Tuesday, 06 October 2009 06:00

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:
The sanctuary shelters various species of animals that include nilgai, chinkara, Indian hare, wolf, mongoose, Indian porcupine, jackals, hyenas etc. The sanctuary also supports around 230 species of birds like bulbul, weaver bird and many more.

Wildlife:
Due to the presence of grasslands and scrub forests, the sanctuary has a unique composition of wildlife. The most prominent wildlife species are Chinkara (a herbivore), Nilgai (Bluebull), Indian porcupine, Indian hare, Mongoose etc. Wolf - the top predator of the grassland, is the main carnivore along with Hyenas, Jackals etc. The unconfirmed presence of a leopard has been occasionally reported by the local people.

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:
A royal palace and heritage hotel located about 70 km from the sanctuary, showcasing the rich history and architecture of the region.

Khambalida Caves:
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves located about 90 km from Hingolgadh, offering an insight into the region's historical and archaeological significance.

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

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