Gir National Park

Gir National Park (also known as Sasan Gir) is situated in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the only forest in India which houses the Asiatic Lion. The park spans over an area of 1412 sq km. Apart from lions, Gir National Park is also home to leopards, hyena, sambhar, wild cats, chital and sloth bears. Many species of birds including Crested Hawk Eagle, Green Pigeon, Parakeets, Owls and Peacocks live in this forest too. The jungle safari in an open jeep is a one time experience. The Gir National Park remains open from 16th October to 15th June.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Veraval which is well connected with Ahmedabad. Gir National Park is 42 km from Veraval. Trains and buses are plying from Veraval to Sasan Gir.

Staying There

Hotel Rainbow. Tariff - Rs. 700-1200. Tel: (02877) 285799.
Hotel Umang. Tariff - Rs. 1200-2000. Tel: (02877) 285728.
Shaan E Gir. Tariff - Rs. 3650. Tel: 9998794005.
Hotel Annapurna. Tariff - Rs. 900-1600. Tel: (02877) 285569.

Marine National Park

Marine National Park is located near Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. The park consists a total of 42 islands out of which only Narara island is connected with the mainland. The Marine National Park can be seen only during low tides. The Narara island covers an area of 458 sq km hosting an awe inspiring range of sea animals and corals. A variety of sea animals like sea plover, starfish, sponge, sea cucumber, spider crab and puffer fish can be seen at Marine National Park. Corals and octopus are sometimes sighted in this park. Different species of birds are also seen here.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Jamnagar which is well connected with other parts of the country. Marine National Park is 60 km from Jamnagar.

Staying There

There are no options for accommodation at Marine National Park. It is best to stay at Jamnagar.
Hotel Rajmahal. Tariff - Rs. 700-1300. Tel: (0288) 2670786.
Hotel Aaram. Tariff - Rs. 1500-6000. Tel: (0288) 2551701.
RK Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 500-900. Tel: (0288) 2562209.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is located in Idukki district of Kerala. Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, the park is just 14 km from the popular hill station of Munnar. The forest received the status of National Park in the year 1978. The Rajamalai area of jungle is open for the tourists. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam National Park is also home to various species of birds. The view of the forest from the top of watchtower is amazing.

Getting There

The nearest railway stations are Ernakulam and Coimbatore. Both Ernakulam and Coimbatore enjoys excellent rail connectivity with other parts of the country. Munnar is 130 km from Ernakulam and 157 km from Coimbatore. Eravikulam National Park is located at a distance of 14 km from Munnar.

Staying There

Hotel Tea Country. Tel: (04865) 230460. Tariff - Rs. 6800-12000.
Copper Castle. Tel: (04865) 231833. Tariff - Rs. 3750-4500.
Windermere Estate. Tel: (04865) 230512. Tariff - Rs. 7000-15500.

Velavadar National Park

Velavadar National Park (also known as Blackbuck National Park) is situated in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. The park was established in the year 1969 and it covers an area of 34 sq km. The main attraction of Velavadar National Park is the Blackbuck antelope. Apart from Blackbuck, the forest is home to 14 species of mammals including the Nilgai, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Fox and Jackal. Many species of birds like Pelican and Flamingo also live in this forest. The nearest city from Velavadar is Bhavnagar which is 65 km away.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Bhavnagar. Velavadar National Park is 65 km from Bhavnagar. Buses are plying from Bhavnagar to Velavadar. Ahmedabad is the closest major city which is 140 km away.

Staying There

Kaliyar Bhavan Forest Lodge
For booking contact:
Assistant Conservator of Forests
Blackbuck National Park
Velavadar
F-10 Annexe, M S Building
Bhavnagar
Tel: (0278) 2428644

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located 65 km from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The place received its status of bird sanctuary in the year 1969. The sanctuary spans over an area of 11500 hectares. There are a total of 360 islets in this lake. Every winter hundreds of migratory birds from Europe visit this place. Birds like flamingo, heron, pelican, crane are seen in the islets of the lake during the months of December to March. Boating is also done in the waters of Nal Sarovar lake.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Ahmedabad which is 65 km from Nal Sarovar. Buses are plying from Ahmedabad to Nal Sarovar. You can also hire a car from Ahmedabad for a day trip to Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.

Staying There

Tourist Resthouse. Tel: (02715) 245083. Tariff - Rs. 750-1200.

Manas National Park

Manas National Park is a biosphere reserve situated in the North East Indian state of Assam. It covers an area of 950 sq km and has received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Park got its name from the Manas River which flows through the heart of the forest. Manas National Park hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna. Animals like Tiger, Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and Hog Deer are the main attractions of this jungle. Of these the Golden Langur, Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare and Pygmy Hog are found exclusively in Manas National Park and is not found anywhere else. The forest is also home to more than 450 species of birds including the Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbill, Egret, Bulbul and Magpie Robin.

Getting There

The nearest railway station from Manas National Park is Barpeta Road which enjoys good rail connectivity with the rest of the country. Distance from Barpeta Road to Manas National Park is 20 km. The nearest airport is at Guwahati. Manas National Park is 176 km from Guwahati.

Staying There

Bansbari Lodge. Tel: (0361) 2602223.
Blue Hills Resort. Tel: (0361) 2543059.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of 60 km from Cochin in Kerala. The forest spans over a small area of 25 sq km. Situated in a fascinating environment, the place is a paradise for bird watchers. A large variety of bird species including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Little Spider Hunter, Asian Fairy Blue-Bird, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Indian Pitta are seen at Thattekad. The scenic beauty of Thattekad is also mind blowing.

Getting There

The nearest major railway station from Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is Ernakulam. Ernakulam is well connected to other parts of the country by rail.

Staying There

Home stay accommodation option is available at Thattekad.
Tariff - Rs. 2500-3000 per head (including food charges). Tel: 9447486664.