| Wildlife
of Gujarat |
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| Gir
Wildlife Sanctuary
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| Gir
Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Porbandar
Bird Sanctuary |
Located in the heart of Porbandar
city, this small bird sanctuary approx. 1sq. km. is
home to a variety of wildfowl, teals, ibis, curlews,
and a sizeable number of migratory birds. |
| Anjal
Wild Ass Sanctuary |
Gujarat
is as famous for its large wild ass herds as it is for
its lions. To protect these rare animals, a sanctuary
covering an area of over 4,953 sq. kms. was created
to offer protection to more than 2,100 wild asses inhabiting
this area.
In the Little Rann of Kutch,
the asses are attracted by the flat green grass covered
expanse known as bets (islands where coarse grasses
springs up during the monsoon).
Few animals in the animal kingdom can match the wild ass in terms of speed and stamina. They are capable of marathon runs at a pace of about 24 km/h for as long as two hours, reaching a top speed of 70 km per hour over short distances.
The wild ass is a strong animal and a stallion will fight viciously for the possession of the mare in the mating season. The combatants rear up on their hind legs, and kick and bite viciously. After mating, one foal is born between July and September.
Besides the wild ass, the Sanctuary has a large population of blue bulls, blackbucks, chinkaras, wolves and jackals.
The area is also well known
for its birds. The most notable being the flamingoes
from Siberia. During winter thousands of these magnificent
pink birds can be found particularly at Dholavira. An
excursion of the Rann of Kutch, if you are lucky enough
can enable you to see many species of birds. At the
Little Rann you can see numerous birds ranging from
the incredibly beautifully colored Indian Roller to
the majestic stature of the Demoiselle Cranes, numerous
Falcons, Bustards and Sarus Cranes. Of equal joy is
a chance to ride a camel decked in its finest riding
apparel.
How to get there:
Air : The nearest airport is located
150 kms. away at Bhuj, connected by regular flights
from Mumbai.
Rail : New Bhuj Railway Station
is 1 kms. north of Bhuj.
Road : State transport, luxury
coaches, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from
Bhuj. |
| Flamingo
Colony
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 This
is the largest flamingo colony in the world. Every
year more than half a million of these birds migrate
from hotter climes to this place for an annual display
of colour. They breed and feed before their journey
back to a distant land.
The Flamingo Colony can be approached on camel back from Khavda only.
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| Narayan
Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary |
A
few kilometres away from the Narayan Sarovar is the
Chinkara Sanctuary. It is about 210 kms. from Bhuj.
This sanctuary is the home of the Chinkara or the Indian
gazelle.
Other animals found in this sanctuary are blue bull, spotted deer, wild boar and a rich variety of smaller wildlife.
How to get there:
Air : The nearest airport is at
Bhuj.
Rail : Bhuj is the nearest railway
station.
Accomodation: Two temple guesthouses
at Narayan Sarovar.
Malir Garden Camp Resort, Nakhtarana - Tel.: 028352-83344.
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| Purna
Sanctuary |
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A vast and rich forest laced with the Purna and Gira rivers. The hilly region with its cool interiors would tempt any tourist to explore its magic. You would need a pair of sturdy shoes and a packed lunch. Picnic huts are also available, however permission is required to enter the forest.
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| Vansda
National Park
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A rich and old forest, predominantly covered by very tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers. The forest is extremely dense and some parts are dark even during daytime. The forest is a habitat for monkeys, deer, a few leopards and a wide species of birds. Permission is required to enter the park.
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| Ratanmahal
Sloth Bear Sanctuary |
The sanctuary is on the Ratanmahal Hills of the Panchmahals district, 45kms. from Baria. Apart from the sloth bear, it is also home to leopards, the blue bull (nilgai), wild boars and the Indian gazelle.
How to get there:
Air : Vadodara is the nearest
airport.
Rail : Piplod is the closest railway
station.
Accommodation: PWD rest house,
hotels and lodges in Baria. |
| Shoolpaneshwar
Wildlife Sanctuary |
 Located in the Bharuch district, the Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary stretches to an area of 608sq. kms. It boasts abundant plant and animal life. Here you can see leopards, sloth bears, sambar, wild dogs, hyena, barking deer and a variety of birds.
How to get there
Air : Nearest airport is at Vadodara.
Rail : The most convenient
railway station is at Ankleshwar, at a distance of 60kms.
Accommodation: Rajwant
Palace at Rajpipla.
PWD and Panchayat guesthouses at Dediapada, (approx. 30kms.).
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