HOME OF THE WILD

With a forest cover of 14,857 square kilometres, Gujarat is bestowed with abundant biodiversity. Its 21 wildlife sanctuaries and four national parks shelter rare and endangered species that warrant a visit to the westernmost state of India.

The state of Gujarat is home to many wonders. Its natural wealth is stacked high, with eight agro-climatic zones offering the right conditions for diverse ecosystems to prosper. For instance, there are vast grasslands and scrub forests in Kutch, Central Gujarat, and Saurashtra; mangroves, coral reefs, and sea grasses along the western coast; saline deserts in the north; moist deciduous tropical forests concentrated in the southern parts; and hilly forests in the eastern regions and Saurashtra. The best way to access this treasure trove of flora and fauna is to visit one of the four national parks and 21 wildlife sanctuaries in the state. You’re spoilt for choice—Gir National Park is known for being the last bastion of Asiatic lions, the sloth bear sanctuaries of Jessore and Ratanmahal are safe havens for the endangered animal, and the Blackbuck National Park is a unique shelter for the Indian antelope.

Then, there’s Marine National Park, which is still a well-kept secret in wildlife tourism circles, and the Vansda National Park is home to a fascinating variety of butterflies, reptiles, spiders, and frogs. The Little Rann of Kutch-Wild Ass Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary stand testament to the fact that even the most parched lands of Gujarat hold great opportunities for wildlife sightings. In case you wish to go beyond trails and safaris, visit the Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary, managed by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, where many nature education and awareness camps are organised every monsoon. While there are plenty of possibilities for curating a wildlife trip to the state, here are a few highlights that may make your travel planning easier.

GIR NATIONAL PARK