Remember the stories revolving around wildlife that we heard as children from our grandparents and parents. Wouldn’t it be interesting to bring them to life for not only our younger generations but ourselves too? While there are huge wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across the globe, our country boasts of some reserves that are home to fascinating species of animals, flora and fauna. Although it is intriguing to watch wildlife channels on television, it is even more exciting to spot the king of the jungle while sitting on the edge of your jeep during a jungle safari. By Moyena Parikh
National Parks are established by the government for wildlife conservation. They are maintained not only to protect the endangered species but to develop the ecosystem as well. With at least one or more national parks in each state, environmental conservation is the message for our future generations.
Several of the most popular national parks are found in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan and are known for their rich landscapes, endangered species of birds and animals, breathtakingly beautiful flora and fauna and marine life, which contribute towards our biodiversity. These parks attract nature lovers, adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts for various reasons.
We have created an interesting list of national parks in west India, that are sure to tingle the wildlife enthusiast in you. You can also take tips on accessibility and landmarks for a better understanding on when and how to get set going.
Amazing national parks in west India that deserve to be in your bucket list
Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat
If you wish to see the only natural home of the world’s most popular Asiatic lions and the world’s only four-horned antelope, Chowsingha, then you must visit Gir National Park. It was set up in 1965 in the Junagadh district when a large part of Sasan Gir was converted as a wildlife sanctuary. Sprawling across an area of 1412 square kilometres, 258 square kilometres of the core area was declared as a national park in 1975.
As you enter the park, you can easily spot consecutive rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys that support its rich flora and fauna. Some popular varieties of trees include teak, ber and dudhlo.
There are 32 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles and thousands of species of insects that can be spotted in Gir National Park. Apart from lions, you can also sight leopards, deers, crocodiles and birds such as the Malabar Whistling Thrush and Orange Headed Ground Thrush. Be prepared to put your cameras to good use.
Devalia Safari Park, which is an enclosed area within the national park, gives tourists a great opportunity to witness the raw beauty and wilderness of the area. A safari tour in a minibus with prior permit is the best way to explore this zone which is also called Gir Interpretation Zone.
Junagadh and Veraval have the closest proximity to Gir National Park, both by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Rajkot. You can experience the beauty of this national park between November to March.
Gugamal National Park, Maharashtra
If you want to see how forest contiguity can support biodiversity, then you must visit Gugamal National Park. It is a part of Melghat Tiger Reserve that came into being in 1973-74. Eventually an area of 361.28 square kilometres was carved out as Gugamal National Park in 1975. The national park is located in Amravati.
The rich landscape of the national park, situated within the Satpura hill range or the Gavilgarh Hills, includes rugged and hilly deciduous forests. The lush green environment definitely relaxes the mind and soothes the soul.
There are 90 tree species, 66 shrub species, 316 herb species, 56 climbers, 23 sedge species and about 99 grass species in the park. Gugamal National Park is also blessed with many medicinal plants.
As far as the fauna is concerned, one can find many endangered animals and birds here. They include panther, jackal, hyena, barking deer, yellow-billed babbler, white-checked barbet and so on. You can even find a variety of fish and butterflies here.
Apart from spotting tigers, you can partake in eco-tourism across these spots- Semadoh-Harisal, Narnala, Wan, Dhargad-Gullarghat and Chikhaldara to make the most of your trip. You can also indulge in trekking or meditation if you are a hardcore nature lover.
The best time to visit this park is between October to June. The nearest airport is in Nagpur, while the nearest railhead is in Amravati. Amravati city is well-connected by roads.
Desert National Park, Rajasthan
If you want to experience the Thar desert ecosystem along with wildlife, then you must visit Desert National Park. It is one of the largest national parks with a geographical area of 3,162 square kilometres, out of which 1900 square kilometres falls in the Jaisalmer District and the remaining 1262 square kilometres in the Barmer district.
Included as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1980, Desert National Park was declared as a national park in the same year.
What adds to the unique landscape are rolling sand dunes, jagged rocks and dense salt lakes. You will also find fossils of animals, such as dinosaurs and plants dated 180 million years old in Akal Wood Fossil Park located within the park.
Desert National Park is the only home of the Rajasthan state bird (Great Indian Bustard), state animal (chinkara), state tree (khejri) and state flower (rohida), that are found naturally in the area.
There are at least 80 species of birds, several mammals and reptiles that can be spotted when you visit the national park. Some of the wildlife thriving here include blackbucks, chinkaras and desert foxes.
Bird lovers can spot many migratory birds such as Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Saker Falcon during the winter season.
You can set out on a thrilling jeep safari to get closer to wildlife and nature. You can also partake in camping with bonfires and have a memorable experience at Desert National Park.
The most suitable time to visit the national park is between November and January. Jaisalmer city can be conveniently reached by air, rail and roads.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa
While Goa is known for its beaches, did you know it is also blessed with a forest cover that is conducive for endangered plants, birds and animals to thrive?
Located in Sanguem Taluk in Goa, Mollem National Park was earlier declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. A core area of 107 square kilometres, out of the total protected area of 240 square kilometres, was then allocated as a national park in 1978.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears and barking deers. Some of the birds that can be sighted are fairy bluebird, wagtails and three-toed kingfisher, while butterfly lovers can spot various species of butterflies like Blue Mormon, Crimson Rose and Tailed Jay in the region.
You can find many temples that are associated with the Kadamba Dynasty. Other famous attractions include Dudhsagar waterfall, Devil’s Canyon, Tambdi Surla temple and Tambdi falls. Don’t you think you need to add this park to your itinerary the next time you are in Goa?
You can explore Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary through jungle safaris and trekking trails. Infact, you can also see the Mormugao–Londa railway line passing through the national park.
While the park is open throughout the year, the ideal time to visit it is between October to March. The nearest airport is in Panaji and the nearest railway station is Suravali.
Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
Known as the oldest national park of Maharashtra, Tadoba National Park is situated in Chandrapur district. It is a part of the 1,712 square kilometres Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, making it the largest national park in Maharashtra.
The national park, covering an area of 116.55 square kilometres, was established in 1955, while the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1986. They were combined as a tiger reserve in 1995.
The beautiful landscape includes hillocks and terrains, dense forest areas, smooth meadows, and deep valleys. Now this is definitely a sight to behold!
The national park is rich in a variety of flora. Tourists can commonly sight teak and bamboo at the national park. Some of the animals that are frequently spotted include tigers, leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, marsh crocodile, and snakes like Indian python and Indian cobra. Even grey-headed fish eagle, jewel beetles and wolf spiders have taken shelter in the park.
The three forest zones of the national park are the Tadoba north range, the Kolsa south range and the Morhurli range. Do take a jeep safari and explore it during the day or night.
The park is open for visitors between 15 October to 30 June but winter is the best season to visit. However, if you want to spot tigers, then April and May are the two ideal months when you should plan your trip to Tadoba National Park. Make a trip to the national park post monsoon season if you want to enjoy the lush greens in the jungles.
The nearest airport is in Nagpur and the nearest railhead is at Chandrapur. You can even take state-transport buses that ply regularly to Chandrapur and Chimur, located about 45 and 32 km from Tadoba National Park respectively.
Marine National Park, Gujarat
So far you have read about national parks in forests or hills, but did you know India is also home to six marine national parks? Here’s one you should definitely consider visiting in your next adventure.
The first Marine Wildlife Sanctuary along with the first Marine National Park in India were established in the Gulf of Kutch in 1980 and 1982, respectively, as a step towards protecting and conserving marine flora and fauna under the provision of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
The sanctuary is an archipelago made of a group of 42 tropical islands situated in the Jamnagar, DevBhumi Dwarka and Morbi districts. It covers an area of 458 square kilometres, out of which the national park is allocated an area of 163 square kilometres.
This marine ecosystem boasts ample mangroves, coral reefs, degraded reefs, creeks, estuaries, inter-tidal mudflats (lower and higher), sandy strands, saline grasslands, marshy areas and rocky islands that not only supports endangered birds and sea animals but can also enamour the nature lover in you.
But you can take delight in the fact that there are 421 types of fish, 27 types of prawns, 30 species of crabs, 199 species of mollusks and 16 types of echinoderms. The park also houses 172 types of birds, 3 types of sea mammals and 3 types of sea turtles! A must-visit trip for anyone who loves boat safaris.
The fair time to visit the national park is between October to March. Marine National Park can be reached by boat from Bedi Port in Jamnagar. Jamnagar is equipped with an airport, a railway station and a state-transport bus facility.
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park was declared a national park and then added as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. It is recognised as a major bird breeding and feeding ground in the world. Keoladeo National Park was originally a royal hunting reserve during the 1850s and a game reserve for the Maharajas and the British.
Located at the south of Bharatpur city, the park is surrounded by woodlands, swamps and wet grasslands. If you want to capture a nice panoramic shot in your camera or phone, then you must visit Keoladeo National Park.
More so, there are 370 species of birds and animals that have taken shelter in the national park. Some of them include the basking python, painted storks and deer. The mesmerising bird sanctuary turned national park also houses the rare and elusive Siberian crane.
Other animals that can be spotted in this natural ecosystem are blackbucks, jackals, monitor lizards and fishing cats. You can be amazed to see around 50 species of fish and 25 species of butterflies in the park itself.
Keoladeo National Park, which covers an area of 28.73 square kilometres, is best explored by well-defined treks on foot, cycle or rickshaws. Be sure to look for the different birds and animals as highlighted in the general information section.
October to February is the best time to visit this national park. While the nearest airport is situated in Agra, the most convenient railway station is at Bharatpur.
Velavadar National Park, Gujarat
A popular tourist attraction for both nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Velavadar National Park was established as a national park in 1976 in Bhavnagar. It was the private passtime of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar who would hunt down blackbucks. But since the blackbuck became an endangered species, they were enclosed in this national park.
Spread over an area of 34 square kilometres, the beautiful national park in West India is surrounded by big areas of pale, custard-coloured grasslands stretching between two seasonal rivers. The north side of the park has wastelands and agriculture fields. So you get to witness nature in its entirety.
According to Gujarat Tourism, Velavadar National Park is home to 1,800 blackbucks along with 120 species of birds. You can even spot blue bulls (India’s largest antelope) and wolves between the pale grasslands. Even the Lesser Florican – a bustard species, is said to have taken shelter here.
The park is indeed rich in flora and fauna. Nature lovers can enjoy spotting 14 species of mammals such as nilgai, wild boar and striped hyenas along with 95 species of flowering plants.
Bhavnagar is equipped with an airport, a railway station and a good network of roads. October to March is the best time to visit the national park.
(Hero and Featured Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon / CC-BY-SA-3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0 / Wikimedia Commons)
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