Why
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the south-west fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula, The Gir
National Park is a home to about 300 Asiatic Lions which is their last
surviving population. This area flanked with three unique and unusual
reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary; the Rann of Kutch and the
Flamingo Islands is a very interesting tourist spot in Gujarat.
With the presence of the Asiatic Lion within it's forests, the park was
bound to have it's own important place in the area's history. Earlier the
royal hunting grounds of the Nawab of Junagadh, it was later earmarked as a
protected forest by the concerned Government bodies. In 1900, the lion was
declared a protected animal but it was only in the year 1952 that it found
it's place among the 13 rare animals to be officially protected. In 1966,
600 sq km were initially demarcated as the Gir forest area, which was later
increased to 1150 sq km. The park with it's core area of approximately 300
sq km was officially declared a national park in 1975.
Key Factors
State : Gujarat in
the western part of India.
Climate : The park receives a good annual rainfall averaging 1000
mm. The temperatures at the park vary to extremes. In winters, the
temperatures go down to as low as 6 degrees centigrade, while soaring up to
a scorching 46 degrees in the summers.
Area : 1412.13 sq km.
Travel Tips : Consult the Doctor before you leave for the trip. Get
enough information about the place you are going to visit.
Best Time to Visit : November to June.
Nearest Town : Veraval (42 km).
Get There
International Airport : Sahar International Airport,
Mumbai.
Airport : At Keshod (90 km via Veraval).
Railways : The meter gauge rail line of 395 km from Ahemdabad.
Road : Gir is situated at a distance of 400 km from Ahmedabad via
Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available
from Junagadh and Veraval.
Stay There
Accommodation within the national park runs the gamut from budget to
luxury, and almost everything in between. The forest department operates two
lodges, the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge, while some private
lodges also exist.
Nearby Wildlife Lodges
Venture Into The Gir
Hire a jeep to meet the jungle life. The Gir National Park is a mixed
deciduous forest with well spread stock of teak, some Acacia and Banyan
trees. A unique patch of vegetation is found along the main rivers and
streams. Species like the Jamun, Karanj, Ber, Tendu, Semul, Umro, Vad,
Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. While cruising through the
thick belt of these trees you will come across numerous wildlife creatures,
who shelter on these trees. Gir is famous for Asiatic Lions. The best way to
see the big cats is, of course, in their natural habitats, at dawn and dusk,
when they are on the prowl.
The Fauna
Gir is not just about Lions, the second most seen predator in the Gir is
Leopard. In fact, Gir is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations
in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes
be seen at night close to the tourist lodges.
Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar, Chital, Nilgai,
Chowsingha, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur, Jackal, Panthers, Wild Cats
and Hares and Hyena.
The Avifauna
The suitable climatic conditions prevalent within the park has made it a
home for a large number of bird species. Numerous birds like Paradise
Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers,
Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black Vultures,
Shaheen Falcons, Bonelli's Eagles, Flamingo, Crested Serpent Eagles, Painted
Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted Storks and White Necked
Storks are found here.
The Reptiles
The reptile population of the park is represented by - Marsh Crocodiles,
Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of snakes. There is an
interesting breeding farm for crocodile at Sasan, which also provides the
specimen that are relocated into the water reservoirs inside Gir.
Additional Punch
Deva Danga, Riley's, Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodardi, Tulsishyam and
Kamleshwar dam/lake are few of the sights near the Gir Sanctuary. Gujarat
has numerous attractive sights. Visit the historical place of Junagarh (42
km) and Ahmedabad (400 km). Also visit the pilgrimage sight of Somnath here.
You can also laze under the sun at the beaches Diu, Somnath or Veraval. And
yes, don't forget to taste the delightful Gujarati dishes.
Extend the Trip
Gujarat is the neighbouring state of the royal Rajasthan. So your trip
itinerary can include abundant opportunities. Rajasthan is exhaustive and
enthralling. You can also go to Goa. The beaches of Goa are truly
mind-blowing. Laze under the sun, walk on the soft sand and stroll amidst
the green coconut trees. The ambience is extremely enthusing. To make the
trip more exciting you can head towards Mumbai, the place where you can
satisfy your shopping desires. At Mumbai you will find everything of your
choice.
Few Difficulties
You might not face any problem here. Gir is easily accessible and you can
easily wander around the park. But, you may face problems in communicating
with the common people, as only the educated one are able to speak English
here.
Few Suggestions
Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local
culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and
the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on
a wildlife India Tour.
If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us,
whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your
trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.
