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About
Gir Wildlife Sanctaury |
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In
the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat, lies
the 116 square-mile Gir sanctuary created to protect the
last wild population of Lion outside the African
regions. Since 1913 when the Lion population over here
fell drastically to just 20 animals, the numbers have
increased to around 300. The Asiatic Lion is slightly
smaller than its African cousin is and its mane is also
smaller. |
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Flora
in Gir National Park |
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The
Gir National Park is a mixed deciduous forest with teak,
flame of the forest, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A
distinct belt of vegetation is found 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 broad leaved and evergreen, giving the
area a cool shade and the moisture content. |
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Major
Wildlife Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary |
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In
India the Lion population is spread across the states of
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the
second most commonly found predator in the Gir is
Leopard. Infact, Gir national park is also home to one
of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India,
and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes
be seen at night close to the lodges. |
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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. |
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Other
Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary |
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JEEP
SAFARI: |
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The
best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their
natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on
the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done,
by driving via jeep around the forest.
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Best
Time to Visit Gir Forest |
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Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the
year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is
between the months of November and June. |
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How to
Get there |
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Air : |
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The
nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90-kms via Veraval.
Visitors can easily catch daily flights from Mumbai to
Keshod. |
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Rail : |
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The
nearest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of
395-kms from Ahemdabad. |
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Road : |
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Gir
is situated at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via
Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are
easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir,
between November and June. |
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General
Info / Tips |
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Do not disturb the
animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals
sleep during day
time.
Do not try to irritate
the animals or make them angry by teasing them.
Take official guides
along with you on the park trip.
Do not smoke inside the
park.
Do not use flash or
intrusive photography.
Picking of plants and
insects is strictly prohibited.
Wear loose fitting and
simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.
For the safety of the
visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the
park is not allowed.
Camping and picnicking is
not allowed within the park.
Carry plenty of water
along with you.Waiting for your reply. |
