Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar protects one of India's most significant populations of the blackbuck antelope, its open grassland habitat allowing for excellent, relatively easy sightings compared to denser forest reserves elsewhere. The park is also notable as one of India's best wintering sites for harriers, with large communal roosts of these migratory raptors gathering each evening in a striking natural spectacle.

The park's flat, open terrain and comparatively small size make it possible to cover much of the reserve in a single well-planned safari, and its relative lack of visitors compared to Gujarat's more famous Gir forest gives it a quieter, more contemplative wildlife-viewing experience.

Declared a national park in 1976 to protect the blackbuck and its grassland habitat, Velavadar has since become internationally recognised for its winter harrier roosts, drawing specialist birders alongside general wildlife visitors.

About 60km from Bhavnagar, roughly 1.5 hours by road.