G.B. International ::- Gir National Park
| Kanha | Bandhavgarh | Ranthambhore |
|---|---|---|
| Sasan Gir | Other Destinations |
Gir National Park
The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica). Measuring about 258 kmē for the fully protected area (the National Park) and 1153 kmē for the Sanctuary, the area is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.
Established in 1965, the total area of 1412 kmē is located about 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh city of the Junagadh district in the kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat state, India.
The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is 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 1900's by the then 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 2005 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 359, an increase of 32 compared to 2001. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception.
Best Time to Visit
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited wildlife reserves within India still the period one should visit this park is during the months of Mid October-Mid June. November and February is the best time for sighting the lions, who generally retire to the forest's interior during the summer.Places of Interest
Veraval (36 km)The fishing port of Veraval is known for its dhow-building yard where massive hand-built seaworthy vessels are made. Once a port of the Nawab of Junagadh, it has old gates and historic buildings.
Somnath (40 km)
Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas or holy abodes of Lord Shiva. The main temple is an important pilgrimage for Hindus and its riches were ransacked by invaders. The Prabhas Patan Museum has interesting architectural fragments and sculptures from the ruined temples. Somnath also has Lord Krishna's cenotaph and bathing ghats at Triveni Tirth, a medieval Sun Temple , the historic Ahilya Temple , Bakhla Tirth where Krishna is said to have met his end, and a cave temple.
Junagadh (63 km)
Historically, Junagadh is one of the most interesting cities of Gujarat. Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts here date to the 3rd century BC and there are also ancient Buddhist cave-sites dated to the Mauryan and Gupta Fort. The Uparkot Fort of the Chudasama Rajputs rises from a hilltop and has 11th century monuments inside the imposing battlements. Mystic poet Narsinh Mehta also lived in Junagadh and his monument is in the city. By the 19th century, the Nawabs of Junagadh rose to become affluent rulers and during their reign palaces, colleges, mosques, mausoleum complexes and a quaint railway station came up at Junagadh, all of which are worth seeing specially the palace museum. The city museum has archaeological finds and manuscripts.
Girnar (60 km)
This 3660-ft high hill rises on the outskirts of Junagadh with temples on ridges and on the summit. The 12th century Jain Temples are specially attractive with exquisite carvings.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Near Jamnagar is also a good birding site. Indian skimmer is often seen in winter and the first breeding site of great-crested grebe south of the Himalaya was recorded here. Black-necked stork, glossy ibis and other birds breed at Khijadiya and large flocks of ducks can be seen in winter.
Rajkot (164 km)
The bustling city of Rajkot has the Watson Museum, Gandhiji's childhood home, Rashtriya Shala working to revive rare weaves and handicrafts, and public schools. The lakes around the city are good for waterfowl.
Dwarka (225 km)
One of the Char-dham yatras (four holy abodes) and one of the seven holiest cities of Hinduism, Dwarka has an important Krishna Temple, an attractive 12th-13th century Rukmani Temple, Sankracharya's Math and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
How to Reach
By AirThe nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90-kms via Veraval. Visitors can easily catch daily flights from Mumbai to Keshod.
By Rail
The nearest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad.
By Road
Gir is situated at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir, between November and June.