Gir National Park Gujarat | Sasan Gir

Gir National Park

"Gir National Park" is a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat.  Founded for the protection of Asian lions, Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Sasan Gir National Park.  Gir National Park is located near Talalagir in the Indian state of Gujarat. Which is famous for Mango. The Gir ecosystem is protected from the flora and fauna of Gir with the help of the government’s forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs.  

The park was established in 1965.  1,412 sq. Km.  With an area of ​​(545 square miles), Gir National Park is probably the only place after Africa where a large number of lions can be seen roaming in this wildlife sanctuary.  This place is located at a distance of about 65 km from the southeast of Junagadh district.

 History of Gir National Park:

During the 19th century, British settlers were invited by Indian kings and rulers for hunting expeditions to maintain good trade, power and political relations with them.  However, by the end of the 19th century, the results of the British deliberately participating in such hunting expeditions had emerged.  As a result, by the end of the 19th century, about a dozen Asian lions survived.  

The Gir forest was considered the hunting ground of the Nawab of Junagadh.  It can be said that it was the British Viceroy who was responsible for the huge decline in the number of live lions.  Later, the forest department also came forward for the protection of these lions and then in 1913 in Gir National Park with a population of 20 lions, according to the 2015 census, the number of lions has increased to 523.  Today Gir is the only region in Asia where Asiatic lions are found.  With this, Gir has become one of the safest protected areas in Asia due to its assisted species.

What's so special about Gir National Park ?:

The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in western Gujarat is the only place after Africa where lions roam free.  The park is spread over 1412 square kilometers and is a mixture of dry deciduous forest and savanna forest.  The perennial and seasonal rivers flowing in the park along with other parts of the water, create a very favorable environment for swampy crocodiles, reptiles and birds.  Currently the park has a large population of lions and leopards, which is a very good place for animal lovers of this species.

Along with Gir National Park wildlife, there are other rare species such as fox, striped hyena, langur, porpine, black-lipped.  Gir is the most exclusive reserve park in Asia.  The ecosystem of Gir is very vast and seven rivers flow here, namely Hiran, Shendunji, Dattardi, Shingoda, Machundari, Godavari and Raval.  

The entire forest area of ​​Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which is very good for Asian lions in terms of climate.  According to the 2015 census, the area is home to 523 lions and more than 300 leopards.  Along with these two animals, two different species of deer are also found in the park.  Sambhar is also one of the largest deer in India.  

Apart from this Gir is also known for chasing.  Chosing is the only deer in the world with only four horns.  Gir National Park is home to more than 200 species of birds and has been declared an important bird sanctuary by the Indian National Bird Conservation Network.  

Gir National Park is also home to the extinct white-backed and long-built vulture.  More than 40 species of creeping animals and amphibians are present in Gir National Park.  Kamleshwar - The park has very large reservoirs with a large number of marsh crocodiles.  The park is home to crate King Cobra, Russell Viper, Hundred-Scale Scud Viper and many other snake species.

Best time to visit Gir National Park:

The National Park Protected Area is closed from 16 June to 15 October each year.  This time is the arrival of the south-west monsoon.  Because of this, you can visit the national park from December to March, as there is no chance of rain in these months.

 

How to reach Gir National Park:

ByAir: -

The nearest airports from Gir National Park are Keshod Airport and Rajkot Airport which are located at a distance of about 70 and 160 km.  These airports have good connectivity with big cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, etc. but Mumbai Airport is the best way to reach this place from abroad.

Train route: -

Junagadh and Veraval are the nearest railway stations.  Both these railway stations are directly connected to major cities of the country like Delhi, Pune, Bangalore etc. by direct trains.  Apart from this, there is Rajkot railway station near Gir, which is about 165 km away from Gir forest.  Gir National Park can be reached by going from Rajkot to Junagadh railway line.

 By Road: -

Traveling by road always feels enjoyable and experience, it would be better to travel to Gujarat by road network, especially if you have your own vehicle.