Gir National Park

 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  , the park is located in   Junagadh district.

It is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions  and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. This initiative assisted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy hunting.

The April 2010 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 411, an increase of 52 compared to 2005. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception.

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, Indian Cobras, 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 Marsh crocodile hir 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. Gir has been used by the Gujarat State Forest Department which adopted the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project in 1977 and released close to 1000 Marsh crocodile reared in Gir rearing centre into the Kamaleshwar lake and other reservoirs and small water bodies in and around Gir.

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, Indian Eagle-Owl, Rock Bush-Quail, Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, Crested Treeswift and Indian Pitta. The Indian Grey Hornbill was not found in the last census of 2001.

Flora

Vegetation in Gir can be looked at in four ways. The first is the Teak forest and nearly half of the protected area has this kind of a habitat. The main tree species that occupy this habitat are Khair, Sadad, Timru, Babul, Amla, Moledi, Dhavdo, Kadayo and Bahedo. The non-Teak forests, which comprise the remaining forest consists of tree species like the Khair, Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Amla, Moledi, Kadayo, Salai, Simal, Khakhro, Ber and Asundro. 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. Finally, Prosopis and Casuarina have been planted in the coastal border as part of the aforestation plan.

Jeep safaris

Jeep safaris and wild life photography expeditions are the another favorites tourist activities here. Several machans (watchtowers) and hides have been raised near waterholes to allow visitors a closer look of the lions. One can also visit other places in the vicinity like Junagadh and Somnath famous for their history and religious importance.

Gir Wildlife Resorts

Taj Lodge - Taj Lodge, Gir Wildlife ResortsLocated on the edge of the world-renowned Gir Forest, this luxurious getaway provides spacious comfort and modern amenities.

 The Gir Lodge - Located on the edge of the world-renowned Gir Forest, the gir lodge provides spacious comfort and modern amenities.

 Lion Safari Camp - Lion Safari Camp is one of the finest wildlife resorts in Sasangir. It is situated in the area of the well-known Gir National Park.

 Maneland Jungle Lodge - The Gir Lodge is 65 km from Junagadh railway station and 60 km from Keshod airport. Situated at the edge of the world-renowned Gir Forest, the only home of the Asiatic lion.

 Sinh Sadan Guest House -The Forests Department's delightful Sinh Sadan Guest House is located on the main road in an old house amid well-kept gardens and pretty good accommodation options for budget travellers.

Getting There

 Sasan Gir can be reached through trains, taxis and private vehicles. The national park is popular among tourists and the road connectivity is extremely good from places such as Ahmadabad and Rajkot.