In the variant geological and economical structure of Gujarat state with a vast coastal thread and a long range of various mountain ranges like Aravali, Satpura and Vindhya even some portion of Sahyadri ranges (in Western Ghat) the diversity of nature seems everywhere. In this region, the climatic conditions, geographical distribution of uneven landscapes, dry forests and tiny rivers are self explanatory about the strong migrations of various species in the past. This migration tells the unproductively and disturbing nature of the state. Though, in recent past this natural deficit has been think over and utmost care is provided to conserve the ecological balance in the state and owing to the concerted efforts made, the bio diversity of Gujarat is in present position.

In this state so many endangered species have still been given protection and preservation. Asiatic Lion is one of them. Leopard, Indian Crocodile, Indian Wolf, Indian Wild Ass, Chinkara, Lesser Florican and Great Indian Bustard etc are among them. The population of tiger and its racial species is regularly diminishing but concerted efforts made them alive again and now-a-days their population has grown up with a remarkable strength.

In the variant geological and economical structure of Gujarat state with a vast coastal thread and a long range of various mountain ranges like Aravali, Satpura and Vindhya even some portion of Sahyadri ranges (in Western Ghat) the diversity of nature seems everywhere. In this region, the climatic conditions, geographical distribution of uneven landscapes, dry forests and tiny rivers are self explanatory about the strong migrations of various species in the past.  This migration tells the unproductively and disturbing nature of the state.  Though, in recent past this natural deficit has been think over and utmost care is provided to conserve the ecological balance in the state and owing to the concerted efforts made, the bio diversity of Gujarat is in present position.     

In this state so many endangered species have still been given protection and preservation.  Asiatic Lion is one of them.  Leopard, Indian Crocodile, Indian Wolf, Indian Wild Ass, Chinkara, Lesser Florican and Great Indian Bustard etc are among them.  The population of tiger and its racial species is regularly diminishing but concerted efforts made them alive again and now-a-days their population has grown up with a remarkable strength.

General Information

History

Gir National Park is known by the name of Gir Wildlife sanctuary.  This national park was identified and declared as Forest Reserve in 1965.  This park was specially conceived to protect the endangered Asiatic Lion.  Later this process was on and a little portion of Gir Wildlife sanctuary earmarked as National Park in the year 1975. .  Though this was a preliminary effort and was on trial basis.  But the concerted efforts showed the results and the population of Asiatic lions increased from 174 to 411.  This conservation action lasted 26 years.  This sanctuary is located in Junagadh district of Gujarat.  This national park is one and only the habitat of Asiatic Lions.  During the year 1985, only 239 Asiatic lions were alive in this sanctuary.  Though Asiatic lions are smaller in size that the Great African Lions.  But one cannot identify both the lions if seen together as very little difference in size is there.  The natural motion of these lions is really viewable when in action for hunt.   Previously this sanctuary was given protection by the royal family of the Nawabs of Junagadh.  In later days, during the British rules, English viceroys realize the importance and pathetic condition of Asiatic Lions.  And the process to protect the population of this endangered species has begun.  This national park is like a feather in the cap of Gujarat.

Flora

In this national park the forestation is having four different shades. First of all the Teak forest which are spread over 50% area of the national park and also become the natural habitat of the species inside.  In other tree, that formed the natural habitat for Asiatic Lions are Khair, Sadad, Babul, Moledi, Timru, Kadyo, Dhavdo and Bahedo.  The other Non Teak trees which are forming the natural habitat for the species birds are Khair, Sadad, Babul, Moledi, Timru, Kadyo, Simal, Kharkhro and Asundro. A finest area of green vegetation is spread along the major rivers and various streams flows through national park.  Various species Jambu, Karanj, Vad, Kalam, Sirus and Amli are normally seen here.  The leaves of these trees are broad in comparison to other trees, thus these green trees provide the look with cool feature to the entire national park. As an administrative initiate, Prosopis and Casuarina trees planted alongside of coastal line to make ecological balance.

Fauna

This national park is a very peaceful and natural habitat for Asiatic Lions. This national park attracts more than 60 thousands visitors each year.   Gir national park is only the place in whole world, except Africa, where lions are habited naturally.  Asiatic lion is a little smaller in size than its contemporary African Lion.  The best way to see this dangerous and beautiful species is the hunting moment.  One and only the way to view to this adventures national park are to go on drive inside the forests.  A male lion of full size found in Gir is equal to normal African Lion.

Best Time to Visit

The period starting from April to December is the best time to visit this national park.  Though a little rainfall is also done in between this period but the dryness of the area absorbs that rainfall. The national park opened twice daily from 0800h to 1100h and in evening 1500h to 1700h.  The minimal entrée fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 30/- per visitor whereas for foreignersit is 5USD per visitor.  Personal car is permitted inside the national park but a local guide is must to take along.

Distance from Gir National Park

The nearest airport is Ahmadabad which is located at a distance of 390 kilometers from here.  The drive to the airport is generally of 8 hours according to the halts made en route. From US, UK and Singapore, regular flights are connected to Ahmadabad.

From Delhi

By Air :  If one wants to come here through Air route, he will have to land at Ahmadabad, from where approximately 8 hours drive remains to this national park.

By Train: Train services are available to Rajkot and from this railway station the national park is located at 164 kilometers. 

From Mumbai

The nearest Air head is Diu Airport from Mumbai.  This airport is approximately 112 kilometers away from Gir National park. If someone coming from Mumbai, he/she does not need to go to Rajkot as the direct road conveyance is available upto this national park.

From Ahmedabad

There train is available upto Junagadh district. One can also come via Rajkot.  Gir National Park is only 60 kilometers away from Junagadh district and from Veraval it is only 40 kilometers. From both the detraining points one hour journey is required to reach this national park

How to get there

A visitor from Mumbai needs to report at Diu Airport and take road conveyance to this sanctuary located at only 100 kilometers distance. Not more than 2 hours drive is needed to reach here. Diu Airport is connected to Mumbai by air.  The visitors travelling inside Gujarat can reach this station by buses which are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval.  The nearest place to de-embark is Sasan.  A daily train is also available from Sasan Gir to Rajkot.   As an option, one can go to Rajkot through air and from there taxies are available for remaining 180 kilometers journey. 

Location Map

Things to Do in Gir National Park

This National Park is only the den base of the Asiatic Lions. To visit the natural habitat of a lion, one will have to use a safer vehicle.  Though, for conveyance of tourists, the administration of park provides the facility of mini buses, but owing to a huge strength of tourists here, one will have to reserve its seat well in advance so that the fun of inside safari can be experienced. 

For the adventure lovers, the administration of park has managed a little camping inside the park.  In this camp, the arrangement of 12 modern tents has been made. Every tent has been added with full amenities and luxuries to ensure a memorable and easy stay during the visit. Both type of water i.e. hot and cold is also supplied in the camp 24 hours as a special amenity except the facilities are already arranged. The facility of a laundry within the camp is also included.

Weather

Summer          34°

Winter            25°

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