Gir Wildlife Sanctuary-A Perfect Wildlife Destination

Gir National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat. It is 64 km from Junagarh. The park spreads over a total area of 1,412.14 sq. km. Established in the year 1965, it is known for protecting the famous Asiatic lion. The park has 2,375 fauna species and around 400 plant species, enthralling tourists from all across the globe.

Asiatic lion is the main attraction of the wildlife of the park. This place boasts of being the only habitat of the species since 1884. An estimate says that 239 of the lions live in the area since 1885. They look smaller than their African counterparts.

You can spot the lions either at dawn or at dusk as it is the time for them to hunt for food. The Department of Forest also conducts lion shows on Sundays in which the audience can see these animals in close range.

Flora in the Park

The forest rest house of Sasan serves as the main headquarters of the Park. It is filled with different deciduous type like teak, ber and jamun and types of acacias such as babul. You can reach here by a hilly road with several rivers. This park also offers its visitors to experience the fun of long drives through the forest cover.

Attractions of Gir National Park
This park boasts of its antique temples of Tulsishyam and Kankai Mata. The pilgrimage along with hot springs attract the devotees to come here. The park is also popular for the cattle herders or Madharis. The buffaloes form a major part in the diet of the lions. The tradition and legend of the Madharis also has an unique proof of coexistence between humans and lions.

Watching wildlife in this forest reserve is perfectly done while driving nears the grounds of the forest. The ideal routes from Sasan are to Kankai and Bawal Chowk. Another one is to Tulsishyam and Chhodavadi. To protect yourself, opt for jeep safari.

There are 3 exceptional reserves in the region. One of them is the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, which houses many water birds. Second is The Little Rann of Kutch, a home of the wild ass Indian. Flamingo Island is the third one. This remarkable reserve in the area also renowned as the virtual harbor of wildlife buffs on Gujarat State.

Time to Visit
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit this famous park round the year, but the best time to visit the place is from November to June.