About Vansda National Park in Gujarat :
Vansda National Park, spread across an area of 23.99 sq km, is around 40 km away from Saputara. This national park became a protected area in April 1979.The forest has a tropical moist environment and is maintained by the South Dangs Forest Division. Vansda National Park comprises a dense moist deciduous forest and some parts of the forest remain dark even during the daytime.
This national park is home to many wild animals like leopards, hyenas, wild boar, sambars and four horned antelopes. Reptiles like pythons, russel’s viper, cobras and kraits can also be found in the national park. Pangolins, jungle cats, rusty-spotted cats, civets, mongooses, macaques, barking deer, giant squirrels and hyenas inhabit the park. Various types of birds, which are indigenous to the area, are great black woodpeckers, grey hornbills, Malabar trogons, racket-tailed drongos, paradise flycatchers, leaf birds, thrushes, sunbirds, peafowls and others.
The national park also offers abode to 60 species of butterflies, 121 species of spiders and around 30 different species of snakes. The giant wood spider, largest spider of Gujarat, can also be found in the park. The park also houses 11 different species of frogs and toads. Along with these, the national park also offers abode to various types of insects, millipedes, centipedes and snails.
The park is also home to about 443 species of flowering plants such as bamboo, dudhkod, kakad, timru, humb, kalam, modad, haldu, sisam and others. Other species of plants found in the park include chopadi bondaro, kusum, tanach, asan, mahudo, behda, umaro, shimlo and ambla, to name a few. This sanctuary is also home to tall teak trees, mango groves and creepers.
The terrain of the national park represents northern and western limits of the Western Ghats. Aborigines living in the vicinity of the park belong to various tribes such as Bhil, Gamit, Warli, Kokni, Kunbi and Dangi. The most opportune time to visit Vansda National Park is during the months of October to March. The closest railway stations to this national park are Waghai and Bilimora.
Flora :
Among the floral species that form part of the dense canopy, a large part is covered by flowering plants like timru, haldu, teak, shimlo, shisham, mad bamboo. In total, there are about 440 such species. Ambla, bondaro, humb, and kusum are other notable flowering species that can be seen at this park.
Fauna :
Vansda National Park provides habitats for its rich and diverse fauna. Among mammals, visitors can get to see antelopes, barking deers, macaques, and leopards. It is also the home to pangolins, mongooses, and hyenas. The forest is replete with deadly reptiles that can be seen lurking in the dark. More than 120 species of spiders are known to exist; a species of wood spider that is rare and largest is a treat to watch by the onlookers.
In addition to it, innumerable varieties of arthropods and insects exist in the forest area.
Avifauna :
Bird-watchers need not get disappointed as the park is a home to doves, hornbills, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and sunbirds. These colorful creatures create an enchanting atmosphere that is echoed by their melodious chirps. One can get a chance to look at other varieties of birds like thrushes, pea fowls, and many others.
Tribal Dwellings :
If all that is not enough, you can spice up your visit by exploring the tribal culture that is a part of this area. Tribes like Bhil, Dangi, Gamit, and Kunbi inhabit the forest area. Their rich culture interspersed with age-old customs is worth-watching.
How to Get There :
Air: The Nearest Airport to the park is Surat 120 Kms.
Rail: The Nearest Railway station to the park is Waghai 4 Kms and Billimora 40Km.
Road: Vansda lies close to the National Highway – 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. It is about 45 km from Chikhii and 80 km from Valsad. Nearest Bus Station to the park is Waghai 4 Kms.
Location : Navsari district, Gujarat
Opened In : 1979
Coverage Area : 24 sq kilometer
Famous For : flora and fauna
Entry Fee : Rs. 20 for Indians, $ 5 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: 01-Oct to 31-May
Main attractions: Monkeys, Langoor.