Area Covered
1,412
sq. kms
Climate
Extreme type of climate. Summers are hot and uncomfortable when the
temperature soars to a maximum of 46°C, while in winters the
temperature drop to a minimum of 5°C. Gir National Park receives heavy
rainfall during monsoons.
Best Time to Visit
Gir National Park is open to visitors throughout the year except between
June and October. One can visit the Park between mid-October and mid-June,
and the best time to visit the park is December to April.
Fees Charged at the Park
Entry Fees, Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 7.50 for each subsequent day.
Additional charges for vehicles, cameras and guides.
About the Park
Gir
National Park is situated in Jungadh district of Gujarat, amidst the low,
undulating and rugged hills.
It is the only forest in India that possesses critically endangered Asiatic
Lion and there are around 300 Lions in the park. By the early 20th century,
the population of Lions was decreased to two dozen in this area due to
drought and hunting. In 1910, the Nawab of Junagadh brought the Lions under
protection and banned all hunting in the area. In the year 1965, the area
was declared a national park by the Central government. The Gir National
Park and Lion Sanctuary together known as the Gir Protected area, which
stretches over an area of 1,412 sq. kms. Gir National Park has mixed
deciduous type of vegetation alongwith scrub and grasslands. The vegetation
of the park include the species like Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Jambu, Karanj,
Umro, Vad, Charal, Sirus, Amli, Dhak, Ber, Flame of the forest, Tendu, Semul
and Banyan trees. The park authorities organize "Lion Shows" in
the Dewaliya area, which is the good opportunity of seeing the Lions.
Wildlife Attractions
Gir National Park is mainly known for Asiatic Lions but it is also an
excellent place for viewing several other animal species.
» Fauna : The park is home to a number of animal
species, some of the important animal species are Leopards, Jungle Cat,
Desert Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Sambar, Hyenas, Chital or Spotted Deer,
Chawasingha, Chinkara, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Langur, Wild Cats, Black Bucks,
Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose,
Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Jackals,
Hares, Fox, Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety
of snakes.
»
Avian Species : With large number of water bodies and suitable climatic
conditions, Gir National Park provides a natural habitat to avian species.
Around 300 bird species are found in the park, some of the popular avian
species are Grey Patridge, Paradise Flycatchers, Pied Woodpeckers, Black
Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongos, Bonelli's Eagles, Cresent Serpent
Eagles, Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Painted Storks, White Necked
Storks, Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black
Vultures and Shaheen Falcons.
Other Attractions
» Crocodile Farm : At Sasan there is breeding farm
for crocodiles. The Crocodile Farm provides shelter to crocodiles and other
specimens that are relocated into the water reservoirs inside the park.
» Jeep Safari : Jeep Safari is the
best way to observe the Asiatic Lions in their natural surroundings. At dawn
and dusk the Lions are one the prowl and there a more chances of seeing the
big cats and other wildlife. Vehicles are available for hire at the park,
some of the famous routes for a drive are the Sasan-Kamaleshwar Dam, the
Sasan-Chodavdi, the Sasan-Tulsishyam and the Sasan-Kankai.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is available at Sasan located near the entrance of the park.
Tourists can stay in forest lodges ranging from budget to luxury. The forest
department has two lodges the Sinh Sadan Guest House and The Lion Safari
Lodge, apart from this, there are some private lodges also. Limited
accommodation is available so it's advisable to book the lodges in advance.
Access
» Air : Nearest airport is Keshod at a distance of
90 kms from Gir. Domestic airlines operate flights from Mumbai to Keshod.
There is another airport at Rajkot which is 140 kms away from Gir.
» Rail : Sasan Gir is the main railway station which
has a number of trains from cities and towns of Gujarat and its neighouring
states.
» Road : Gir is connected by good roads with
Junagadh (60 kms), Veraval, Delwada and Ahmedabad (400 kms). Frequent buses
ply from Jungadh and Veraval to the park.
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destination Covered: Delhi
> Ahmedabad
> Kutch
> Gir National Park
> Rajkot
> Mumbai
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrival in New Delhi before or after midnight. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning free. Afternoon guided tour of New Delhi. Visit India Gate, drive past President House, Qutab Minar & Humayun's tomb. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Delhi- Ahmedabad-Wild Ass Sanctuary
Fly Delhi-Ahmedabad in the morning and drive Ahmedabad-Dasada (100 km / 2 1/2 hr.). Drive in the Little Rann of Kutch (wild ass sanctuary) to see the Asiatic Wild Ass and other fauna. Overnight stay in a wildlife resort.
Day 04: Little Rann of Kutch
Full day visit to the Little Rann of Kutch for birding & nature watch. Overnight stay in a wildlife resort.
Day 05: Little Rann of Kutch-Gondal
Drive Dasada-Gondal (210 Km.) via Wadhwan, Surender Nagar, Chotila etc. Overnight stay.
Day 06: Gondal-Gir National Park
Drive Gondal-Sasangir (85 km / 2 hr.). Gir National Park is the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion. After lunch, jeep drive into the National Park. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 07 - 08: Gir National Park
Morning and evening tours to Gir National Park. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 09: Gir National Park-Rajkot
Early morning drive to Rajkot (158 km / 4 hr.). Connect flight to Bombay. Arrive Bombay in the afternoon. Overnight stay in the hotel.for onward destination.
