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Gir National Park
About Gir National Park
Sprawling over 1400 sq km, Gir National Park is a hilly region. The vegetation comprises of dry deciduous forests, acacia scrub, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and grasslands. Flowing rivers and streams are among the many water-bodies in the reserve. The Kamleshwar Dam, is well-known for its huge crocodile population.
Earlier guarded by the Royal family of Junagarh, the sanctuary is now the gem of Gujarat’s ecological balance. Gir National Park is the only habitat for the Great Asiatic Lions in India. The terrain in and around the national park is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is mixed deciduous with Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Dhak and Tendu trees, sprinkled with patches of grasslands. The trees on the hills are sparse and stunted. Human settlements of cattle herders with abundance of livestock population form the diet for hungry predators like the lion.
Wildlife in Gir National Park
Gir National Park is chiefly renowned for the seriously endangered species of Asiatic Lions, which are slightly smaller than the African Lions. A little over 300 Asiatic Lions in Gir can be best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the prowl for food. The Gir wildlife sanctuary is also home to a number of other animals such as Blue bull (Nilgai), Sambhar, Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Black Bucks, four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, crocodiles, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Flying Foe, Indian Hare, Small Indian Mongoose, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel, Indian Porcupine, Fox and Jackal, The Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat. More than 300 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit Gir National Park, of which the most common is the peafowl.
Flora of Gir
A diverse belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Karanj, Umro, Jamun, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here.
More Happenings of Gir
Jeep Safari: Driving through the forest in tourist vehicle is the best way to spectacle the big cats in their natural habitat, at the time of dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl.
Tribal Village: The diverse culture of India can be studied by the unique and exciting experience of visiting tribal villages, which still exist in the interiors of Gir.
Nearby Cities: Historic fonts, palaces and garden are a tourist attraction in the town of Junagarh, where you can also shop for ethnic Rajasthani goods.
Best Time to Visit Gir
Wildlife lovers can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best time to visit the Gir National Park is between the months of November and June.
How To Reach
By Railways: Nearest rail stations are Sasan Gir and Veraval; most convenient is Rajkot.
By Airways: Nearest airport is Keshod. You can also travel by air to Rajkot and then drive down in a rented vehicle. Daily flights to Delhi from another major airport at Ahmedabad, is another route.
By Roadways: Gir is situated at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda.
