Vansda National Park is located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is situated in the district of Navsari located in the mountains of Western Ghats or Sahyadris. It was established as a national park in the year 1979. The park was named after the Maharaja of Vansda, who was the owner of the entire area of the park. Forest Department of Gujarat is recognized as the managing body of this National Park. Vansda National Park is considered to be one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat.

Geography of Vansda National Park
Vansda National Park is spread over an area of about 23.99 square kilometers. This National park is characteristically flat in parts and undulating in others. River Ambika drains this park on its journey towards the sea near Navsari. Land developed by the Revenue Department on the south-west and by the River Ambika along the north-east is bordered by this park.

Flora of Vansda National Park
There are over 250 species of plants found in the Vansda National Park that include several varieties of orchids. Natural vegetation in this national park comprises of moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests, covered with the plant species like bamboos, tall teak trees, mangoes and gigantic creepers. The trees in the park can reach a height of about 120 ft.

Fauna of Vansda National Park
The Vansda National Park is quite rich in its faunal composition, with many mammal, reptile and bird species. The mammal species found in the park include a few endangered and threatened species. The most important and notable mammal fauna species include leopard, python, four-horned antelope, pangolin, rusty-spotted cat, jungle cat, civet, mongoose and macaque. The park is also quite famous for being home to numerous small creatures. It is known to provide natural habitat to more than 60 species of butterflies and about 121 species of spiders. One of the largest spiders of Gujarat, the Giant Wood Spider is commonly found in this park. Around 30 species of snakes are found here as well. Apart from the above mentioned species, innumerable varieties of insects, centipedes, millipedes and snails are housed in the national park. About 11 types of frogs and toads are also sheltered in the Vansda National Park.

Avifauna of Vansda National Park
Vansda National Park provides natural habitat to numerous bird species, including both the resident and migratory types. Some of the bird species found in the park are considered as endangered or threatened and need proper conservation. The most commonly found bird species in the park include the great black woodpecker, malabar trogon, shama, emerald dove and grey hornbill.

Tourism of Vansda National Park
Vansda National Park can be called a tourism product of Gujarat for several reasons. They are botanical garden, local tribes, Gira Falls and a conservation center. A campsite has been developed in Kilad as an effort taken by the Government of Gujarat. The aim behind the development of this campsite was the promotion of ecotourism. A deer breeding center has also been developed in the national park due to the initiative taken by the Nature Club, Surat.

Visiting Information of Vansda National Park
The time period between post- monsoon season and winter season is generally considered to be the best time to plan a tour to Vansda National Park. The nearest airport to Vansda National Park is in Surat about 120 km from the national park. The nearest railway station to the national park is in Waghai. Waghai is the nearest town from this national park about 4km from the national park. The park is located on the Vansda-Waghai State Highway. After arriving in Vansda village, one is recommended to hire a jeep to explore the park. During monsoon months, June to October, the park remains closed.