Where is the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat
in western India. The national covers a total area of 1150 sq km, with 300
sq km forming the core area of the sanctuary.
What is it famous for?
The Gir Wildlife Sanctaury is famous for the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo
persica). Since 1913 when the total number of lions drastically reduced to a
mere 20, the number has increased to a fabulous 300.
How will you gain access?
Keshod (90 km) is the closest airport. From Mumbai, there are direct
flights to Kishod. Sasan Gir has a railway station of its own, with trains
connecting it to a number of other cities and towns in Gujarat. There are
daily trains to Sasan Gir form Junagadh, Veraval and Delwada. From Sasan
Gir, the park is just around 1 km away. A fabulous road-network connects the
park to the rest of the country. There are frequent buses to the park from
Junagarh (60 km).
What is the best time?
Visitors can pay a visit to the Gir park throughout the year except during
the monsoon (June to October). However, the best time of visiting is from
November to June.
What constitutes the flora, fauna and avifauna?
Spreading over an area of 1,1412 sq km, the Gir National Park supports a
very rich and diverse flora and fauna. The flora of the park chiefly
consists of tropical dry deciduous forests of teak trees, rolling grasslands
and semi-evergreen riverine. Major trees include teak and banyan. Main
species of trees found here are Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal,
Sirus and Amli.
There are about 38 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 37 species
of reptiles. The main animal inmates of the park are Asiatic lions,
leopards, jungle cat, hyenas, mongoose, Chital, Nilgai (Blue bull),
four-horned antelope, Chinkara and wild boar.
The avifauna population includes king vulture, crested serpent eagle,
Bonelli's eagle, crested hawk-eagle, Brown Fish owl, Indian grey hornbill,
Pygmy woodpecker, blossom-headed parakeet, Honey buzzard, spoon bill,
raptors, flamingo, spotted dove, crested swift, black-headed oriole, Indian
Pitta etc.
What are the other attractions?
» Gir Interpretation Zone
The Gir Interpretation Zone at Devaliya is located at a distance of 12 km
from Sasan Gir. It presents Gir in a nutshell, covering all types of
habitats and wildlife. It has been created with a view to reducing pressure
on the tourism zone of the national park. Lion sighting is guaranteed here.
» Kamleshwar Dam
The Kamleshwar Dam is an oasis in the dry landscape of the place. Mash
crocodiles are often seen along the dam site. It is located in the middle of
the sanctuary and is home to a record population of crocodiles.
» Sirvan
Sirvan is a unique village near Sasan Gir. Here live the people of African
origin. The village is a must-see for the tourists and travellers.
