Pania Wildlife Sanctuary

Pania Wildlife Sanctuary is commonly and popularly known as Chanchai – was declared as Pania Sanctuary in 1989, which is situated in the heart of the Gir forest and Wildlife Sanctuary. This integral part of the forest has less source of water and other natural conditions, while grass is been grown abundantly, making a perfect area for Chinkara called as the Indian Gazelle. This land is swift, precipitous and undulant which forms a carpet like – covering with grass and other vegetation.

There are other animals like Lions, Leapords, Poisonous snakes which have made wooded areas of Gir forest as their home, while these Gazelle wander more frequently in this Sanctuary. This part of the Sanctuary is situated in Amreli District near to Godhra and is easily approachable from many other parts of Godhra. The hills in Pania Sanctuary are of scenic beauty and attractive picturesque and the land is very suitable for terrain for Gazette. The hills of Chanchai forms boundary towards the North West part of the Gir forest.

Area of the Forest

The total land for Pania forest is around 39.63 square kilometers with many rare and endangered species while the refuge for these animals is different from Gir forest even though it has been the extended part of Gir Sanctuary.

The lions move freely across and around the foot hills, while the hilly, terrain region of this forest is best for Chinkara with a view to attenuate conservation of species. This area extends its hand towards the ecological security and betterment and improvement of environment to the part of Amreli district. The drawback of this area is that, there is absence of natural water source, where the habitats find difficult to find the water.

The unpolished liveliness of nature stretches out glory of Pania Sanctuary is experienced at its best. This place can be proved as heaven for the tourists, animal lovers which will provide great, sufficient and unexpected treasures and multiplicity of nature. On the way to this sanctuary, diminutive animals capture the magical appearance of the king of forest lazing around in rustic rough area.

Challenges taken to Improve the Spot

The state Government and the forest authorities have taken up several challenges to improve the place to make it an attractive tourist spot. The peripheral area is surrounded with the profitable areas and villages; while, the situation of the Sanctuary makes it vulnerable to elicit cutting edge. The farming pressure during the water scarcity period and the invasion of cattle during the monsoon puts the wild habitats under burden and pressure.

Animals are facing dangers, due to the interference from humans; as they reside close to the proximity. Though, people near to the place are educated and knows not to violate the law, they just enter into the forest, do venture into the forest for wood, and permit their domestic animals to graze the grass.

Best Time to Visit this Sanctuary

Winters and Monsoons are considered to be the best part of the year to visit these places. Other than Chinkara animals which are habituated in this sanctuary are Fox, Antelope, Wild Cat, Hyena, Blue Bull, Python, Porcupine, Leapords, wild boar and many others. It is also said that this particular Sanctuary also possesses different varieties of grass.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is that sanctuary, which mainly surrounds with a large lake and marshes; and it measures around one hundred twenty three square kms. This bird sanctuary is basically populated by the birds, which visit to this place, especially during the winter and spring season. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland bird sanctuary, compared to all other sanctuaries nearby the Godhra city, and is also considered as one of the largest bird sanctuary in India.

Even, Bharwad Shepherds migrate in the islands; and also, on the sides are the Padhars, who are excellent and attractive folk dancers, artists and also boatmen.

Different Birds Species

There are around 210 different species of birds, which habituate during the winter and shelters different varieties of fauna and flora. Thousands of water birds fly to this sanctuary in the monsoon season, as this is the best place for the birds to breed. A shallow part and the ponds which are on to the outer region of the lake, attract these birds; as they can feed in this water. Other than mammalian species, it includes some endangered animals like – Rosy Pelicans, Flamingos, White Storks, Ducks and Herons. There are also, millions and millions of varied birds that visit this beautiful sanctuary, which is a great delight for the visitors to see these birds, especially during the season.

When there is a scarcity of food and water at 'Nal Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary', some of the birds fly away from this place for short periods of time to the nearby areas in search of the food and water; while, they return back after monsoon season, to have a feast of fishes and insects.

Boat Riding and Horse Riding

The lake looks calm and quiet; especially, during the sunrise and herd of birds, which are waiting for their daily food. The depth of the lake water is around 4 feet deep and boat riding is completely safe.

There is also a Horse Riding around the lake; while, the number of horses with different colors is available for ride.

Best Time to Visit the Place

The birds which migrate during the winter season include – the Pelicans, Purple Moorhen, White Storks, Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Grebes, four species of Bitterns, Crakes, Brahminy Ducks visit this 'Nal Sarovar Sanctuary'. During the month of November to February, this Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary becomes a home for the large flocks of aboriginal and migratory birds. Birds like – Ducks, Pelicans, Geese and flamingos, are seen as the best during the early mornings and at the early evening.

This Sanctuary is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and tourists can visit during this peculiar time, by paying nominal entry charges per visitor and a separate fee for camera. Boating is also available at this place, where they can take a ride over the lake and it is charged; but, one has to bargain with the boatmen, even though the rates are fixed.

How to Reach this Place?

The lake – 'Nal Sarovar', and the Sanctuary was declared as the bird sanctuary in the year 1969; and this place is well connected with the road-lines, where there are frequent bus connections to reach this place. This can be the best sanctuary, which is located approximately about 64 kms near to the Sanand Village, in the Godhra District; which can be visited as a day trip either by the personal vehicle or taxi; as the transport of buses are less frequent and there is no convenience for accommodation.

Nagoa Beach in Godhra

Nagoa Beach is one of the finest and major beaches with beautiful silver sand, and is approximately 7 kms away from the town. This beach is outlined with Palm trees also known as 'haka', takes to a magical land of enjoyment and happiness conferred with elegant and glamorous ambiance. This beach is well known for its serene beauty, which is largely deserted, isolated and attracts the tourists from all over the world for a perfect and ideal holiday.

One can enjoy water sports, water rides, ferry ride along with the cool breeze and tasty as well as the delicious sea food. Lazing around the deserted environment, can make one relaxed and away from the hustle-bustle of the city, and away from the daily routine. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful and extraordinary beaches in the country which is extended about 2 kms with a unique shoe-shaped beach.

Nagoa is a small seaside village, which is a perfect beach area for those on beach holidays and tours. Nagoa Beach in Diu features of a rustic fascination of an old fishing village, and also the superlative, an elegant, stunning, white sanded, crescent shaped beach, encircling a inlet of a quiet blue water is a deal for swimming, striding in the shallows, sun bathing on the sun kisses sands and thrilling camel or pony riding, which is alluring. At this place, the Portuguese colony has momentous architecture, elegantly putrefying churches and beaches. The island is full of mines and extracts where the Portuguese unearthed limestone to construct the fort, city walls, monuments and buildings. The north side of the beach has swamps and salt-slates; while in the south side, alternates between the limestone precipices, rocky coves and sandy beaches.

Main Attractions

This place attracts many tourists, because of sunny beaches and beautiful sunset. There are 3 churches at this place, and also the Shiv temple. These are found to be the great tourist attraction. A seashell museum, bird watch tower, fort, fortim-do-mar (Pani Kotha), and the Nayda caves, are the main attractions of this place. Nagoa Beach is situated in the hamlet of the Bucharwada village, which lies on the offshore of Gujarat mainland. Amongst all the other beaches in Godhra, Nagoa beach is found to be the most visited beaches with the huge numbers of tourists; as one can enjoy by sitting on these white soft sand, feeling of the cool, refreshing breeze, which blows from the Arabian Sea that can be treasured throughout.

Climatic Conditions

It is well connected with roadways, railways and airport networks to other places of the city. Visiting this place around the year is ideal, while winter is considered to be the best time; especially during September to May. The climate is always pleasant and never harsh; while temperature lies between 20 - 27 C during this time. This place would prove as a dream place and a heaven to the holiday beach lovers.

Accomodation

Tourism accommodation is easily available, as the beaches in Godhra are one among the picturesque perfect sea-shore locations. The extent of these flora and fauna grown around the place with clear waters, palm trees through the lining of the beach can make a great, memorable trip. There are many resorts situated on the Nagoa beach, which is a place to enjoy the panoramic view of the beach; and the Nagoa Beach is a popular entertaining and amusing area for para-sailing, boating and jet skiing.

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary is also called as 'Mitiyala Grasslands', which is situated near the place 'Mitiyala', Godhra. It is spread over an area of 18.22 square kms, and was declared as a Sanctuary in 2004, which is the home for thousands of 'Lions and Leopards'; while, Spotted Deer and Blue Bulls are also found here. The large number of Lion’s population is seen in the Gir Forest, but the area of the Mitiyala and Gir has become a common passage for these animals of two habitats, connecting with each other, as it shares a common borderline with the woodlands.

Animals in Mitiyala Santuary

Mitiyala Grasslands are known for its bucolic, undomesticated quiescence of rippling hill tracks, surrounded with tall grasses, deciduous trees, which are like a widespread of Gir Sanctuary. As one walks in this terrain Sanctuary, these non-domesticated Asiatic Lions laze in the admiration of the nature, and when moved down further a group of Spotted Deers are seen which gallop around and trying to escape from these dangerous animals present in that forest.

The uneven, rocky, rough elevation of the grasses and shrubs in the 'Mitiyala Sanctuary', are the safe place and considered as a place of heaven for Lions. The other animals which share along with the royal king in this Sanctuary are – the Leopards, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar and many others. These animals are seen gazing around the forest in groups, eating anything from the plants to other animals.

It’s a great experience driving in the Sanctuary, to see around the place and animals; and the best time would be during winters; while, one can enjoy the scenic beauty and even spend whole day in this place, which is away from their daily routine. This is one such small sanctuary that has the splendid natural beauty with the huge number of varied animals, which can be an ideal place to learn in a better way from your home and enjoy nature’s creation too. Spending a day in this heaven, and looking around the animals can be an exciting vacation; also, it becomes a great memorable trip. Watching diverse species of the birds and other animals in this Sanctuaries can be amazing.

Flora and Fauna at Mitiyala Forest

The Mitiyala forest’s ecosystem has a diverse flora and fauna, which is highly protected due to the protection of government, forest department and the wildlife activists; so as to preserve these animals from being extinct. This great and exotic beauty of natural habitat attracts the attention of the animal lovers. Due to variety of vegetation grown, this forest provides a huge opportunity to different array of animals.

The flowing streams and rivers are the life saving for the animals in the sanctuary; while, the water from the 'Kamleshwar Dam' is one of the water bodies, which extends a beautiful view of the crocodile park. All the tourists wanting to visit this crocodile park are required to obtain permit entry ticket to the park. This park is opened for a short period in a day- two times in a day, and the ticket counter is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 am in the morning, and later from 3 pm - 5:30 pm during evening. 'Tour Guide' or the 'Forest Guide' is available to see the place, and the vehicle picking the passengers to go round the Sanctuary can accommodate only 6 passengers. Charges are applied for this tour; while, the Indian tourists need to pay approximately Rs.400/- from Monday to Friday and increased to Rs.500/- on Saturdays & Sundays.

Mining in Godhra

Panchmahal is famous for some of the main products like mineral products which include sandstone and granite as well as other sorts of building stone; while mining of manganese is done on large scale basis, which was started by European firm.

There are many minerals that are present in the district of Panchmahal, but out of the many, few like quartz, marble and granite are found to be much popular than others. Quartz is considered as one of the most important mineral, since it is used by the world-wide industries of glass consumers.

The district not only produces different kinds of minerals, but also exports its high range quality of minerals to other districts; and it has been found that, Godhra of Gujarat has been producing mines and minerals, rather than coal or natural gas, petroleum, etc. They are in the process of expanding with many other types and exchange of the business with other districts.

Major Panchmahal minerals contain mineral reserves such as – Panchmahal quartz, marble and granite which is 1,374,530. Quartz minerals are found in 4 million metric tonnes – i.e, 75% of whichever is found in Panchmahal.

Panchmahal contributes 97% of quartz produced in Gujarat, is estimated approximately 1, 29, 855 metric tonnes. Quartz is classified as a major mineral, because of its application across a wide variety of industries, such as glass industry being the dominant consumer.

The mineral products are manufactured with sandstone, granite and other kinds of stone used for construction. Also, mining was done for extracting manganese on a large scale was established by a European firm.

Mineral Production in Godhra

There are many mining companies in Godhra who involve in producing Quartz Powder, Quartz Sand, Quartz Powder, Quartz Sand, Manganese Dioxide, Garnet Sand, River & Silex Sand, Coarse Silex, Fine Silex, Silica Sand and lot more. Unlike other states of India, only cities in Gujarat state such as – Godhra, Surat, Ahmedabad, etc. produces minerals like – the Agate, the Chalk as well as Perlite.

These companies which uses different operated plants to form several grade quartz powder such as crushed quartz powder, micronised quartz powder, and so on. All the mining companies usually have the technical experts to avoid any misuse during processing. These plants will have full capacity to work as per the industrial requirement.

Such type of mining companies, concentrate on developing the mining or mineral production, which is done only in the state of Gujarat, and also to export the value of these minerals along with creating a stable market throughout the globe.

Types of Mining Industries

There are many mineral oriented industries which include – Limestone based cement with soda-ash industry, the Lignite based power plants as well as the Bauxite-based Alumina plant, the Marble and Granite based cutting, the polishing plants,along with the Clay based ceramic units, the Silica sand based glass units.

These are some of the types of mining industries in Godhra, which undertake 'mine safety' measures for good kind of mineral exploitation.