About Gir National Park
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India.
Gir National Park is famous for the Asiatic lion the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. The real discovery channel of India has situated approximately 65 km southeast of the Junagarh District. The Government notified the large geographical extent of Sasan Gir as a wildlife sanctuary on 18th September 1965 in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion. It covers a total area of 1412 square kilometers of which 258 Km forms the core area of the National Park. Indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagarh led to their decrease in population drastically, while they were completely wiped out from the other parts of Asia. It was the kind effort of Nawabs of Junagarh who protected the queen royalty in his own private hunting grounds. Later in due course of time Department of Forest Officials came forward to protect the world’s most threatened species.
Major Attractions At Gir National Park :
Animals At Sasan Gir:
The carnivores group mainly comprises the Asiatic lion, Indian leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, Indian gray mongoose and ruddy mongoose, and honey badger. Asiatic wildcat and rusty-spotted cat occur but are rarely seen.
From a population of approximately 20 lions in 1913, they have risen to a comfortable 674 according to the 2020 census. There are 277 male, 260 female, and 137 sub-adult lions in the wilderness of these four districts.
The main herbivores of Gir are chital, nilgai, sambar, four-horned antelope, chinkara, and wild boar. Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary. Among the smaller mammals, porcupine and hare are common, but the pangolin is rare.
Birds At Sasan Gir:
The exotic flora of Gir National Park gives shelter to more than 200 species of birds and moreover the sanctuary has been declared an important bird area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network. Gir is also habitat of raptors like critically endangered white-backed and long-billed vultures.
Reptiles At Sasan Gir:
Sasan Gir is blessed with more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. Kamleshwar – a large reservoir in the sanctuary is the best spot where Marsh Crocodile can be seen in large numbers. Park has even many species of snake including King Kobra, the Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper and the Krait.
BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN GIR NATIONAL PARK
Sasan Gir National Park:
If there is any wildlife destination in the world that is eminent then that has to be Sasan National Park of Gir. It is located in the Junagarh district of Gujarat and is considered the biggest sanctuary and wildlife reserve of India. The Park’s main attraction is the Asiatic lions that are called Leo PantheraPersica also. Over the years it has gained an immense level of popularity as one prestigious sanctuary for lions spanning 3386 square kilometers.
Devalia Safari Park:
It is called the interpretation zone of Gir and in other terms, Devalia is part of the National Park of Gir that is segregated by Chain liked 412 Ha fences. For reducing the pressure of Gir because every year it attracts the heaviest footfall, Devalia caters to those tourists that are unable in getting permits for a safari in Gir.
Crocodile Breeding Farm:
The center of crocodile breeding in Sasan Gir has been always a very unique place where baby to adult crocks are found. They are bred here so that they could be restocked in the sanctuary. It is a place that is quite appealing because the forest department started the conservation project for crocodiles and released almost a thousand marsh crocodiles into Kamaleshwar Lake.
KamleshwarDham:
This is considered the most requisite area of a dam that has been built over the river of Hiran. It is located inside Nation Park of Gir’s vicinity and the dam serves as a lifeline for the area of reserve whereby tourists are able to find broad types of marsh crocodiles.
Tulsishyam temple:
This is considered to be one of the most famous temples within the area and is dedicated to Krishna, The Lord. People whenever paying a visit to the sanctuary make it a point that surely visits this temple whereby crucial hot springs are found near the temple and it is considered as one attractive location.
Zamzir waterfall:
This waterfall is a lovely one being present on Hiran river and is quite a beautiful place having an active waterfall all round the year. Every year people flock around this waterfall mainly because few steps towards the waterfall’s upstream, you can take a bath. It is all about enjoying the nature and beauty this place has to offer.
Best Time to Visit at Sasan Gir
The best time to visit it is between December and March. Although it is very hot in April and May, these are the best months for wildlife viewing and photography.
How to Reach at Gir National Park
Junagadh is perhaps the best approach to the park. The railway station in Junagadh receives trains from different cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot and other major cities. Then, from here it takes approximately one and half hours to reach Sasan Gir National Park.
Gir National Park is located 43 km (27 mi) north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Amreli.
Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir – 340 Kms
Vadodara to Sasan Gir – 313 Kms
Surat to Sasan Gir – 249 Kms
Rajkot – Sasan Gir – 132 Kms