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National parks in Gujarat offer a glimpse into the state’s diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife. Situated in western India, Gujarat is home to several prominent national parks, each showcasing unique plants and animals. The state’s varied geography includes everything from dense forests to coastal mangroves, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can explore habitats that support species such as Asiatic lions, blackbucks, and a variety of birdlife. These Gujarat national parks play a crucial role in conserving the region’s natural heritage while providing opportunities for education and sustainable tourism.
10 National Parks In Gujarat
Discover the beauty and diversity of Gujarat’s natural heritage with this comprehensive guide about the top ten national parks in Gujarat.
1. Gir National Park
Photo: Daljeet Singh Sandhu / Unsplash
Gir National Park, spanning over 1,400 square kilometres in Junagadh District, Gujarat, is globally recognised as the last stronghold of the Asiatic Lion. It is one of the best national parks in Gujarat. The park’s dense forest and rugged terrain provide a unique opportunity to observe these majestic lions in their natural habitat. In addition to lions, Gir is also home to leopards, spotted deer, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. You can explore the park through guided jeep safaris, offering close encounters with its diverse wildlife.
Entry Fee: ₹75 or $1
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Location: Junagadh District, Gujarat
2. Blackbuck National Park
Photo: Panchasarakrutarth / Wikimedia Commons
Blackbuck National Park, located in the Bhavnagar District near the Gulf of Khambhat, is dedicated to the conservation of the Blackbuck antelope. Covering approximately 34 square kilometres, the park’s open grasslands are ideal for observing these graceful animals. The park also serves as a crucial habitat for several species of migratory birds, especially during the winter months. Here, you can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography, with the chance to see harriers, pelicans, and other birds against the backdrop of the park’s semi-arid environment.
Entry Fee: ₹20 or $2.50
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Location: Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
3. Marine National Park
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikimedia Commons
Marine National Park, located in the Jamnagar District of Gujarat, is India’s first marine protected area. It is one of the top national parks in Gujarat. Spanning 42 islands in the Gulf of Kutch, the park is a haven for marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore rich marine life, where visitors can witness species like dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish. The park is accessible through guided boat tours, which provide an immersive experience of the underwater world, making it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts.
Entry Fee: ₹150 or $6.25
Timings: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Jamnagar District, Gujarat
4. Vansda National Park
Photo: Gwen Weustink / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Vansda National Park, nestled in the Navsari District of Gujarat, covers an area of 24 square kilometres. Despite its smaller size, the park boasts dense deciduous forests rich in biodiversity. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and numerous reptile species. The park also offers guided nature walks, allowing visitors to explore its diverse flora and fauna up close. The presence of ancient tribal communities within the park adds a cultural dimension to the visit, offering insights into traditional forest life.
Entry Fee: ₹20 or $2.50
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Location: Navsari District, Gujarat
5. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Elizabeth Gottwald / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the world’s largest seasonal salt marshes, spans 7,500 square kilometres in the Kutch District of Gujarat. After the monsoon season, the sanctuary transforms into a white salt desert, providing a unique habitat for wildlife. It is an essential breeding ground for flamingos and other migratory birds, making it a significant bird-watching destination. Visitors to the sanctuary can experience its vast, stark beauty and observe flocks of flamingos against the backdrop of the white salt plains, offering a rare and mesmerising sight.
Entry Fee: ₹200 or $6.25
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Kutch District, Gujarat
6. Mandvi Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Steve / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mandvi Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. This protected area hosts a rich diversity of plants and animals, such as deer, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich environment and observe the animals as they roam freely in their habitat. Popular activities include observing wildlife and bird watching, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Entry Fee: ₹20 or $2
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Location: Mandvi, Kutch district, Gujarat, India
7. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dana Ward / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Panchmahal District, Gujarat, is characterised by its dense teak forests and two large reservoirs. The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards, and several bird species. The reservoirs within the sanctuary attract migratory birds, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities. You can explore the sanctuary through guided treks and nature walks, which provide insights into the region’s rich biodiversity. The sanctuary’s combination of dense forests and water bodies makes it a unique destination for nature lovers.
Entry Fee: ₹30 or $2.50
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Panchmahal District, Gujarat
8. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Ilnur Kalimullin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Narmada District near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, spans 607 square kilometres. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the flying squirrel and barking deer. The area is also inhabited by indigenous tribal communities, adding a cultural aspect to the wildlife experience. You can explore the sanctuary through guided treks, which offer opportunities to observe its rich biodiversity and learn about the traditional lifestyles of the local tribes. The sanctuary’s dense forests and varied wildlife make it a significant conservation area.
Entry Fee: ₹20 or $2.50
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Location: Narmada District, Gujarat
9. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Photo: Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary, located in Rajkot District, Gujarat, serves both as a conservation area and an educational centre. Spanning 654 hectares, the sanctuary is an excellent destination for environmental education programs. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including chinkaras, blue bulls, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary offers guided tours and workshops aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. You can also explore the sanctuary’s rich flora and fauna, making it a valuable resource for students and nature enthusiasts.
Entry Fee: ₹50 or $2.50
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Rajkot District, Gujarat
10. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Dangs District of Gujarat, is popular for its dense forests and high humidity levels. Covering an area rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is home to leopards, rhesus macaques, and various bird species. The thick forest cover, interspersed with numerous streams, makes the sanctuary ideal for trekking and nature walks. You can explore the sanctuary’s lush vegetation and spot wildlife in its natural habitat. The sanctuary’s remote location and challenging terrain offer a rewarding experience for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Entry Fee: ₹20 or $2.50
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Location: Dang District, Gujarat
National parks in Gujarat highlight the region’s natural diversity. From Purna’s lush forests teeming with wildlife to the underwater marvels of Narara, each park offers a distinct glimpse into the state’s ecological wealth. When you explore these stunning natural habitats with TripXL, you engage with Gujarat’s extraordinary heritage, where every visit becomes an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Cover Photo: Jessica Weiller / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
