Location : Gir, 42-kms From Junagadh, Gujarat
Nearest Access : Junagadh (42-kms)
Main Wildlife Found : Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Chowsingha
Coverage Area : 1412.13-sq-kms.

The Gir National Park is located in the south-western parts of the Saurashtra Peninsula and is a home to about 300 Asiatic Lions. The Gir park is surrounded by three unique and unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary; the Rann of Kutch and the Flamingo Islands which houses the flamingo birds and a charm to the place.This park is marked by a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides covered with mixed deciduous forests. Besides lion, other important animals in the area are leopards, wild ass, numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara, four horned antelope and wild boar.In the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat, lies the 116 square-mile Gir sanctuary created to protect the last wild population of Lion outside the African regions. Since 1913 when the Lion population over here fell drastically to just 20 animals, the numbers have increased to around 300. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin is and its mane is also smaller.

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.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary:

In India the Lion population is spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, 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.

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

Other Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary:

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.

Best Time to Visit Gir Forest:

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.

How to Get there:

Air : The nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90-kms via Veraval. Visitors can easily catch daily flights from Mumbai to Keshod.

Rail : The nearest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad.

Road : Gir is situated at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir, between November and June.

Accommodation:
The Sinh Sadan Guest House is a rest house run by the Gujarat tourism authorities and offers basic facilities like clean rooms and catering outlets and one can easily acquire an accommodation here. The rest house is situated on the main highway running through Sasan. Jeep rides for internal travel can be booked at the reception area.

The Lion Safari Lodge is located slightly off the main highway and presents better but more expensive accommodation facilities. The dorm option is available for the ones who seek a reasonable accommodation.