Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife refuge in Porbandar district, India.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Porbandar district, Gujarat, made up of hills, forests, and open grasslands. The terrain rises across different elevations, creating a range of habitats that support both plant and animal life throughout the year.
The area served as a private hunting ground for the rulers of Porbandar and Jamnagar before the Indian government declared it a protected sanctuary in 1979. That change marked a shift from private use to conservation, and the land has been managed for wildlife protection ever since.
The Maldhari people have lived in this area for generations, keeping a traditional way of life closely tied to the land and its animals. Their small settlements are still visible across the sanctuary, giving visitors a sense of how daily life looks when it adapts to a wild environment.
The sanctuary is close to Porbandar, which can be reached by bus, train, or through its domestic airport. The dry season is the best time to visit, as paths through the hills and forests are easier to walk and wildlife is more visible.
The sanctuary contains around 650 plant species, which is the highest count recorded across all of Gujarat. Beyond sheltering wildlife, the vegetation also acts as a natural barrier that keeps coastal salt from reaching the surrounding farmland.
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