Vansda National Park

Vansda National Park In Gujarat, India

Vansda National Park, located in the Navsari district of Gujarat, is a dense forested sanctuary that serves as a haven for a variety of flora and fauna. Covering an area of 23.99 square kilometers, it was declared a national park in 1979 and derives its name from the town of Vansda, which lies nearby. Unlike many other parks in Gujarat, Vansda is characterized by its lush, moist deciduous forests, which remain untouched by logging activities, allowing its biodiversity to flourish.

The forest is so dense that some areas receive little sunlight, creating a tropical, evergreen-like environment in certain parts. The park is home to leopards, Indian gaurs (bison), wild boars, sambar deer, barking deer, four-horned antelopes (chousingha), and common palm civets. It also shelters tribal communities like the Warli, Gamit, and Kukna, who coexist with nature and follow traditional lifestyles. Reptiles such as pythons, cobras, Russell’s vipers, and various lizards thrive in the region.

Vansda is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 155 recorded bird species, including Indian paradise flycatchers, Malabar trogons, hornbills, and woodpeckers. Butterflies, moths, and various insects add to the ecological diversity of the park. One of the major attractions near the park is the Gira Waterfall, a seasonal cascade that attracts tourists during the monsoon season.

Unai Hot Springs, located nearby, are also popular among visitors. Trekking, nature walks, and jungle safaris are some of the best ways to explore the park’s rich biodiversity. Vansda National Park, with its dense forests, rich wildlife, and scenic beauty, is a hidden gem in Gujarat, offering a refreshing retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Flora And Fauna

• Leopard
• Dhole
• Rhesus Macaque
• Hanuman Langur