Location : In the
state of Gujarat in the western part of India.
Tourist Attractions : Asiatic Lion, leopards, black
buck.
Other Attractions : Veraval Beach
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Somnath, Dwarka,
Ahmedabad, Surat.
When to Visit : November to June.
About Gir
Home to the last surviving population of the Asiatic Lions, the Gir
National Park is Located in the south-west border of the Saurashtra
Peninsula in the state of Gujarat India. Inhabiting about 300 Asiatic Lions,
this area flanked with three unique and unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar
Lake and Sanctuary; the Rann of Kutch and the Flamingo Islands makes a very
delightful wildlife holiday for the wildlife enthusiasts.
Spread in an area of 1412.13 sq km, the Gir park area was the royal hunting
grounds of the Nawab of Junagadh, and later defined as a protected forest by
the concerned Government bodies. In 1966, 600 sq km were initially bounded
as the Gir forest area, which was further extended to 1150 sq km. The park
with it's core area of approximately 300 sq km was officially declared a
national park in 1975.
Major Tourist Attractions in Gir
The Flora
Species like the Jamun, Karanj, Ber, Tendu, Semul, Umro, Vad, Kalam,
Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here.
The Fauna
Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the largest Leopard
populations in any park in India. Other animal residents of the Gir national
park are Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar,
Langur, Jackal, Panthers, Wild Cats and Hares and Hyena.
The Avifauna
Numerous birds like Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray
Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish
Owls, Black Vultures, Shaheen Falcons, Bonelli's Eagles, Flamingo, Crested
Serpent Eagles, Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted
Storks and White Necked Storks are found here.
The Reptiles
Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of snakes.
The Park Trip
Jeep is the best option to explore the park.
Getting There
Airport : At Keshod (90 km via Veraval).
Railways : The meter gauge rail line of 395 km from Ahemdabad.
Road : Gir is situated at a distance of 400 km from Ahmedabad via
Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available
from Junagadh and Veraval.
Accommodation
Accommodation is immense here. There are numerous lodge and jungle resort
near the park. The forest department operates two lodges, the Sinh Sadan
Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge, while some private lodges also exist close
by.
