The Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot was set up in the year 1988 by the Government, post its acquisition in the year 1975 by them. The Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot was granted the status of a ‘reserve’ forest in the year of 1983. Prior to the year 1975, the Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot served as the shooting reserve that belonged to the former princely state of Wankaner also known as Central Saurashtra.Marked with fringes of hillocks around the bordering periphery of the arid shrubby plain land distinct with wild grass is the Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary got the status of ‘Reserve Forest’ in the year 1983 before which it served as a shooting reserve that belonged to the former princely state of Wankaner also known as Central Saurashtra.
The Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajkot is renowned for housing an entire troop of mammoth antelopes, regarded as the Indian Blue Bulls, popularly addressed by the name ‘Nilgai’, which is its rough translation in the regional dialect. These mesmerizing creatures truly reflect the artistic grace and vivid adeptness with which the Almighty has created us all. The males belonging to this species are emblazoned in a pitch black complexion that distinctly demarcates them from their female counter-parts. Regarded as ‘Boselaphus tragocamelus’ in scientific terms, the Nilgai is indeed a spectacle to witness and will leave you spellbound at the hands of its ecstatic splendor.
The natural spread of the sanctuary is known and renowned for housing an entire troop of mammoth antelopes. These vivacious antelopes roaming around in flocks or solitarily hiding in the wooded landscape are gorgeous creatures known for their slender body and thick coat of short fur. Galloping around the terrain with their delightful jumps and leaps, the antelopes add in zest and verve in the ambience.
The watershed that is adjunct to the river Machcchu is periodically washed out by a couple of streams reckoned as ‘Vaghrigalo Vonklo’ and ‘Pat a gala vonklo’. The Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary at Rajkot also possesses a Watch-Tower erected on an unfertile land that presents a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary to the eager visitants. Accessibility to the Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary of Rajkot is also perfectly planned by virtue of the Tar Road that is situated at a distance of approximately 5 to 10 kilometers from the fringe of the sanctuary.
Other animals like wolf, jackal, hyena, common fox, and blue bull are fellow residents of this sanctuary along with more than 130 species of birds flocking in this region. Partridge, Common peafowl, ring dove, large gray babbler, purple sunbird, yellow throated sparrow are indigenous varieties of birds inhabiting this area.Drive around the wooded vicinity during the months of winter to enjoy the haven to the fullest. On a leisurely tour around the area you will come across the regal bluebull staring at you with wonder and inquisitiveness. The exquisiteness of the area is the galore of nature with herds of these antelopes grazing around and little ones in the group being mothered.
- Country – India
- State – Gujarat
- District – Rajkot
- Nearest city– Rajkot