GIR NATIONAL PARK AND SANCTUARY
Location:
42 Kms from Veraval, Gujarat.
Area: 1,412.13 Sq. Kms.
Speciality: Lions, Leopards.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-October to Mid-June.

HOME OF THE ASIATIC LION
Gujarat has splendid wildlife reserves that are quite out of the ordinary. The Gir National Park is where the last surviving population of the Asiatic lion is to be found and the Little Rann of Kachchh, the home of the Indian Wild Ass.

Located in the South west of the Saurashtra Peninsula, the Gir National Park is a haven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The 1,412.13 sq. km. Park has a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides are covered with mixed deciduous forests.

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 ENDANGERED SPECIES
The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the 19th 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. With continuing efforts to save the species, the lion population has gone up to 312.

THE MAJESTIC LION
The Gir lion is a majestic animal averaging a full 2.75 metres in length, with a bigger tail tassel and a more prominent belly. It is more shaggy and lighter brown than the African lion. Unlike its African counterpart, the Gir lion never feeds on carrion.

THE WILD POPULATION
Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The lions, a smaller version of their African cousins, are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Gir has also nearly 210 leopards and numerous Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, the Four-Horned Antelope and Wild Boar. Marsh crocodiles are often seen along its rivers.

The forest is rich in bird life and the Paradise Fly Ccatcher, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Pied Woodpecker, Bonelli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Painted Sand Grouse, Bush Quail and Gray Partridge are among the variety that is found here.

UNEXPLORED BIRD SANCTUARY
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.

BEST TIME:
The sanctuary is open to visitors from mid-October to mid-June, but remains closed during the monsoon months.

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Keshod 90 kms via Veraval. Daily flight from Mumbai to Keshod.

Rail: Meter gauge rail line of 395 kms from Ahmedabad.

Road: Distance of 400 kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda

State Transport buses are available from Junagadh and Veraval between November and June.