The Velavadar National Park at
Velavadar,
also known as Blackbuck National Park, is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India. Established in 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, it is spread over an area of 34.08 sq km (square kilometer).
Flat land, dry grasses and herds of antelope are the major attractions of this park. It has a unique grassland ecosystem and has been running a number of successful conservation programmes for species such as the blackbuck, wolf and lesser florican. The largest population of lesser floricans has been sustained here.
The park is open throughout the year. However, the period between monsoon and winter (mid-June to March) is the ideal time to visit the place. Birdwatching enthusiasts should visit the park between December and March, when many species of migratory birds arrive to spend the winter. These include three species of harriers, lesser floricans, eagles, waders and other water birds.