Gir National Park

The Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary is located about 65 km south east in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It is about 80 Kms away from Verawal and easily accessible by road from there.

Jungle

Gir National Park is one of the India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries located in Gujarat. This national park is set up in an area of 1412 square km. of lush deciduous forests. This national park was established on 18th September 1965 as a Forest Reserve to conserve the Asiatic lion which roamed freely two centuries ago throughout Middle East and some parts of India. Since 1884, Gir National Park has been the only habitat of the Asiatic lion. During the British Raj, lions were hunted mercilessly by the British officers assisted by the obliging Maharajas and Nawabs. The Government of India banned the hunting of lion in the mid 1960 and now this park is open only for the photo safaris.The Gir National Park is now a major tourist attraction in India. About 300 lions are found in this park. Sasan, with a forest rest house, is the headquarters of the sanctuary.

Deer face to face

Various deciduous forests, grasslands, acacia scrub, wetlands and the seven rivers forms the topography of this wildlife sanctuary.

Lovely scene

Wildlife Attractions in the Gir National Park
The main wildlife attraction in the Gir National Park is the lion. Besides lion, various variety of wild animals are found in this park which are the Wild boar, Bear, Panther, Jackal, Sambar, Spotted deer, Striped Hyena, Leopard, Nilgai, Chinkara gazelle, Jungle cat, Black napped hare, Common langur, Porcupine, Langur, Blackbuck, Mongoose and the Indian Chousingha, the four horned antelope. The rusty spotted cat has been recorded in the Gir.

Deer enjoying its natural habitat

During monsoons, about 200 varieties of birds can also be seen in this park including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. Gir is also home of 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.

Deers in their herd

Jungle Safari in the Gir National Park

You can visit the Gir National park by having a jeep ride with a guide. The Gir Forest Department also organize “Lion Shows”. They make sure that you can see the lions at close range so they send trackers early morning on a mission to the located places and tempt them with live baits.

Family of Lions

Best time to visit the Gir National Park

Lions snoozing under the tree

The Gir National Park is open from the mid of October to mid of June. November, January and February are the best months to visit the sanctuary. However the best time to view the lions, in their natural surroundings is early in the morning or after 4 p.m. It is during this time that the animals are most active and can be easily spotted.

Another angle of sleeping lions

Other attractions in the Gir National Park

Lions under the shade of tree

Within the Gir National Park, the Kankai Mata temple and Tulishyam Hot Springs are located in a scenic surrounding. These are the natural hot springs where one can take bath. It is about 90 km. from the entrance to the sanctuary. The forest is also known for its cattle herders, the Madharis, whose buffaloes form a substantial part of the lions meals.

Baby of leopard

We reached Sasan Gir from Veraval Railway Station ( Approx 80 kms and two Hrs by taxi ) and reached our destination of Fern Gir Forest Resort for Lunch. We had a nice time there as it was serene and peaceful. We had heard that Lions may or may not be spotted in the National Park but will be definitely in Devalia Zone. Since we had limited time and were with kids, we did not want to miss Lions. Had we stayed in Sasan Gir for two days, we would have definitely visited Gir National Park. After our lunch, we proceeded to Devalia zone of Sasan Gir where we had our photo sessions  of Lions. It was a family with cubs. They were sleeping. So, we were not able to enjoy their activity. But were thrilled to see them even snoozing. Kids were excited to see Lions in open area, lazing around under the shade of tree in sunny afternoon. We moved ahead and to our surprise , we saw a leopard sitting in another enclosure. We saw many other animals like spotted deer right across our vehicle.

Vast jungle at Devalia- Gir National Park

We did some shopping after the trip and moved on to our next destination- Somnath. It was a wonderful and memorable trip and next time we plan to stay for at least three days in Gir so that we visit Gir National Park as well.

How to reach Gir National Park

By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Keshod.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Junagadh. This station is located on the Ahmedabad – Junagadh and Rajkot – Junagadh line.

By Road:
Gir National Park is connected to various cities in Gujarat. Junagadh is about 60 kms from the Gir National Park.

Where to Shop

There was a Souvenirs shop outside ticket counter of Devalia.

Where to dine

It is better to take your own snacks and water as there is nothing to eat inside the Devalia zone.