The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (Sasan-Gir) is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat.

It is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia. Gir Forest National Park Area is 1412 Square kilometer.The park is located in the south west of Gujarat, India. To be precise, it is 65 km south east of Junagadh and 60 km south west of Amreli.

Gir Lion

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.

Gir Animals

               Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Languor Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.

Flora in Gir National Park

The Gir National Park is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, flame of the forest, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade and the moisture content.

JEEP SAFARI:

The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.

Facilities:-

Ø  Orientation Centre

Ø  Twin sharing rooms with attached bath and toilet facilities

Ø  Tented Accomodations

Ø  Separate Kitchen & Dining places

Ø  Beautifully, Well-Designed Amphitheatre

Ø  Separate area for Campfire

Ø  Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing

Ø  Beautiful Nature Trail

Being a responsible nature lover, a few tips for you to remember –

Ø  Campsites use electricity which is generated by using solar energy, hence please use it responsibly.

Ø Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

Ø Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

     Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

Ø  No smoking 

Ø  No flash or intrusive photography 

Ø  Do not carries any music system or sound making device along with you and remember to keep them           switched off if you are driving around. 

Ø  Picking plants or insects is prohibited in any area; do not remove anything from the parks or    sanctuaries. 

Ø  Do not indulges in any quick or sudden movements to scare off wildlife. 

Ø  Do not try going too close to the animals. 

Ø  No pets should accompany you. 

Best Time to Be There

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.