Bhavnagar Blackbuck National Park

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is spread in an area of 34.52 sq km. This place is ideal for visitors who are interested in natural history. You can easily find shrublands, grasslands, mud flats, and saline plains. These provide veritable support to a variety of grass, species of flowering plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Besides, the Alang and Paravalio Rivers, two check dams, three artificial ponds, and coastal marshes are ideal for the growth of aquatic flora and fauna.

The National Park was established in the year 1976. Situated in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, Bhavnagar Blackbuck National Park is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife. The boundaries of this park are well protected and circumscribed to prevent activities like forestry, poaching, grazing, and hunting. Historical accounts say that the grassland or Vidi belonged to the Maharaja of Bhavnagar (then a princely state). He used to hunt blackbucks with the help of hunting cheetahs.

It was after the independence of India that the grassland was subjected to unchecked hunting. There were no rules and regulations to counter the same. Hence, in 1976 it was declared as a sanctuary by the Government of India. According to Hindu Mythology, Blackbucks are sacred animals. It has various names like Askailyar in Gujarati, Krishna Sara, Krishna Mruga, and Sarang in Sanskrit. However, 1982 saw the worst cyclone ever, and it killed around 311 blackbucks.