Sasan Gir
A grassland safari in Velavadar Blackbuck National Park near Bhavnagar — herds of blackbuck, the elusive Indian wolf and a winter roost of migratory harriers.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park lies in Bhavnagar district, close to the Gulf of Khambhat, about 45 km from Bhavnagar city. It is a small park of roughly 34 square kilometres, but one unlike anything else in Gujarat: flat, golden grassland stretching to the horizon, broken by patches of scrub and seasonal wetlands. It was protected mainly for the blackbuck, the elegant spiral-horned antelope of India's plains — and herds of them are the reason most people come.
A visit is a slow drive along the park's tracks with a forest guide. Male blackbuck, black and white with long corkscrew horns, spar and leap across the grass; females and young move in tan-coloured herds. Velavadar is also one of the best places in India to look for the Indian wolf, and in winter it hosts one of the largest roosts of migratory harriers in the world.
From about October to March, harriers — mainly Montagu's and pallid — arrive from Central Asia and Europe and gather to roost in the grass at dusk, a spectacle birdwatchers travel far to see. Winter also brings cranes, pelicans and waders to the wetlands nearby. In the monsoon the grass grows tall and green, and the rare lesser florican may display, though much of the park can be closed in this period.
October – November
What to expect: Grass still tall after the rains; birdlife arriving
December – March
What to expect: Pleasant weather, harrier roosts, good blackbuck and wolf viewing
April – June
What to expect: Hot days; short grass makes animals easy to see in the early morning
Monsoon
What to expect: Green and beautiful, but parts of the park may close; check before you plan
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October – November | Grass still tall after the rains; birdlife arriving |
| December – March | Pleasant weather, harrier roosts, good blackbuck and wolf viewing |
| April – June | Hot days; short grass makes animals easy to see in the early morning |
| Monsoon | Green and beautiful, but parts of the park may close; check before you plan |
Open season
The park follows daylight hours set by the forest department and is usually closed for part of the monsoon. We confirm the exact timing and entry rules for your date when you enquire.
Bhavnagar
Distance: About 45 km
Travel time: About 1 hour
Ahmedabad
Distance: About 150 km
Travel time: About 3 hours
Sasan Gir
Distance: About 230 km
Travel time: 5 to 5.5 hours
| From | Distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Bhavnagar | About 45 km | About 1 hour |
| Ahmedabad | About 150 km | About 3 hours |
| Sasan Gir | About 230 km | 5 to 5.5 hours |
Bhavnagar has the nearest railway station and airport.
Large herds of blackbuck in open grassland, the Indian wolf, and a winter roost of migratory harriers.
December to March for pleasant weather and harriers; April to June for clear views in short grass, starting early to beat the heat.
Indian wolves live in the park and are seen fairly often in the early morning and evening, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
About 230 km — plan it as a separate day or on the way between Ahmedabad and Saurashtra.
Yes. The drives are on flat tracks and the open landscape makes animals easy to point out.
Plan this experience
Share your dates — our team confirms availability
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