Blackbuck National Park

Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, is a 34.08 sq km grassland national park established in 1976. Located in the Bhal region, it is renowned for hosting one of the world's largest populations of blackbuck antelope. The park's open savanna, semi-arid grasslands and shrublands also support Indian wolves, striped hyenas, jackals and diverse birdlife including lesser florican and harriers, making it a significant wildlife conservation area.

Visitors can expect vast open grasslands and semi-arid savanna with herds of blackbuck grazing in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is done via guided jeep safari on designated tracks. The landscape is flat with sparse shrubs and seasonal wetlands. Visitors can see blackbucks, nilgai, Indian wolves, jackals, jungle cats, and numerous birds including lesser florican, harriers, and winter migratory species. Facilities include a forest rest house, interpretation centre and watchtowers for observation.

The grasslands were formerly a private hunting reserve (vidi) of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. To protect the blackbuck and the Bhal grassland ecosystem, the area was declared a national park in 1976 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, covering 34.08 sq km.

The park preserves the traditional Bhal grassland ecosystem of Saurashtra and is significant for conservation of the blackbuck, an animal revered in local culture. It represents Gujarat's commitment to grassland conservation and is an important site for ecological education and wildlife research.