Location : Gujarat
Major Attractions : Asiatic Lion
Best time to Visit : December to April
About Gir National Park
Situated
in the Gujarat Peninsula of western India, Gir National Park is the sole
habitat in India for the mighty Asiatic Lion. The vegetation of the park
mainly consists of mixed deciduous forests of teak, tendu, acacia and dhok
trees with huge patches of grasslands, that have provided shelter to over
300 lions. Within the confines of the park are a number of settlements of
various tribes that earn their livelihood by rearing cattle. This
infiltration by humans into the lion country often proves to be the cause of
conflict and results in the killing of these rare animals. Other attractions
of the park include the important Hindu pilgrimages at Tulsi Shyam and
Kankai Mata.
Wildlife Attractions in Gir National Park
A large percentage of the tourists coming to Gir are interested in the star
attraction of the jungle, the Asiatic Lion which is in critical danger of
being wiped away from the face of the earth. The reason for their fast
dwindling numbers is probably their fearlessness of human beings, as a
result of which these animals become soft targets for poachers and hunters.
Leopard is another prime attractions at Gir, of which there are over 200 in
the park. The vast open stretches of land at Gir make sure you get to see at
least one of these graceful animals.
Gir National Park is equally diverse in its bird population, so much so
that if it hadn't been for the Lion, Gir could easily have been a bird
sanctuary. Some of the commonly spotted birds at Gir include the paradise
flycatcher, pied woodpecker, crescent serpent eagle, bush quail, black
headed cuckoo and the grey partridge. Jeep safaris offer a ride through the
uneven terrain of the park and introduce you to these variety of animal and
bird species.
Stay At
Gir being the sole habitat of the Asiatic lion in India is visited by
numerous visitors throughout the year. Some of the best accommodation
options in and around Gir National Park include the Maneland Jungle Lodge
(situated near Gir, it offers standard and deluxe rooms with attached baths
and other amenities like a multi cuisine restaurant, safaris etc.), Sinh
Sadan Guest House (managed by the forest department, it is set in an old
style mansion) and Gir Lodge (on the edges of Gir National Park, the lodge
offers 27 rooms and 2 luxury suites).
Getting There
By Air : Keshod (86 km) is the nearest airport, though
not very well connected with other cities in India. The best option,
therefore, would be to travel by air to Rajkot (180 km) and hire a taxi from
there. Ahmedabad (415 km) is another major airport located nearby which is
well connected to most of the Indian cities through daily flights.
By Rail : Sasan Gir is the nearest railhead which is
connected to Rajkot through a daily train. Rajkot is further connected to
most of the major Indian cities including Delhi and Mumbai.
By Road : State transport buses connect Sasan Gir with
all the major neighbouring cities including Junagarh, Veraval and Ahmedabad.
A convenient way would be to hire a taxi from any of the nearby cities and
reach Gir National Park.
Important Information for Visitors
- Entry tickets to the park can be obtained from the reception desk of
the Sinh Sadan Guest House at a cost of Rs. 30 for Indians and US$ 5 for
foreigners.
- The park remains open from 8 to 11 AM and 3 to 5 PM everyday.
- Private vehicles are allowed inside the park but only with the
addition of a local guide.
- Safari timings are 6:30 to 9:30 AM and 3 to 5 PM.
