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Sprawling
in an area of 1424 sq. kms., Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a
luxuriantly rich ecosystem-endowed with floral and faunal plentitude.
Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species
of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in
the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural
habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the king of the jungle, is one of the
largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India
The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to extensive trophy hunting. In the early 1900s the Nawab of Junagadh was advised by Lord Curzon to protect the remaining lions. The lion was declared a protected animal, although concerted conservation efforts started much later.
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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. 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. Other Attractions Best Time to Visit Gir Forest The forest also harbours a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.
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| Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc. Adholia, Valadera, Ratanghuna and Pilipat are rewarding places for bird watching. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest. | |
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How to Reach Sasan Gir
By Air:
Nearest airport is Rajkot 165 kms via
Junagadh. Daily flights operate from Mumbai and New Delhi to
Rajkot.
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By Bus:
Distance of 400 kms from Ahmedabad via
Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda.
Distance of 43 kms from Veraval.
Distance of 65 kms from Junagadh via
Mendarda.
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By Train :
One
can travel by rail to Veraval from Ahmedabad or Rajkot and
then take a 43 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir.
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