Gir

Gir Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. kms., Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem-endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the king of the jungle, is one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India.

The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to extensive trophy hunting. In the early 1900s the Nawab of Junagadh was advised by Lord Curzon to protect the remaining lions. The lion was declared a protected animal, although concerted conservation efforts started much later.

In India the Lion population is spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park 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 lodges.

Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.

Other Attractions

Jeep Safari : The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.

Best Time to Visit Gir Forest

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.

The forest also harbours a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.

Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc. Adholia, Valadera, Ratanghuna and Pilipat are rewarding places for bird watching. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

 

Lion Breeding Programme

Gir is only the home for pure Asiatic Lion. A breeding centre has been established in the Sakkarbaug Zoo with an objective to study the Asiatic lion and supply of pure Asiatic lion to various zoos in the country and abroad. It has bread 180 lions in captivity. Sp far 126 lions were given to various zoos both in India and abroad. Continuously observation about biological behavior of lions is of immense help for enhancing knowledge and improving management practices for the species.

 

How to Reach Gir National Park

Sasan is 100kms from Diu, 160 kms from Porbander and 160kms from Rajkot. All three points are connected by air.

An ideal connection from Mumbai ( the nearest metropolis) is Mumbai - Diu by air, Diu to Sasan by road ( 2 hours), Sasan to Porbander by road( 2 1/2 hours) and Porbander to Mumbai by air.

Keshod is the closest airfield (70 kms) but is currently closed.

Train and bus services are also available and Junagadh and Veraval are the usual start points.

The roads in Gujarat are average and average driving speed is 50 kms/hour for most parts.