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Gir National Park

The Gir National Park evolved as an effort to conserve the Asiatic lion from poaching and hunting. The Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary is collectively known as the Gir Protected Area. Located in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, the area is stretched over 2,450 hectares. The park offers many excellent drives through scenic areas that promise visual delight to its visitors.

A Walk In The Wild:
The Gir National Park is a globally famous wildlife reserve that attracts a substantial number of visitors. The topography of the park consists of steep rocky hillsides which are covered in mixed deciduous forests. The vegetation comprises of of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees. The conservation drive at Gir has increased the number of lions. The Forest Department organizes lion shows every Sunday, where the visitors can watch prides of lions on the hunt.There are guided trips available, to watch these magnificent animals from a very close range.

Besides the king of the jungle, Gir is also home to a wide variety of birds that flutter and fill the atmosphere with melodious chirping. Birds in the park include the Paradise Flycatcher, Bonelli's Eagle and Painted Sandgrouse.

Others main wild attractions are Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox, and Jackal.

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Mode for transportation within the park is restricted to sturdy vehicles. The tracks within the park are suitable to be used by cars too but it is preferable to use jeeps and other 4-wheel drive vehicles. There are provisions for hiring jeeps within the main park, it can be done at the office in Sasan or from the local operators.

Climate:
From the three common seasons of summer, winter and monsoon, summer takes the longest stretch, in which the average minimum and maximum temperature ranges between 10ºC to nearly 45ºC. The hottest months recorded in Gir are April and May. The rains bring some relief from the heat during the monsoons period of, starting from middle of June and September.

Transport Access:
» By Air: Nearest airport is Keshod 90-km via Veraval. One can catch daily flight from Mumbai to Keshod. Drive to Gir from Keshod or Rajkot (166-kms) airports.

» By Rail: Meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad. There is also a railway station at Sasan Gir (1km).

» By Road: Distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are also available from Junagadh and Veraval between November and June.