Gir Forests National Park - One of the oldest Sanctuary of India

Gir National Park is a wild life sanctuary located in the Gujarat state of India. Gir forests national park is also recognized as Sasan Gir.  It is a forest area of about 1400 sq. km, with about 250 sq. km area is come under Gir national park and rest of area is come under wildlife sanctuary. It is declared as national park in 1965 by Indian Government. Sasan Gir or National park is 65 km far way from city Junagadh and 43 km away from Somnath.

Gir National Park

Gir National Park

Asiatic lions can be seen only in the Gir National Park. It is the only place where these creatures can be seen. In Asia, it is the best protected areas for lions due to its different species and climatic condition. Many wildlife activists and government put efforts to protect the ecosystem of Gir forests. Hunting is prohibited in this area and no one can harm its flora and fauna. As a result, number of lions increases from 52 from 2005 to 411 in 2010.

In Gir forests, some major rivers passing through this area are Godavari, Hiran, Shingoda. Kamleshwar Lake is the prime lake of this area and it is an important part of this forest.

During hot season, water accessibility is the major problem for forest department. Whenever deprived rainfall occurs, water shortage becomes main problem for its creatures.

In Gir forests, about three hundred different types of flora are found. Dry deciduous forests are found in this area. Teak forests are important part of this. These are located mainly in the eastern part of the forest. Large amount of green grass also harvested annually from the forests.

More than 200 species of birds are found in Gir mainly as, Rock Bush-Quail Brown Fish Owl, Indian Eagle-Owl, Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole.

Asiatic Lion (Gir Lion)

The Asiatic lion generally lives in dry and deciduous forest. In other parts of the world, North Africa, Greece are the areas where these lions can be seen. While Gir forests are well protected, but there is also some case of poaching. Also some lions could be affected by attacking poisoned livestock. Some natural calamities also present danger for this creature; however government tried their best to protect these Asiatic lions.

Asiatic Lion at Gir

A large numbers of tourists come to Gir National Park to see Asiatic lions, as it is the only place where these creatures can be seen, so many tourists attracted towards this. Visitors can see Asiatic lions in their natural habitat, Lions taking sun bathe, with their Children. The park is opened for tourists all the year except in the time of rainy season because it’s not safe to safari in the rainy season.

Timings of Safari:

Gir Forest safari is in the 3 shifts. The morning shifts 6 to 9 am, 9 to 12 am and evening shift is 3 to 6 pm.

Safari can be experienced with Jeep. This is the open jeep in which 6 members and 2 children are allowed. The cost of safari included all charges is about Rs.3500/- for domestic and Rs.7000/- for foreigners. Identity card is must, to take safari.

Various hotels and resorts are available here, ranging from luxury to ordinary.

How to Reach:

Junagadh is about 63 km away from the park, where railway station exist, and trains from different parts of country, from Ahmedabad, Rajkot are available. So it is a good choice to come to Junagadh first, then by road you can go to the park.

You can also reach here from Somnath, it is about 43 km from Sasan Gir. Private buses and taxis are available from here.

Rajkot is the nearest airport to come to Sasan Gir. From Rajkot, you can come to Junagadh by private buses or taxis. It is about 105 km from Rajkot to Junagadh. Taxis will take normal charges and time to reach.

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