SASAN GIR NATIONAL PARK

Gir National Park, the only dwelling place of endangered Asiatic lion other than Africa, was established on 18th September 1965 and is spread over 1413 square Kilometres of land in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat situated in the extreme west of India. The main motive of Gir was to protect endangered Asiatic lions but is now home to thousands of aerial and terrestrial animals. Over 606 varieties of plants, 36 species of mammals, over 2000 genera of Insects and approximately 300 sorts of birds dwell here. It is in today’s world of diminishing ecological balance, Gir Forest National Park is the ideal instance of a balanced ecosystem. The diverse and dense vegetation aids in maintaining the ecological balance which results in a moderate climate in the region. Gir has been an important home for thousands of wild lives and also contributed immensely to its survival. Have a glimpse of lions in its natural habitat at Gir and gather memories of endangered species which your next generations may not be able to see.

Based on the census as of April 2010, it has been recorded that count of lions is about 411 and the program of lion breeding covers the surrounding park and has been able to breed about hundred and eighty lions in captivity since the beginning. This wildlife reserve comprises three reserves that are adjoining and comprises Nalsarovar Lake which is home to a wide stock of the water birds, and Rann-of-Kutch which is renowned for its captivating island of flamingo and Indian wild Ass. Collaboration of the three reserves increases wildlife diversity in the wildlife reserve that summons wildlife enthusiast scores to the place from various parts of the globe.

The sanctuary lies in the peninsula of Gujarat India’s south-western part with terrain that has low hills, is rugged, and is filled with mixed deciduous trees. The land is rugged with the deepest ravines, rocky hills that are steep, and rivers aplenty and those are interspersed with big grassland patches. Major attractions of the place are Asiatic lions, The bird Sanctuary that houses more than two hundred species of birds, the Temple of TulsiShyam, and the breeding farm of Crocodiles that is nearby Sasan. A combination of crocodiles, Pygmy woodpecker, Chital, Leopard, and many more such animals make this place come alive.

GIR NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION

1. Sasan Gir National Park Area: 1413 Square Kilometres is situated 65 km southeast of the Junagarh District of Gujarat.
2. Acknowledged worldwide as Home of the Asiatic Lions
3. As per the last census held for Lions in 2010: The total population of lions was 411 out of which 162 were females, 152 cubs and 97 are males were estimated.
4. Altitudes: Altitude varying from 150 – 530 meters above mean sea level
5. Longitudes: 700 50′ 710 15′ East
6. Latitudes: 200 40′ 210 50′ North
7. Temperature: the average temperature in summer is 450 C and at night temperature falls 100 C below the temperature of the day. Winters are moderately cool and pleasant.
8. Rainfall: the average rainfall is 100 mm in the western part of Gir and 650 mm in the Eastern region of Gir
9. Best time to visit: November to January as winter is pleasantly cool.
10. Closed Period: 15th June till mid of October as monsoon hits Gir for four months.

HOW TO REACH SASAN GIR NATIONAL PARK?

The Gir National Park is located at a distance of 65 Kms from Junagarh and 40 Kms from Veraval railway station. Sasan Gir and Ahmedabad are well connected by Road and Rail network. Tourists can easily through 7 hours journey on either private or public means of transportation covered on road. For tourists seeking the airline, services can take the flights to Rajkot and Keshod airport from Mumbai Airport. Tourists from Delhi can opt for a flight to Ahmedabad and can proceed on road to reach Gir.

Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir – 340 Kms
Mumbai to Sasan Gir – 840 Kms
Vadodara to Sasan Gir – 313 Kms
Surat to Sasan Gir – 249 Kms
Rajkot – Sasan Gir – 132 Kms
Pune to Sasan Gir – 464 Kms
Kolkata – Sasan Gir – 1856 Kms
Delhi – Sasan Gir – 1080 Kms

BEST TIME TO VISIT SASAN GIR NATIONAL PARK

The wealth of flora and fauna at Gir is debarred from being seen as Gir National Park is kept close from mid of June to 15th October every year due to the rainy season. November to March is considered best time to visit Gir Forest, National Park. However April and May, despite being hot months are perfect to witness the amazing wildlife of Gir. June is too hot and is advisable for only those who can cope with the harsh loos of this month. Climate is predominantly hot though the area witnesses monsoon, winter, and summers yet summer account for the maximum time.
Summer: It is during this time that the range of temperature fluctuates between forty-five degrees Celsius and ten degrees Celsius. The hottest months have been recorded to be between May and April and that is not the Gir Forest’s best time to visit.
Monsoon: However, rains do bring relief from this scorching heat during the period of monsoons that continues up till September from June’s middle that can be the Gir National Park best time to visit if you have always wanted to visit the place. The forest is open throughout the year, excepting the months of monsoon which extend from October to June.
Winter: Winter is in fact a great time when the trip can be planned to the National Park because the Best time to visit Gir Forest National Park. If at all there is any best time then it has to be the winter months because the weather has a cool quotient and you have an amazing chance to witness game sightings.

GIR NATIONAL PARK HISTORY

Since 1884, the year, This Park has been the only habitat naturally for the Asiatic lions that are now endangered. During the era of the British, these British officers always took real pride in mercilessly hunting the lions and also hunting in general. All their hunting activities were done with the help of locals and Maharajas as well as the nawabs that are obliged to them. The pride and prowess of Maharajas during this time were fathomed on the basis of total tigers and lions that were hunted successfully. It is in the year 1899 that great famine happened and the population of the lions significantly dropped and it was Lord Curzon that dropped the idea of planning any hunting expedition or “shikar”. Furthermore, it was advised that local Maharajas and Nawabs safeguard meager leftover lions. In the year of 1960, Indian Government banned hunting of lions and the only thing allowed was photo safaris that continue up till now.

FLORA OF GIR NATIONAL PARK

The National Park of Gir’s topography comprises of diverse flora range and there can be a varied range of deciduous trees, semi-evergreen and evergreen trees that can be found. In addition to that, there are grasslands that are savannah type, jungles with thorny scrub, open zones of mixed forest and a lot more that can be found. However deciduous and mixed forested belt occupies a major portion related to the park that consists of teak trees mainly. The broad leaved evergreen trees that are found at the Park include Flame of forest, Zizyphas, dhak, jamun, tendu, babool, banyan, and acacia. Plants like Dhavdo, timru, umro, simai, Simal, khakro, Kalam, Vad, Amla, Bamboo, Ber, and Saliacan also be found inside the forest. The trees that are deciduous are actually dry type while evergreen trees appear shady, moisture-retaining, and broad-leaved. Trees like casuarinas and Prosopsis are planted on the forest department’s coastal side. There are flowering trees as well.

FAUNA OF GIR NATIONAL PARK

Gir is known to be blessed with a wealth of more than two thousand three hundred species of fauns and it is diverse. According to the statistics, It conserves almost three hundred species of leopard and lion. However, the one thing that makes Gir really renowned is the fact that Asiatic lions are reserved in it. Only place after Africa that is second to Gir is Africa in terms of Asiatic lions. Apart from leopards and lions, the National park boasts two thousand species of insects, thirty-eight species of mammals, thirty-seven species of reptiles, and three hundred species of birds, leopards, and lions. Birds comprise greenish warbler, the green pigeon that is yellow footed, Griffon Eurasian vulture, Hawk eagle that is changeable, Bonelli’s eagle, Indian Pitta, bush rock quail, Bonelli’s Eagle, Oriole, crested, treeswift and pygmy woodpecker. Mammals like Porcupine and hare can be spotted with carnivores like jungle cats, striped hyenas, Indian leopards, Indian mongoose,s and Golden jackals.

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN GIR NATIONAL PARK

1. Sasan Gir National Park:
If there is any wildlife destination in the world that is eminent then that has to be Sasan National Park of Gir. It is located in the Junagarh district of Gujarat and is considered the biggest sanctuary and wildlife reserve in India. The Park’s main attraction is the Asiatic lions that are called Leo PantheraPersica also. Over the years it has gained an immense level of popularity as one prestigious sanctuary for lions spanning 3386 square kilometers.

2. Devalia Safari Park:
It is called the interpretation zone of Gir and in other terms, Devalia is part of the National Park of Gir that is segregated by Chain liked 412 Ha fences. For reducing the pressure on Gir because every year it attracts the heaviest footfall, Devalia caters to those tourists that are unable in getting permits for the safari in Gir.

3. Crocodile Breeding farm:
The center of crocodile breeding in Sasan Gir has been always a very unique place where baby to adult crocks are found. They are bred here so that they could be restocked in the sanctuary. It is a place that is quite appealing because the forest department started the conservation project for crocodiles and released almost a thousand marsh crocodiles into Kamaleshwar Lake.

4. KamleshwarDham:
This is considered the most requisite area of a dam that has been built over the river of Hiran. It is located inside Nation Park of Gir’s vicinity and the dam serves as the lifeline for the area of reserve whereby tourists are able to find broad types of marsh crocodiles.

5. Tulsishyam temple / kankaimatateple:
This is considered to be one of the most famous temples in the area and is dedicated to Krishna, The Lord. People whenever pay a visit to the sanctuary make it a point that surely visits this temple whereby crucial hot springs are found near the temple and it is considered an attractive location.

6. Zamzir waterfall:
This waterfall is a lovely one being present on Hiran river and is quite a beautiful place having an active waterfall all around the year. Every year people flock around this waterfall mainly because a few steps toward the waterfall upstream, you can take a bath. It is all about enjoying the nature and beauty this place has to offer.