Monsoon Memories at Blackbuck Safari Lodge: Nature, Culture & Family Time in Velavadar
Published on July 15, 2025
As raindrops pattered on my window and the scent of wet earth filled the air, I knew we had chosen the perfect escape. This monsoon, our family traded the concrete chaos for open skies and green plains, and it led us to the serene and stunning Blackbuck Safari Lodge, nestled near Velavadar Blackbuck National Park in Gujarat.
What began as a weekend break turned into a soulful journey—filled with wildlife encounters, village visits, culinary discoveries, and the kind of slow family moments that are often lost in the rush of daily life.
A Warm Welcome in the Wild
Arriving at Blackbuck Safari Lodge under a sky heavy with monsoon clouds was like stepping into a nature dream. The sprawling property, surrounded by lush grasslands, was already alive with bird calls and rustling leaves. The cottages were spacious yet cozy, perfectly blending earthy charm with comfort—ideal for families looking to reconnect with both nature and each other.
Slow Mornings: Birding and Bicycles
Our days began early, with nature walks and guided birding led by the lodge’s in-house naturalists. Even the kids, usually glued to screens, were captivated by the colourful flocks of bee-eaters, lapwings, larks, herons and storks that danced in and out of the wet grass. The gentle drizzle made everything feel more alive.
Post-breakfast, we grabbed the lodge’s bicycles and took a slow ride along the periphery of the national park. With every turn, the landscape offered something new—herds of blackbuck grazing near farms adjacent to park boundary, vibrant wildflowers blooming, and even peacocks calling out from trees in farm.
A Cultural Dip: Sarangpur and Sihor
One afternoon, we set off to Sarangpur, home to the famous Hanuman Temple. The rain-washed temple, peaceful and powerful, offered a serene spiritual break. The kids enjoyed the open spaces while we soaked in the devotional chants and the calm energy of the place.
From there, we headed to Sihor, a town where tradition is still very much alive. We visited a bronze utensil workshop, watching artisans mold, shape, and polish with age-old precision. It was mesmerizing—and a great lesson for the kids about craftsmanship and patience.
The highlight of Sihor, however, was the Penda—a sweet made of khoya and cardamom. Fresh, warm, and melt-in-the-mouth, it was love at first bite! We stocked up to take some home… though most didn’t make it past the car ride back!
History Beneath Our Feet: A Stepwell Rediscovered
On the way back, a local guide took us to a hidden stepwell near Sihor, quietly tucked between fields and old stone paths. Mossy steps spiralled down into deep water, rain trickled from the carved walls, and the entire space felt like a doorway into the past. The kids played with their echoes while we soaked in the calm. It was a short visit, but one that lingered in memory.
Evening Drive: The Blackbuck Parade
That evening, as the rain paused, we took a drive along the road that cuts across Blackbuck National Park. Just as the golden light broke through the clouds, we saw them—a large herd of blackbucks gracefully crossing the road, their spiralled horns glinting against the sky. It was quiet, slow, magical. The kind of moment you don’t plan… but never forget.
Back at the Lodge: Games, Food & Togetherness
Even when indoors, Blackbuck Safari Lodge kept us engaged. The kids played board games, carrom, Table Tennis and outdoor badminton between showers, while we enjoyed quiet time with books from the lodge’s collection.
Evenings were for togetherness—sharing stories, sipping tea, and feasting on traditional Kathiawadi cuisine. Think bajra rotla, garlic chutney, ringan no olo (roasted brinjal), and piping hot dal. The flavours were earthy and authentic—just like everything else about our stay.
After dinner, we’d sit under the Gazebo, listening to the soft sounds of the forest—occasional cricket calls, rustling leaves, and sometimes, the distant cry of a Jackels, kids running behind fire flies (Jugnu). Time slowed down. And we leaned into it.
Village Visit: Real Connections
On our last morning, we visited a nearby village, where smiling faces greeted us with warmth. We interacted with locals, visited a small school, and watched women weaving and grinding grain using age-old techniques. It was a beautiful reminder that real India lives in its villages—rich in wisdom, rooted in culture.
Blackbuck Safari Lodge in monsoon isn’t just about escaping the city—it’s about entering a season of stillness and discovery. The grasslands glow, the wildlife flourishes, and the slower pace allows you to connect—with nature, with your family, and with yourself.
This trip gave us everything we didn’t know we needed: peaceful mornings, cultural depth, laughter over board games, and moments of wonder under grey skies.
If you’re planning a monsoon getaway that’s more than just a vacation—one that blends adventure, heritage, and heartfelt moments—put Velavadar and Blackbuck Safari Lodge on your map.
You’ll come back with more than memories. You’ll come back renewed.