Gir National Park

 

Gir National Park

Introduction

Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir, is a premier wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India, renowned as the last refuge for the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). Established in 1965, it spans 1,412 square kilometers, with 258 square kilometers as the core national park and 1,153 square kilometers as a wildlife sanctuary. It is a critical conservation area, showcasing India's commitment to preserving its biodiversity.

Key Features

• Location: Situated in Talala Gir, Gujarat, approximately 65 km southeast of Junagadh, 43 km northeast of Veraval, and 60 km southwest of Amreli.
• Ecosystem: Part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion, featuring teak-dominated forests, acacia, ber, jamun, and banyan trees, with over 507 plant species. The park includes grasslands, scrublands, and rocky hills, supporting diverse flora and fauna.
• Wildlife: Home to 674 Asiatic lions (2020 census), leopards, hyenas, jackals, chital, sambar, nilgai, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), blackbuck, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species, including the Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Crested Serpent Eagle. Recognized as an Important Bird Area.
• Rivers and Reservoirs: Seven perennial rivers (Hiran, Shetrunji, Dhatarvadi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Ambajal, Raval) and four reservoirs, with Kamleshwar Dam being the largest, known as the "lifeline of Gir."

Conservation History

• Background: Asiatic lions faced near extinction, with only about 12 individuals left by the late 19th century due to hunting. The Nawabs of Junagadh initiated protection efforts, followed by British intervention. The sanctuary was established in 1965, and the core area was declared a national park in 1975.
• Success: Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching initiatives, have increased the lion population from 359 (2005) to 523 (2015) and 674 (2020). The park is a global model for wildlife recovery.
• Threats: Natural threats include droughts, cyclones, and forest fires. Anthropogenic threats include overgrazing, encroachment, and excessive tourism-related traffic, which contribute to environmental degradation.

Tourism Activities

• Gir Jungle Trail Safari: A 3-hour open-jeep safari through 13 designated routes in the sanctuary, offering chances to spot lions, leopards, and other wildlife. Bookings are managed online via the official website (https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in).
• Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone): A 412-hectare fenced area 12 km from Sasan Gir, guaranteeing lion sightings in a controlled environment. Offers 55-minute jeep or 45-minute bus tours. Ideal during the monsoon when the main park is closed.
• Kankai Temple Safari: Combines wildlife viewing with a visit to the Kankeshwari Mataji and Banej Mahadev temples, blending nature and spirituality.
• Bird Watching: With over 300 bird species, Gir is a paradise for birders, featuring species like the critically endangered white-backed vulture.
• Educational Programs: The park offers workshops, interpretive sessions, and a visitor center with maps and brochures to educate tourists on conservation.
• Regulations: Tourism is regulated with strict visitor limits, designated routes, and no trekking in core zones to minimize wildlife disturbance. Drones are prohibited without special permits.

Best Time to Visit

• Open Season: October 16 to June 15 (closed during monsoon, June 16 to October 15).
• Ideal Months: November to March (winter) for pleasant weather (10°C–25°C) and active wildlife. April to June (summer, 29°C–43°C) offers better lion sightings near water bodies but is hot. Devalia Safari Park is open during monsoon for limited wildlife viewing.

How to Reach Gir National Park

• By Air:
• Nearest Airports: Diu Airport  , Keshod Airport  , Rajkot  , and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Rajkot and Ahmedabad offer better connectivity with domestic and international flights. Taxis or private cars are available from all airports.
• By Train:
• Nearest Railway Stations: Junagadh , Veraval/Somnath , and Rajkot.. These stations connect to major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai, and Delhi. Taxis, buses, or auto-rickshaws are available from stations to the park.
• By Road:
• Well-connected via national and state highways  . Distances: Junagadh  , Veraval , Rajkot, Ahmedabad , Mumbai . GSRTC and private buses operate from these cities to Sasan Gir. Private cars or taxis can be booked online or offline. Google Maps can guide to Sinh Sadan, the park’s entry point.

Conclusion

Gir National Park is not just a protected area but a symbol of India’s wildlife conservation success. For tourism students, it offers insights into the link between biodiversity protection and sustainable tourism. The park demonstrates how conservation efforts can enhance eco-tourism opportunities while also involving local communities in preserving natural heritage.