Gir National Park and Sanctuary
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The Gir National Park, was established on 18th September, 1965,
as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion. The
total area under national park status is about 2,450 hectares. It
is located in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, about 65 km south-east
of Junagadh city, and 90 km east of Keshod Airport, in the Kathiawar
(Saurashtra) Peninsula. Sasan, with a forest rest-house, is the
headquarters of the sanctuary.The Gir is a mixed deciduous type
of forest with teak, ber, flame of the forest, jamun, a variety
of acacia, particularly babul. It is a hilly tract with plenty of
rivers, and offers the visitor long pleasant drives, through the
thick forest cover.
It is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has
been confined to this forest, since 1884 ( about 239 lions were
reported in 1985 ).The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its
African cousin, nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite
a sight to behold. 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. The Forest Department does arrange lion shows every Sunday,
where the spectators can watch prides of lions on the hunt.There
are guided trips available, to watch these magnificent animals from
a very close range.
The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur,
porcupine, hare, black buck, are the other animals, that can be
found in this sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including
the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle,
jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several
species of doves . The Gir is also home to the marsh crocodile,
which can be sighted easily in its rivers, particularly in the lake
of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is also a crocodile breeding farm
at Sasan.
The Gir is steeped in history and folklore. It boasts of temples
of great antiquity, like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam, a place of
pilgrimage with hot springs. The forest is famous for its cattle
herders, the Madharis, whose buffaloes form a substantial part of
the lions' meals. Extremely hospitable, the Madharis are herders,
whose lifestyle has changed little over the years, and their folklore
and traditions are a unique record of coexistence of humans with
lions.
Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done, by driving around the
forest. 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.
Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary - home
to several water-birds, the Little Rann of Kutch - home of the Indian
wild ass, and the fascinating Flamingo Island, render the state
of Gujarat a virtual haven for wildlife buffs.
When to visit
The sanctuary remains closed from June to October and the ideal
time to visit is between December and March.The Park is closed during
monsoon till mid-October.
How to get there
State transport buses make the two hour trip between Junagadh and
Veraval via Sasan Gir, four times a day. Slow steam trains run to
Veraval twice daily, and to Delwada and Junagadh once a day.
Where to Stay
Visitor facilities include two forest rest houses, a Lion Safari
Lodge and restaurant facilities at Sasangir. An airstrip has been
constructed 16 km from the sanctuary.
Contact
The Sanctuary Superintendent, Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat OR The
Conservator of Forests, Sardar Baug, Junagadh, Gujarat - 362001.
Check out also:
National Parks in India
Bird Sanctuaries in India
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