The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the national park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), the park is located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh and 60 km to south west of Amreli.

The Gir - the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park.

Gir lies has a topography made up of succession of rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir forms a unique habitat for ratel, rusty spotted cat, pangolin, ruddy mongoose, civets, paradise flycatcher etc.

Climate

In addition to the two seasons of summer and winter, Gir has a climate. It can become very hot during the summer, with noon temperature reaching 43 °C or 109 °F, and during the monsoon in June. In winter the temperature drops to about 10 °C or 50 °F. The normal monsoon starts from mid-June and lasts till September, with the annual ranging between 600 mm and 1000 mm. However, because of the irregular monsoon and uneven distribution of rainfall across the peninsula, years are common.

The park and the sanctuary remain closed, from June to mid-October, but the cool and dry weather between late-November and early-March is the recommended visiting period. During this period it is easier to sight the wildlife in the open.

Best time to visit : – December to March, Park remains closed from June to October

Location: 64 km from Junagadh and 32 km from Verawal.

State: Gujarat

Established: 1965

Visitors: 60,000 (in 2004)

Water Reserves

The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Godavari and Raval. The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir'. During peak summer, surface water for wild animals is available at about 300 water points.

Flora

More than 400 plant species were recorded in the survey of Gir forest by Samtapau & Raizada in 1955. 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. The forest provides nearly 15,000 metric tons worth of fuel wood annually.

Wildlife

The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects.

The carnivores group mainly comprises Asiatic lions, Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen.

The main herbivores of Gir are Chital, Nilgai (or Bluebull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara and Wild boar. Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary.

Among the smaller mammals, Porcupine and Hare are common but the Pangolin is rare. The reptiles are represented by the mugger Marsh crocodile, the Indian Star Tortoise and the Monitor Lizard in the water areas of the sanctuary. Snakes are found in the bushes and forest. Pythons are sighted at times along the stream banks.

The plentiful avifauna population has more than 300 species of birds, most of which are resident. The scavenger group of birds has 6 recorded species of Vultures. Some of the typical species of Gir include Crested Serpent Eagle, endangered Bonelli's Eagle, Crested Hawk-eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Great Horned Owl, Bush Quail (or Quailbush), Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, Crested Treeswift and Indian Pitta. The Indian Grey Hornbill was not found in the last census of 2001.

Tourist Attractions in Gir National Park

The Gir National Park is steeped in history and folklore. It boasts of temples of great antiquity, like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam, a place of pilgrimage with hot springs. The forest is famous for its cattle herders, the Madharis, whose buffaloes form a substantial part of the lions' meals. Extremely hospitable, the Madharis are herders, whose lifestyle has changed little over the years, and their folklore and traditions are a unique record of coexistence of humans with lions.

Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done, by driving around the forest. The best drives from Sasan are, to Baval Chowk and Kankai, to Chodavdi and Tulsishyam, and to Kamaleshwar dam. Though a sturdy car would do, a jeep is definitely more appropriate.

Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary - home to several water-birds, the Little Rann of Kutch - home of the Indian wild ass, and the fascinating Flamingo Island, render the state of Gujarat a virtual haven for wildlife buffs.

Get In

Flights to Rajkot (3½ hour-drive) & Bhavnagar (5 hour-drive) from where it is a four-hour drive to Sasan Gir. Flight to Diu (1½ hours) from where it is a two-hour drive to Sasan Gir. Trains to Junagadh (1¼ hour-drive) & Rajkot (3½ hour-drive) from where there are buses and taxis to Gir. Ahmedabad is 6 hours away and is also an international airport. Transport can be arranged at an extra cost.

Rail Junagadh, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar are well connected with Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, and other parts of the country. One can reach these places through Trains and can then travel by road to Gir. For Train Timetables visit www.indiarailinfo.com or www.indianrail.gov.in and for Ticket Booking visit www.irctc.co.in or www.indianrailways.gov.in

Nearest Airport : Keshod (86km) daily flights to/from Mumbai via Porbandar, by Gujarat Airways (T21918)

Railway Station : A few hundred metres from the Forest Lodge at Sasan

Buses : Available from Junagadh (54km)

General Info And Tips

=> Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

=> Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

=> Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

=> Do not smoke inside the park.

=> Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

=> Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

=> Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

=> For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

=> Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

=> Carry plenty of water along with you.

For Tariff and other information Visit Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Official Site.