About Sasan Gir National Park

Gir National Park is located near Talala Gir, Gujarat. It was established on 18th September 1965; it is a part of Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecosystem. It is the only place after South Africa where the Asiatic lions, which are endangered, can be seen in their natural habitat. By the time of 1800s on a dozen of Asiatic lions were left in India and they were shifted to Gir forest. Despite this place is protected, there is a threat to their population from poaching and natural calamities.

The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from extinction. Besides, being the last home of Asiatic lions, Gir Forests builds a distinctive habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles and insect species with a rich variety of flora.  Gir National Park is a home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds. There are many other places where exotic wildlife animals are found, mainly in zoo.

The Gir National Park is inaccessible from mid-June to mid-October. This is the time for the arrival of Monsoon and the chances of rainfall are high. Likewise, you can visit whenever from mid-October to mid-June. But November to March is the best time for visit as weather will be pleasantly cool.

History 

In 19th century, during the British era, Britishers always felt proud in vicious hunting of lions. They used to get invitation from Indian rulers for hunting trips. At that time, pride of the rulers was appreciated on the basis of the number of lions and tigers hunted successfully by them. At the end of 19th century, only a dozen lions were left in India. Britishers brought a major decline in population of Asiatic lions, so it was decided by the Indian rulers to safeguard the limited number of lions. Later, Indian government banned the hunting activities and since then only photo safaris were allowed. As a result, Gir National Park is the only place in Asia where Asiatic lions are found.

Attractions in Gir National Park

1. Devalia Safari Park – It is the interpretation area of Gir. Visiting Devalia gives a wonderful experience in nature. It’s a great place for people who can’t go on a safari in Gir. Enjoy the beautiful green surroundings and excellent service.
2. Kamleshwar Dam – Kamleshwar Dam is situated inside Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat. Kamleshwar Dam is constructed on the Hiran River in 1959, and it is the main origin of water for the habitats living there.
3. Kankai Mata Temple – This place is 25 km away from Sasan Gir. This is considered to be one of the most well-known temples within the area and is devoted to Lord Krishna. Whenever someone visits the sanctuary also makes sure to visit this temple.
4. Jamzir Waterfall – This waterfall is in Jamwala village of Junagadh district near Gir National Park. It is a phenomenal sight to look at. People visiting here will get a refreshing dive connecting your body and soul with the spotless environment.

Flora and Fauna

Flora: – This park embraces a diverse range of flora and also have a different range of evergreen trees, semi-evergreen trees, deciduous trees.  More than 400 plant species have been recognized in the Gir forest. Furthermore, Gir forests consist of deciduous scrub forests, savannah forests and mixed forests with dry deciduous species. Half of the area was occupied by teak tress mainly as it consists of deciduous and mixed forests. In afforestation programme, Casuarinas and Prosopsis have been planted on coastal side of Gir. Evergreen broadleaved tress found here are flame of forest, jamun, acacia, ziziphus, dhak, tendu, banyan and babool. Plants were also found like Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Siris, and Amli.

Fauna: -Gir National Park is effectively managing a large number of species. It is known that 2375 various species of wild lives are living in Sasan Gir. According to statistics, 40 species of mammals, 2000 species of insects, 27 species of reptiles, 425 species of birds lives there and 300 species of leopard and lions. Additionally, famous Asiatic lions are found here in their natural habitat. The bird inhabitants contain the greenish warbler, the golden footed pigeons, the Griffon Eurasian vulture, the changeable Hawk Eagle, the Bonelli’s Eagle, the Indian Pitta-Quail, and the woodpeckers like the crested, treeswift, and the pygmy woodpecker. It has full potential to allow the tourist spot wilds like porcupines and hares next to carnivores like jungle cats, black hyenas, Indian leopards, Indian mongooses, and golden jackals.

Some important information:

• The Gir Jungle Safari works from 6 to 12 pm and 3 to 6 pm. Although, the Devalia Safari Park works from 8 to 11 am and 3 to 5 pm. Both operates from Monday to Sunday.

• Gir National Park is open from Mid-October to Mid-June and the Devaliya Safari Park is open throughout the year but closed on Wednesdays.

• Cost of Jeep Safari is around INR 5300-5500 for Indians and INR 12,800-13,000 for foreigners. Each such jeep would allow for 6 persons plus a child.
• Anyone will enjoy the rare species in their natural habitats, but this safari is suggested specifically for wildlife photographers.

For booking and other details: – https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/