Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
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Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
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About the Park
The Gir Forests- the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator, Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered animal species. The sanctuary is internationally
acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently out of the 1153.42 sq. km area of the sanctuary, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park.
Gir Forests has a topography made up of successive rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir Forests forms a unique habitat for many mammals, reptiles, birds and insect species along with a rich
variety of flora.
The
overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had
the Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country.
People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses".
At
present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in its natural habitat.
Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of human being and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last century in British rule, lion population touched an all time low of 20 in 1913. The serious conservation efforts by the
then Nawab of Junagadh saved the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest Department has successfully brought the population to the present respectable status of 523 numbers of this majestic animal.
Teak
(Tectona grandis), Dudhlo (Writia tinctoria), khair (Acacia catechu), Ber (Acacia bellerica), Desi baval (Acacia nilotica), Dhavdo (Anogeisis latifolia), Hermo (Acacia leucophloea), Sadad (Terminalia tomentosa), Timru (Diospyros melanoxylon) , Ashitro (Bauhinia
recemosa), Saledi (Boswellia serrata), Modad (Lannea coromandelica), Khakhro (Beautia monosperma) etc.
The
Gir forests support a rich biodiversity comprising 32 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 26 species of reptiles and thousands of species of insects.
Lion
(Asiatic Lion), Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), Hyena (Hyaena hyaena hyaena) , Chital (Deer) (Axis axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolour), Bule bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Chaushinga (Tetracerus quadricornis), Chinkara (Gszella bennettii), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa),
Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) , Langur (Sernnopithecus entellus /Prebytis entellus), Jackal (Canis aureus aureus), Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi ferrugineus), Civets (Viverricula indica indica) etc.
Malabar
whistling thrush, Orange headed ground thrush, Paradise flycatcher, Black naped fly catcher, Indian pitta, Tawny eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, Crested serpent eagle, King vulture, Crested hawk eagle, Painted storks, Pelicans, Peafowl etc.
The Asiatic lion, the most majestic big cat, is a unique gift of nature. It is an extremely intelligent animal with remarkable social habits and hunting techniques.
The prominent belly fold, smaller mane, lesser body size and the body weight differentiates it from its African counterpart. Lions live and hunt in groups called "pride", which generally consists of adult females, their cubs plus a few males.
Sasan
Gir,
Junagadh, Gujarat(India)
Pincode : 362135
Email :
gslcsgir@yahoo.com
Website :
https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/
National Park Area : 258.71 Sq. Km.(Core Area)
Sanctuary Area : 1153.42 Sq. Km.
The Sanctuary spreads over Junagadh and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. The main centre "Sasan" is located in Talala taluka of Junagadh district at about 60 km. from Junagadh.
Visitors to Gir Sanctuary
| Year |
Indian Visitors |
Foreign Visitors |
Total |
| 2011-2012 |
385705 |
8498 |
394203 |
| 2010-11 |
110054 |
5897 |
115951 |
| 2009-10 |
200420 |
5151 |
205571 |
| 2008-09 |
52676 |
4424 |
57100 |
| 2007-08 |
39926 |
5230 |
45156 |
Visitors to Gir Sanctuary from 2007 to 2012
| Year |
Indian Visitors |
Foreign Visitors |
Total |
| 2011-2012 |
385705 |
8498 |
394203 |
| 2010-11 |
110054 |
5897 |
115951 |
| 2009-10 |
200420 |
5151 |
205571 |
| 2008-09 |
52676 |
4424 |
57100 |
| 2007-08 |
39926 |
5230 |
45156 |
- Nearest airport is Rajkot, 165 kms via Junagadh.
- 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.
- Meter gauge rail line of 395 kms from Ahmedabad.
- The best time to visit this park is during the months of Mid October - Mid June, and the best recommended time is December - April.
- Kamaleshwar dam : An official reservoir amidst lush green hills, harbouring largest population of marsh crocodiles in the country.
- Gir Bhimchas : A water reservoir which according to the legends, was formed by Bhim when he needed to quench the thirst of his mother, Kunti.
- Kankai & Tulsishyam temples.
- Somnath : The famous Somnath temple is just 55 km. away from the sanctuary.
- Maneland Jungle lodge
- Sinh Sadan Guest House