Blackbuck National Park-Bhavnagar

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Once found in open plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat. Its largest population at present occurs in Velavadar N.P. This exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to four turns and are up to 70 cm long. The body’s upper parts are black and the underparts and a ring around the eyes are white. The light brown female is usually hornless.

The wolf and the jackals are the main predators in t park. Wolves here use shrub land for lying-up, denning and for rendezvous and depend on blackbuck, hare and other small animals as their prey. Another rare sight is that of the lesser florican who migrate here and settle here to breed in the grasslands. After arrival, the male bird marks the territory and displays to attract the female. The courtship display of the male is a spectacular vertical leap up to a hight of two meters and may display over 500 times in a day! Velavadar is also an excellent place to see a large number of harriers. The Park is very rich in other birdlife as well.

The animal was once found in the plains and the state. Today, its habitat has been restricted within the boundaries of the national park. The beauty of the animal could have been one of the major reasons behind its decreasing population. As the name suggests, the upper part of its body is black in color, while the lower part is white. There are also white rings around its eyes, but the most striking attribute of the animal is its horns. Its ringed horns are approximately 70 cm long and have three to four spiral twists.

The female black buck is usually brown in color and does not possess horns. Black Buck Wildlife Sanctuary was once the private grasslands of the ex princely state of Bhavnagar, specifically to be used by the Maharaja. It is surrounded by Gulf of Kambhat towards south and wastelands and agricultural land on the other. Herds of Antelopes are seen wandering which attracts a number of tourists in the region. There is a bungalow provided by the Government Forest Department, which can be a good accommodation option.

The principal attraction of the park is the massive population, the largest in the country, of blackbuck, the handsome Indian antelope, seen here in numbers running into thousands. Rated among the most elegant antelopes and fastest long-distance runners (90km or 58 miles per hour), the exclusive Indian Blackbuck is one of the most graceful and beautiful animal of its kind. The males are black and white with a white ring around the eyes and ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70 cm long. The light brown female is usually hornless. The fauna of the park comprises mainly of Blackbuck, Antelope, Wolf, jackal and endangered species of birds.

Velavadar is also one of the few places in the world where the wolf is proliferating in India, indeed the world, though they are rarely seen in the daylight. The wolves and the jackals are the prime predators of Velavadar national park. Wolves here use shrub land for lying-up, denning and for rendezvous and depend on blackbuck, hare and other small animals as their prey. Other mammals like nilgais, jungle cat, hyena, wild pig, wild boars, hare, Indian fox and rodents are more easily seen on the periphery. Rarities include the bush cat. All these animals can be viewed on the open flat grassland from very close range. The best time for viewing is early in the morning and dusk. The best time to visit the park is from October to June. The park is closed during the monsoons.

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Safaris:
Bear in Velavada National ParkThe jungle trail located in the park is a straight path with watchtowers dotted around it. The 'wetland', located just 3 km from the entry gate is an ideal spot to check out the wildlife. There are no safaris provided by the forest department, so your own vehicle is the only source of enjoying a ride around the park but be cautioned as animals cross the roads at all times, so be sure to drive slowly and safely.

lesser florican:
Another rare sight is that of the lesser florican who migrate here and settle here be breed in the grasslands during the rainy season. The male bird attracting the female is an unusual sight to watch. The male bird first marks its territory and then begins the courtship display which is a spectacular vertical leap up to a height of two meters, and which may be repeated over 500 times in a day

cowherds and shepherds:
Sometimes in the early morning or late evening, the colorful ‘Kathi’ cowherds and shepherds adorned in homespun, heavily embroidered kareya-chauni and traditional jewellery mingle naturally with the scene as they herd their oxen through the winding narrow expanse. Their cries to their animals an eternal assurance that life, in this sanctuary at least, is as it always was, always have been – safe, secure and peaceful. The cool and refreshing morning breeze, the reddish black earth, the wide expanse of flat, open grasslands teeming with gold, the grazing fauna, the sudden flights of birds, the tinkle of the cowbells, the shrill cries of the cowherds, all add to the panorama of serenity and timelessness in the lap of nature.

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Ghogha has an average literacy rate of 65% which is higher than the national averag eliteracy rate of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 76% and the female literacy rate is 53%.During ancient times this place was a major center of business. The three ancient Digambar Jain temples make Ghogha a popular pilgrim center. Chopra Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to Bhagwan Chandra Prabhu, the eight Tirthankar and Bhagwan Nemi Nath. A large number of ancient idols are installed in the temples of Ghogha. The idol is believed to be constructed 2500 years ago. Gujarati Mandir and Dandia Mandir are the other temples worth visiting.

Takhteshwar Temple:
Built in the year of 1893, Takhteshwar Temple is one of the prime places to see in Bhavnagar. The temple is located on top of a small hill, which is near the main railway station of the city. Takhteshwar Temple in Bhavnagar is also close to Mahuva, which is a small town near Bhavnagar in Gujarat. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the main deity of this shrine.The architectural beauty of the Takhteshwar Temple in Gujarat represents the typical late 19th century style and is made of pure marble. The temple is named after Maharaja Takhtasinhjii, as it was built in his memory. As the temple is situated on an elevated land, people can enjoy magnificent beauty of the city as well as the Gulf of Khambat.

Gandhi Smriti Museum or Gandhi Memorial:
Gandhi Smriti stands in Bhavnagar city as the vital link of the life of the political leader and the city. The memorial, which houses a hoard of photographs of the Mahatma, stands by the clock tower in Crescent Circle.Gandhi Smriti stands in the center of Bhavnagar city as an institution that commemorates the life and meritorious service of the Father of the Nation. Established in 1955, the Gandhi Smriti has since then become one of the most frequented places in Bhavnagar.Gandhi Smriti in Bhavnagar preserves a huge collection of books and other memorabilia used by Mahatma Gandhi. The repository also displays photographs that recreate the various events in the life of this great leader. Artifacts like religious carvings and betal cutters that are cultural representatives of Saurashtra are also found in Gandhi Smriti at Bhavnagar.

Barton Library and Museum:
Barton Library and Museum, one of the oldest monuments in Bhavnagar, is a favorite place for all age groups. The museum was established in 1895. Elderly people spend their time here reading newspapers, dailies and magazines. The museum houses old books, manuscripts, rare coins, arms and armours used by the rulers of Bhavnagar. Other collections include farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, weapons, musical instruments and reminders of Mahatma Gandhi's period as a student of Bhavnagar University.

Bhavnagar Lock Gate:
Bhavnagar Lock Gate is a popular tourist spots in the city of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, India. It enables the ships to remain afloat when the tide is low. The Lock Gate of Bhavnagar is situated in a dockyard of the city that was built 100 years ago. It is a very old dry dock of the country, which is still operational. It is at present used for the making of ships.

Gopnath Beach:
Gopnath Beach being profusely supplied with a dainty and colorful birdlife along with the presence of limestone cliffs and other adjuncts to the Gopnath Beach like a pleasurable sea breeze and breathtakingly beautiful views to enthrall the tourists who come down to the Gopnath Beach. It also houses the world"s biggest ship breaking zone and along with that there is the sacred presence of the Talja temple, which is built on a 350 feet high Volcanic hill.

Nava Bandar:
Bhavnagar Port, on the west coast of India is an all weather direct berthing port for small vessels. It is located in the Gulf of Cambay at a latitude and longitude of 21° 45" N and 72° 14" E respectively. Bhavnagar city is only 10 km from the port. Vessels to be disembarked alongside the concrete jetty must pass through the Lock Gate Door.

Mahuva:
Mahuva is a small town located in the district of Bhavnagar in Gujarat. It is also addressed as Kashmir of Saurashtra, because of the scenery around. The coconut tree plantations add to the beauty of the town. Tourists also enjoy at the beach of the city. Near the beach is the ancient Bhavani Temple, which is an important attraction of the city of Bhavnagar. The town enjoys an extremely pleasant climate throughout the year.

Gaurishankar Lake:
Gaurishankar Lake aka Bor Talav, named after a very able 19th century minister of the king, is a reservoir originally planned for water supply to the town. It is a popular picnic spot where one can watch a setting sun over lake and enjoy a stroll on the parapet wall of the lake. A small planetarium for children is also worth a visit. Bhav Vilas Palace lies on the shores of the lake.

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ioc petrol pump:Bhavanagar,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Apollo:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India

White Rose Hotel:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India

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