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GIR NATIONAL PARK
The Gir National Park is primarily created to protect the last wild population of Lion outside the African regions. Since 1913 when the Lion population here fell radically to just 20 animals, the numbers have increased to around 300 in the recent times. It is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India. The Asiatic lion is to some extent smaller than its African cousin and its mane is smaller too. 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.
History
In the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat, lies the 116 square-mile Gir sanctuary. It is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A distinctive belt of vegetation is found all along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly large leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade.
Places of Interest
Jeep Safari
The best means to observe the big cats is at dawn and dusk, when they are on their prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best through driving via jeep around the forest.
Best Time to Visit
Wildlife fans can visit Gir Park all through the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary would be between the months of November and June.
Travel Information
Air: The nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90-kms through Veraval. Visitors can with no trouble catch daily flights from Mumbai to Keshod.
Rail: The closest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad.
Road: Gir is located at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are without difficulty available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir, between November and June.