Where else in India would you find a park that offers
visitors a chance to glimpse wildlife in its natural surroundings than at the Gir National Park? The last refuge of the Asiatic lion, the Gir National Park is located in the Junagadh district in Gujarat. Spread over 2450 hectares, this beautiful sanctuary offers visitors the best in flora and fauna. As visitors pass through this park, they can view rivers making their way through the lush green thick forests.
The park was set up on 18th September, 1965, to protect the lion and its habitat and has successfully achieved what it set out to do. From less than 200 in 1980, the lion population in Gir has since grown to an estimated 286. The park, the Gir National Park, is located about 59 km from Junagadh via
Visavadar.
 Visitors to the park get a chance to see the Asiatic lion – an incredible and awe-inspiring animal. The animal makes the park worth the effort. The visitors also get a chance see these magnificent animals every Sunday at the shows organised by the Forest Department.
Other than the lions visitors also get a chance to see animals like the
chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare and the black
buck. The sanctuary is also home to over 200 species of birds including the peafowl, grey partridge, Boneli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and
several species of doves. One can also easily spot the marsh crocodile in the rivers at Gir, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is also a crocodile breeding farm at
Sasan.
The best way to enjoy the wildlife is by driving around the forest. Some of the best drives from Sasan are to Baval Chowk and Kankai, to Chodavdi and Tulsishyam and to Kamaleshwar dam. Though a sturdy car would do, a jeep is definitely more appropriate.
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Places of interest: Kankai
Mata and Tulsishyam temples are two pilgrim centres located in the
park which are worth a dekko. The highlight of these temples are the
‘hot springs'.
Gir Interpretation Zone: Twelve kilometers from Sasan village at Devalia is this zone, within the precincts of the sanctuary. Spread over 4.12 sq km, the zone has a cross section of the wildlife in Gir, and if didn’t see a lion in the park you will be sure to see one here.
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit the site is from December to April. The park remains closed from June to October, and sometimes even later if there has been a heavy rainfall. Though the lions are elusive, you can be quite sure to see at least one on a safari. It is better to go on a morning trip than an afternoon one.
Tips: Though a sturdy car would do, a jeep is definitely more appropriate, as they can take the small trails where you’re much more likely to come across lions. Private vehicles cannot be used to tour the park.
You must get a permit before you embark on a safari. Permits can be obtained from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge office at a cost of Rs. 15 for the first day, with every additional day costing you Rs. 7.50. You have to pay Rs. 35 for a camera and Rs. 75 for a video. Jeep tours taking up to six people cost you up to Rs. 150.
How to get there: State transport and express buses travel between Junagadh and Veraval via Sasan Gur, four times a day. Trains run too, to Veraval twice a day and to Delwada and Junagadh once a day.
Where to stay: Accommodation is very limited and it is advisable to book in advance.
Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge
(Ph: 02877-85540)
Gir Lodge (Ph: 02877-85521)
Contact: The Sanctuary Superintendent, Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat or The Conservator of Forests, Sardar Baug, Junagadh, Gujarat - 362001.
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