxi or take public transport to reach the park entrance.
