Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary-Rajkot |
About: |
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is a serene and ecologically rich wildlife sanctuary located in Gujarat, India. It serves as an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and wildlife lovers. Known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, the sanctuary also acts as an educational center, promoting awareness about nature and wildlife conservation. It is a beautiful blend of dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands, making it an ideal habitat for various species of birds and animals. The green lush patch of Hingolgadh sanctuary stands in stark contrast with the arid zone of neighboring areas of Saurashtra. Dry, deciduous scrub forest along with undulating verdant hills create a ubiquitous manifestation of nature’s glory. During rains the savannah lush grasslands blend with the green of the scrubby forest and perks up with various forms of life. The Sanctuary spread over an area of 654 sq kms, was declared a sanctuary in 1980. In 1984 its ample of natural offerings recognized the place as an eco-educational center and is administrated by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation in Gandhinagar as the Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary. Unlike very few Wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat India, Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary organizes camps to create awareness amongst the local people, and tourists in general, about wildlife, its preservation, and environmental studies. The authorities are trying to strike a balance with environment and the whole eco system of the place at large. The topography is partly undulating and partly wastelands. Gujarat Ecological and Education research work has contributed a lot in the way of continuously mapping the progress of this sanctuary, undertaking major tree plantation projects and breeding of the natural habitats in the sanctuary. |
Location info: |
Coordinates22.0842° N, 71.3050° E |
District: Rajkot |
Nearest City: Jasdan |
Best time to visit: October to March |
Climate/Weather: |
Summer (March to June): Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. Monsoon (July to September): Receives moderate rainfall, turning the sanctuary lush and green; temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C. Winter (October to February): Pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it the best time to visit. |
History: |
The sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1980 to conserve the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem of the region. It was once the hunting grounds of the royal family of the former princely state of Jasdan. The sanctuary now serves as a hub for nature education and wildlife conservation activities, attracting researchers, students, and tourists interested in learning about the local ecosystem. |
Interesting things to do: |
A visit to Hingolgadh Sanctuary is strongly recommended particularly during the rainy season when the scenic beauty is at its aesthetic best. However, the winter season is also a very good and pleasant time for visiting the sanctuary. The sanctuary provides limited lodging facilities for which prior permission and booking are necessary from the Range Forest Officer, Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
Hingolgadh Palace: A historic palace located near the sanctuary that offers insights into the region's royal past and now serves as a heritage hotel. Fauna: Wildlife: The sanctuary is remarkably rich in birds with 230 species. The whole sanctuary is filled with melodies of bird chirping. The large groups of bulbuls attract everybody's attention with their metallic calls. Another interesting bird is the Weaver bird whose presence is most visible in the form of their typical hanging nests.The sanctuary has 19 species of snakes of which 3 are venomous and 16 non-venomous. |
Mobile range info: |
Mobile network coverage is generally available in and around the sanctuary, but it may be weak in some remote areas. |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Rajkot railway station |
Nearest Airport:Rajkot airport at 45 Km |
Road Transport:State transport buses and Private Luxury coaches connects various centers of Gujarat. It is situated 45 Kms from Rajkot. The railway station and the bus station are at a distance of one km. Local Transport: Buses and taxis are available for travel within the city. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
Rajkot: A vibrant city around 70 km away, known for its cultural heritage and attractions like Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Rotary Dolls Museum, and Watson Museum. Wankaner Palace: Khambalida Caves: |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Petrol Bunk:Wankaner,Rajkot,Gujarat,India
Petrol Pump:Morbi,Rajkot,Gujarat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Samrat Internaitonal:37, KaranPara,Prahlad
Plot,Rajkot,Gujarat,Ph:0281 2222269
Hotel Metro:Prahlad Plot,Rajkot,Gujarat,Ph:0281 2227712 Hotel Aditya:Opposite Rajashri Talkies,Bhupendra Road, Rajkot,Gujarat,India,ph:0281 2220003 Hotel Samrat Internaitonal:37, KaranPara,Prahlad Plot,Rajkot,Gujarat,india,ph:0281 2222269 Hotel Silver Palace:Dr Yagnik Rd,Jagnath Plot,Rajkot,Gujarat,India,ph:0281 2480005 |
Things to carry: |
Comfortable walking shoes Water bottles and snacks Binoculars for bird watching Camera for photography Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses Insect repellent Light woolens during the winter season |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Visit during the winter months (October to February) for pleasant weather and to witness the sanctuary's vibrant flora and fauna. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and trekking. Respect the sanctuary's rules and regulations; avoid littering or disturbing wildlife. Carry enough water and snacks, as there are limited options for food inside the sanctuary. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before heading to the sanctuary. |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:100 |
Nearest Hospital: Civil Hospital:Rajkot,Gujarat,India Om Babycare Hosiptal:Babulal Shah Marg,Nr. Jayhind Press,Rajkot,Gujarat,India,Ph:0281 2432727 HJ Doshi Hospital:Rajkot,Gujarat,India,ph:0281 2360531 |
Society/Community Phone Number: |
Link:www.gujarattourism.com |
|
Chotila Chamunda Temple |
Chamunda - Chamunda mata or Rann-chandi ( warrior goddess ) is the goddess of power and another form of Durga.Her illusion is twinlike as she is also called Chandi-Chamunda. The fierce mother goddess has big eyes dressed in red and green adorned with garlands of flowers and in front of her is vehicle the Lion.Her temple is very famous in Gujrat on the moutain named Chotila.Two Demons named 'Chanda' and 'Munda' did great penance for many years to please Lord Brahma. When Brahma was pleased he apeared in front of them and the demons asked for being very strong warriors and that they would rule the world and take over heaven. Lord Brahma was merciful so he granted the wish.....more |
Kaba Gandhi No Delo |
Kaba Gandhi No Delo Rajkot is the place where the Great Indian Leader Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his stay in Rajkot in the early years of his life. Mahatma Gandhi father in the name of Karamchand Gandhi was also known as Kaba Gandhi. The name of the house has been derived form Gandhiji's father s name. In Gujarati the words Kaba Gandhi No Delo literally means Kaba Gandhi residence.How the residence got its name has an interesting reason behind it. Mahatma Gandhi father Karamchand Gandhi was popularly known as Kaba Gandhi. This is the reason why the house was named Kaba Gandhi No Delo, which mean s Kaba Gandhi residence. It is Gandhiji ancestral home and has now been renovated into a museum, which is called Gandhi Smriti and is a permanent exhibition place. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday. Kaba Gandhi No Delo is where India Father of the Nation grew up. You can easily locate the house in the old city of Ghee Kanta Road in Rajkot, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat....more |
Rotary Midtown Dolls Museum |
The Rotary Midtown Dolls Museum situated in the heart of Rajkot endeavors to showcase the manifestation of the cultural heritage and tradition through the medium of dolls. Spread over 9000 sq. ft., the Rajkot Dolls Museum began its journey on 24 July, 2004, and boasts of an awesome collection of dolls from about 93 countries across the world bearing the flag of their respective countries.The Rotary Dolls Museum of Rajkot allows both the adults and the children alike to enjoy over 1400 dolls that have ethnic values or are representative of the culture and tradition of the place of their origin. With love, concern and care for the communities, each of the dolls are marked in detail with their specialty and what it tries to manifest. This prompt the viewers and motivates them with more curiosity about the culture of various places and regions....more |
Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary |
The Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot was set up in the year 1988 by the Government, post its acquisition in the year 1975 by them. The Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot was granted the status of a reserve forest in the year of 1983. Prior to the year 1975, the Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot served as the shooting reserve that belonged to the former princely state of Wankaner also known as Central Saurashtra.Marked with fringes of hillocks around the bordering periphery of the arid shrubby plain land distinct with wild grass is the Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary got the status of Reserve Forest in the year 1983 before which it served as a shooting reserve that belonged to the former princely state of Wankaner also known as Central Saurashtra.....more |
Aji Dam Garden |
Aji Dam Garden Rajkot is a major Tourist Attraction in Rajkot. The Aji Dam
Garden in Rajkot is a beautiful garden beside the Aji Dam. The garden is
situated downstream and looks beautiful with lovely flower plants trees and
different types of floras. The Aji Dam Garden in Rajkot in Gujarat in India
also has amusement parks and zoos. There are food courts and children parks.
In the amusement parks both the adults and the children can have a nice
time. The Aji Dam Garden in Rajkot is a spot which is visited by people of
all ages.Aji Dam Garden is maintained by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.
In the amusement park of the Aji Dam Garden people can spend a nice time
trying out the rides and eating snacks at the food courts. The Aji Dam
Garden at Rajkot in Gujarat in India also has a bird aviary, zoo and
crocodile park. This garden is situated at a distance of eight kilometers
from the city, on the outskirts which gives the visitors an opportunity to
move around in serene tranquility. During the winter season the Aji Dam
Garden, Rajkot looks more beautiful as the trees and the flowers are in full
bloom.....more
|