Gir National Park
It is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been
confirmed to this forest since 1884 (around 300 lions were reported
in 1995). The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin.
Nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold.
The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, leopard, fox, musk
shrew, Indian Pangolin, deer, common langur, porcupine, hare, black
buck and crocodile are the other animals that can be found in this
sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including the peafowl,
grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush
quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species
of doves.
Located in the south west of the Saurashtra peninsula, the Gir National
Park is a haven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The 1,412.13 sq. km. Park
has a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides are covered in
mixed deciduous forests
There are teak, ber, and flame of the forest and banyan trees. Streams
run through the deep ravines.
The lions, a smaller more compact version of their African cousins,
are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move.
Gir also has nearly 210 leopards and numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara,
the four homed antelope and wild boar. Marsh crocodiles are often
seen along its rivers.
The forest is rich in bird life and the paradise flycatcher black
headed cuckoo shrike woodpecker, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent
eagle, painted sand grouse, bush quail and grey partridge are among
the variety that is found here. Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar
Lake and Sanctuary where large numbers of water-birds can be seen;
the bare saline flats of the Rann of Kutch, incredibly the home of
the Indian wild ass and the spectacular Flamingo Island where nesting
colonies of flamingoes are to be seen, make Gujarat an exciting place
for wildlife enthusiasts.
General Information
Best Time to Visit : December- Mid- June (Closed during Monson till
mid October).
Nearest Town : Veraval (42 km)
How to Get Here :
Air : Keshod (86 km)
Rail : Sasan Gir (1km).
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