Velavadar

Blackbuck National park Velavadar, in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the blackbuck. Once found in open plains throughout the country its largest population at present occurs in Velvadar National Park. This Exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70cm long.. Located 72 km away from Bhavnagar and spread over an area of 3,408 ha, the park has been classified as biotic province of semi-arid bio-geographical zone. Velavadar is also one of the few national parks in India where the Indian Wolf is proliferating successfully. Nilgai, Jungle cat and Indian fox are often seen while touring the park. Velavadar is also known for its birdlife including vulnerable species like the Stoliczka’s Bushchat and Saras Crane. It hosts one of the world’s largest harrier roosts in winter.

When to go : The Park is closed from June 16th to October 15th, sometimes even till November 15 because of the rains. Best time to visit is November to February Timings 06:30 am to 08:30 am, 04:30pm to 06:30pm.

Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703-64 AD) in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD and had 3 capitals- Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor; before finally establishing Bhavnagar as their capital. The old town of Bhavnagar was a fortified town with gates leading to other important towns of the region. The Darbargadh (royal residence) was located at the center of the town. The rulers of Bhavnagar subsequently shifted to Motibag and Nilambag Palace.

Bhavnagar remained a major port, for almost two centuries; the flourishing maritime trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization, surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the Town.
Gandhi Smriti is a memorial, with a library of Gandhian books and photographs about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It also has a fine collection of art objects representing the culture of the Saurashtra region.

Excursions :

Palitana

Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya river flowing to its south. It is a sacred pilgrimage spot of Jains in Bhavnagar district. The principle temple on the hill is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. The hill has in all 863 temples. It is said that Jain families. Throughout the centuries have been contributing their mite to the construction of these shrines. The construction has gone on for nine hundred years. The construction has gone on for nine hundred years. The most important Adinath temple is on the top of the hill. The other important temples have been built by Kumarpal, Vimal Shah and Sampti Raja. The hill also contains temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesse.

Diu

Diu… an island of breeze and Beauty .A beautiful blend of Sun, sand and sea, is a God’s gift to those in quest of a blessed turf where the weary weight of this unintelligible world can, for a while,  be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the spheres. It is an island retreat gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea. It offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday.

Diu a former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union territory, is steeped in history . It was a sea-port and naval base of considerable strategic importance from the 14th to 16th Centuries. It was also a vital trade link with the rest of India for traders overseas. Diu was under the sway of Chanda and Vaghela dynasties till the 14th Century. The Muslim rulers ruled over the island town till 1380 AD. Then came the mighty wave of invasion of the foreign rule that lasted well nigh upto 450 years.

In and around Diu : Nagoa Beach, Ghoghla beach, Chakratirath beachJallandhar shrine, St. Paul’s Church Diu Museum, Gangeshwar Temple, and Fort.

Somnath

Somnath temple is on the Saurashtra cost in Junagadh distict is an important place of pilgrimage for followers of both Shiva and Vishnu. Somnath is the site for one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the twelve most sacred shiva shrines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than the Moon God himself. Somnath was destroy and rebuilt several times. The latest temple was built in phases from 1950 onwards. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away camel-loads of jewels and gold.
The pinnacle rides to a height of 155 feet. The kalash atop the shikkar weighs 10 tonnes. The flag-mast is 37feet long. These details give an idea of  the size of the temple. The temple is so situate that there is no land from here to the south pole. An arrow indicates the direction.

Sasan Gir

Sprawling over an area of 1424 sq km, Gir with its dry deciduous forest is home to 30 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, and several species of insects and birds. It forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion, is one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India. Other animal residents of the park are sambar deer, chital, nilgai the four-horned antelope chowsingha, chinkara, wild boar, langur, jackal and hyena. Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc.

When to go : The Sanctuary is open from October 16  to June 15. The best time to visit between late November and early March. Timings 8-11 am, 3-5 pm.

Junagadh

Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State under the Muslim rulers of Babi  Nawabs. In Gujarati, 'Junagadh' literally means an ancient fort. The Junagadh town is located at the foothills of the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. Junagadh, at different times in history, was under the influence of four major religions : Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Muslim. There are two fortifications : the fort walls surrounding the town and Uparkot in the west. Uparkot, an ancient citadel located on the higher level of the town, The entrance of Uparkot has a fine specimen of Hindu Toran, leading to flat land dotted with archeological sites. The major sites are Buddhist caves, Baba Pyara caves (2nd century), Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo and Jami Masjid and other important place are The 14 Rock Ashok Edicts built at (276-56 BC), inscription by King Rudradaman (150 AD) and Skandagupta (456 AD) are the proof of importance of Junagadh from ancient times.

Excursion :

Gir National Park (the only home of Asiatic Lions) 60 km,
Prabhas Patan- Somnath (one of the twelve most sacred Shiva
Shrines) 79 km, Chorwad (a delightful resort on the beach) 72km