National Parks In India

Vansda National Park

Located in the Navsari district of South Gujarat region, Vansda national park has total 24 square kilometers area. Some interesting factors make this park unique like it forming a constant tract and the forestry regions of Valsad district in the southern side while those of the Dangs to its east make typical combination. In fact one has easy access to it from there instead of the Navsari area. The South Dangs Forest Division therefore monitors this park. This park was once owned by the King of Vansda who later handed it over to the state government.  

This surging terrain is typical with part of it zigzagging while rest portion flat. In fact Ambika River nearby drains it into the sea at the very close distance to Navsari makes an effective look. The land developed by the Revenue Department borders this park on southwestern side while its northeastern border is Ambika. Northern and western limits of the Western Ghats are the name of the area which surrounds this park. Sahyadris is other name by which it is also denoted with.

It’s not difficult to recognize it due to the presence of thick canopy maintained through tall teak and bamboo. The notable aspect is that a few trees are at 120 ft height and makes identification easy. Although the big portion of this forest is moist due to presence of kaatas bamboo ample area of it is almost dry where manvel bamboo is commonly found. The Bharadi grasslands in the southeastern and central portion of this park offer wonderful look.

With 450 species of plants, Vansda Park has its unique appearance where collection of large variety of bamboo and teak and approximately 443 flowering plant species make a good choice for exploration. Some of them include adad,  shimlo, haldu, khakhro, timru, dudhkod, chopadi, bondaro and ambla amongst others. Ample varieties of orchids are found in the northeastern side of this park due to constant blowing of winds from Ambika there. This park also has good collection of pythons besides 30 rest snake species. Some of them are even venomous especially Russel's viper, cobras and kraits present in the park. The park has good collection of the insects as well like centipedes, millipedes and snails etc. The 121 species of spiders and those found too much in Gujarat named giant wood spider are part of its collection. Some 8 new spider species had been added into the park’s collection recently. This park houses 11 varieties of frogs and toads which are excellent foods for the snakes there. It’s true that mammals, reptiles and insects are attractions for researcher and adventure lovers but equally are notable the bird collection in Vansda. In fact bird-watchers feel amazed to see the bird species which are more than 115 indeed. A few of them such as racket-tailed drongo, yellow back sunbird,  pompodour pidgeon, paradise flycatcher, jungle babbler, leaf birds, grey hornbill,  thrushes and peafowls and those having been threatened worldwide owlets are huge collections, so are the exclusive ones from the Western Ghats Indian malabar trogon, great black woodpecker, shama and emerald dove to name a few.

General Information

State	Gujrat
District(s)	Navsari District
Established	1979
Nearest city	Vansda
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area	23.99 KM²
Elevation	76 metres (249 ft)
Climate
Precipitation	2000 cm
Temperature
Summer	30.4 ° Celsius
Winter	10 ° Celsius

 

History

The Vansda National Park had been declared protected region during April 1979 though it would have been well monitored since 1952. Today, this park is a major landmark in the region and truly protected area through the thick forestry from Dangs located in the southern part of India’s Gujarat state. Earlier this park was owned by former King of Vansda who gave it to the state government later on.

Presence of good number of adivasi settlements in Vansda is especially from those representing the Dangi tribes. The major ones are the Bhils, Gamit, Kunbi, Chowdry, Warli,  Bhoi and Kukna amongst others.   

Best Time To Visit- Detailed Information: Come here from the post-monsoon to wintertime which is perfect occasion for enjoyment here. You can feel the beauty of lush forest and streams in their peak during that period. Enjoy watching good variety of birds, wild animals and explore the plants.

Distance From - National Park

Surat To Valsad Distance: Both Surat and Valsad are major cities in Gujarat state of India. Geographically Surat is located at 72.807655 longitude and 21.187655 latitude. Valsad city of this state is geographically located at 72.907655 longitude and 20.607655 latitudes. The distance between Surat and Valsad is merely 65 kilometres plus 342.59 meters or 40.6 miles hence reaching there is very easy.

How To Get There

By Road: As the National Highway 8 is very close to this park like Waghai-Vansda State Highway there is good choice to reach by road. Nearest Waghai town is located at a distance of mere 4 kilometers. Distance of this park from Ahwa, Billimora and Saputara is at 28, 40 and 60 kilometers respectively. There is better availability of public transportation here but one may use private transportation for better comfort and making the journey convenient one. There is frequent bus service from Surat, Billimora and Valsad to Vansda. Visitors can also hire jeeps for arriving in this park for that approximately Rs 50/- is charged for an individual. One may not find taxis nearby Vansda but cabs are easily available from Surat, Bilimora or Valsad areas.

One may reach Dangs through state buses too starting from district headquarters Ahwa and or from Waghai to Saputara areas. They are easy options though.

By Rail: Waghai is the nearest railway station here. A narrow gauge rail link easily connects Ahwa with Billimora crossing this park. It is better to reconfirm whether it still functions or not before your arrival.  

By Air: Surat is the nearest airport located at a distance of 120 kilometers.

Things To Do In - National Park

Ambika River: Good ride is possible on Ambika River banks. This park measures to roughly 24 km² and its location at approximately 65 kilometres at eastern side of the Chikhali town on NH 8 makes prime location. Distance between it and the Valsad city is nearly 80 kilometres at north-eastern side.

Wildlife: There are ample wildlife options from leopards to python, four-horned Antelope, pangolin, rusty-spotted cats, jungle cat, civets, mongooses, macaques and et al. There are good number of barking deer, huge squirrels, hyenas, great black woodpecker and Malabar trogon, shama and emerald Dove amongst others. The grey hornbill, racket-tailed drongo, paradise flycatcher, leaf birds and thrushes besides sunbirds, and peafowls make big collection.

Adventure: Jeep Safari

Location Map

 

Accommodation

Use the PWD or Panchayat guest houses for accommodation which is there in both Vansda and Waghai cities. Waghai also houses a Forest Rest House. You may get luxury hotels as well but they are located at a distance of 50 kilometers at Saputara.

Lords Park Inn International: Delhi Gate Ring Road, Surat, Gujarat, India, ph: 0261 2413921

Budget Inn Bellevue: Near railway station,sumul dairy road,surat,Gujarat,ph:0261 2532121

Hotel President: Hajira Road,Near Ongc Char Rasta,Ichhapore,Surat,Gujarat,India,Ph:0261 2840006

Weather

This place observes average maximum and minimum 40 °C (104 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F) temperature levels. 

Photo Gallery