Vansda National Park
Nearest Town: Waghai ( 4km)
Main Attraction: Leopards, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Spider,
Best Time To Visit :October To May
The Vansda national Park established in 1979 in Navsari district, Gujarat got its name Vansda as the area was privately owned by the Maharaja of Vansda. The Park covering an area of 24 sq.km is nestled in the mountains of Western Ghats or Sahyadris and is under the control of the government. Even though the park is small, it is extremely dense and has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some parts of the park are dark even during daytime. The park lies close to the National Highway - 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway.
The types of forest found in the park are mainly Moist deciduous and Dry deciduous covered with bamboos, tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers. In all there are over 250 species of plants, including many variety of Orchids. During rainy reason, the park gets a heavy rainfall of over 2000 mm. which encourages the dense plant growth. The landscape is beautiful with trees, small streams and beautiful hills and valleys. Ambika river flows through the north eastern boundary of the park. Tourists have to get permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, of Gandhinagar or DFO, Ahwa to visit the park.
The forest is a habitat to Leopards, python, four-horned antelope, pangolin, rusty-spotted cats, Jungle Cat, Civets, Mongooses, Macaques, Barking Deer, giant squirrels, Hyenas and a wide species of birds like Great Black Woodpecker, Malabar Trogon, Shama and Emerald Dove, Grey Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Paradise Flycatcher, Leaf birds, Thrushes, Sunbirds, peafowls etc.
Small creatures with their amazing diversity are the real treasure of the park. Among these are over 60 species of butterflies and 121 species of spiders. The largest of the spiders of Gujarat, the Giant wood spider is common here and around 30 species of snakes are found here. Besides there are numerous varieties of insects, centipedes, millipedes and snails as well as about 11 types of frogs and toads.
The park has dwellings of local tribals belonging to Bhil, Gamit, Warli, Kokni, Kunbi and Dangi tribes. All the tribals have their unique culture and systems which are interesting. Other interesting places near Vansda National Park are Gira Water falls adjoining the Park, Botanical Gardens and wood workshop at Waghai, Mahal forest ( Purna Game Sanctuary ), Hot-water spring at Unai etc. Saputara, the only hill-station of Gujarat state, is only 52km away from the park.
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