Ahmedabad, June 12
The Gujarat government has officially closed all 27 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state to tourists for a period of four months, from June 16 to October 15.
This annual closure aims to protect wildlife during the crucial breeding season, particularly mammals, birds, and reptiles, by minimising human interference. A notification was recently issued by the office of the Conservator of Forests in Gandhinagar, following a directive from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The decision reiterates the state's commitment to conservation by ensuring that the habitats remain undisturbed during this sensitive phase of the animal life cycle.
As part of this closure, popular destinations like Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Sanand will also remain off-limits to visitors for the entire 120-day period. Tourist access will resume after October 15, 2025, once the mating and nesting activities conclude.
Gujarat’s wildlife sanctuaries are home to a diverse range of mammals, birds, and reptiles, many of which rely on the monsoon months from June to October for breeding. Among mammals, iconic species such as the Asiatic lion in Gir, wild ass in the Little Rann of Kutch, sloth bear in Jessore, leopard, blackbuck, chinkara, and striped hyena can be found across various reserves.