Gir National Park

Gir National Park Junagadh

Distance: 66 km from Junagadh

Attraction:- Asiatic Lions

Best Time to Visit:

November to March

Gir National Park has a sprawling area of 1412 sq. km. It was established in the year 1965 and is located about 65 km to the south-east of the Junagadh city of Gujarat. The forest area of Gir was initially protected by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. The wildlife sanctuary was established to put a stop to the alarming rate of Lion hunting. The population of lions dropped to as low as 15. After this, Lion was declared as a protected animal. This initiative considerably helped in the conservation of the species in the region.

Gir National Park, Gujarat is home to a large number of animals and birds. One of the major big-cat hubs in India, the park has about 300 lions and 300 leopards. Besides, you can witness animals like Sambar, spotted deer, blue bull, chousingha (the world's only four-horned antelope), chinkara and wild boar at Gir National Park in Sasangir, Gujarat. There are also 250 birds and about 50 other species of birds at the park including the painted sandgrouse, grey francolin, Asian paradise flycatcher, white-browed fantail, and Asian brown flycatcher.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary of India is the only place after Africa where Lions can be seen in their natural habitat. It is one of the biggest and important sanctuaries in India. Apart from Lions, Gir is also home to a number of Leopards. It houses the maximum number of Leopards in comparison to any other park in the nation. During the summer months, they can even be seen near the lodges at night. If you are an adventure freak, then make sure to experience the wildlife at its best, via a Jeep safari.

It will give you an opportunity to have a closer look at the animals, especially during early mornings and evenings. The thrilling experience will leave you completely spellbound. Gir National Park is maintained by the Forest Department of Gujarat and it serves as an important biological research center, which holds scientific, educational, recreational and aesthetic importance. Lion breeding programs are also conducted here to increase the population of the Lions. Since its inception, the breeding centers at Gir Wildlife Park, and others nearby, have bred approximately 180 Lions so far. Gir has a rich flora and fauna and is laden with dry deciduous forests.

Around thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles and several species of insects and birds are found here. Only few people know that Gir National Park also boasts of one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. A number of unique birds can be seen here like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc. Apart from this the forest is home to Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Long-tailed Langur, Jackal, Hyena and Panther. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

You can reach Gir Wildlife Sanctuary comfortably by air, rail, and road. The nearest international airport is the Ahmedabad International Airport (390 km), connected by flights to USA, UK and Singapore. The nearest domestic airport is the Keshod Airport near Junagarh. The closest railheads are at Veraval (40 km), Junagadh (60 km), and Rajkot (164 km). The park is well-connected by an extensive network of roads to Veraval, Junagadh, and Rajkot.

During your visit to the Gir National Park you can enjoy a comfortable stay at the various hotels situated near the park, such as Gir Birding Lodge, Maneland Jungle Lodge, Sinh Sadan Guest House, etc. The park should be ideally visited between late-November and early-March.

For you to know about the Gir Wildlife Reserve in Sasangir, Gujarat, Indian Holiday can help you with information about the Gir National Park in Sasangir, Gujarat. Just get in touch with us for more information about Gir National Park in Sasangir, Gujarat.

The Crocodile Breeding Farm :- In Junagadh-Gujarat,It is great place of Crocodile.There is an interesting breeding farm for crocodiles at Sasan, near Gir, which also provides the specimen that are relocated into the water reservoirs inside Gir.

More to the itinerary: Deva Danga, Riley's, Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodardi, Tulsishyam and Kamleshwar dam/lake are few of the sights near the Gir Sanctuary. A trip to other places of Gujarat can be a enriching experience after the feast of the wild. Visit the historical place of Junagarh (42 km) and Ahmedabad (400 km) and the pilgrimage sight of Somnath. You can also laze under the sun at the beaches Diu, Somnath or Veraval. And yes, don't forget to pick some interesting Gujrati embroidered clothing from the very homeland and feast your taste buds in the end with delicious Gujrati dishes.

Accommodation options -

Gir has a host of Government forest bunglows and privately run hotels to fit any budget. The forest department run Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge, can be excellent options.