Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is located near the Talala Gir in Gujarat. This National Park is famous for its Asiatic lions and is also known as the Royal Paradise of the Asiatic Lion as this species can be found abundantly in Gir. And Gir is the only national park outside Africa where lions can be seen in their natural habitat. The lions of Gir are majestic animals, averaging 2.75 meters in length. Also, Gir is home to another 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds and all of them live in great unison with each other in the National Park.
Gir National Park is a popular wildlife destination that has attracted a wide number of vivid travelers, wildlife lovers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, researchers, and hunters. As Gir is regarded as the abode of Asiatic Lions, the popularity of this park increased with time when the declining trend of Asiatic lions stopped and the preservation of the species has been started.
Gir National Park has been established in 1965 and lakhs of visitors visit this wildlife sanctuary every year to get a glimpse of the Asiatic lions and the other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like the uncommon Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl, and black buck, etc. Being the only destination to spot the Asiatic Lions in India, it keeps on attracting a large number of travelers from several parts of the world. The park is also popular for its other beautiful sites like the majestic landscapes, hilly terrains, rivers, etc.
An Overview of Gir National Park
Gir National Park marks its popularity mainly because it is regarded as the last home of the endangered majestic Asiatic Lions in India. And along with the Asiatic lion, it also shelters many other wild animals, mammals, and birds which are also quite uncommon to visitors who visit the Park for the first time.
⦁History of Gir National Park
The park is now considered the heavenly abode of Asiatic lions because in 1893 only 18 animals of this subspecies were found in Northern Greece in most parts of western and central Asia. In 1970, it is decided that this majestic animal should be conserved and so, the wildlife organizations of Greece decided to protect Asiatic Lions by creating a sanctuary mainly for them where they can be preserved and taken care of. It was the Nawab of Junagarh who first gave protection to this rare species and later the Gujarat Forest department took steps for its preservation and it is then the population of Asiatic Lions increased from 284 in 1990 to 200 in 1938. Gir protected area was established in 1965 and later the sanctuary was expanded in 1974 it is only in 1975 that Gir National Park was established in the middle of the sanctuary.
⦁Wildlife in Gir National Park
Sasan Gir is famous for its wildlife population as it holds a major significance because of the existence of Asiatic lions. Other wildlife species also mark equal importance as they are also very rare to see in other parts of the world. The major animals which can be seen are Indian Leopards, Indian Cobras, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, Golden Jackals, Indian Palm Civets, Striped Hyenas, Indian Mongoose, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats also exist but are rarely seen by visitors. The main herbivore animals of Gir are Chital, Nilgai (or Blue bull), Antelope, Sambar, Four-horned Chinkara, and Wild boar. Also, Blackbucks from the surrounding area can be occasionally seen in the sanctuary. The group of smaller mammals will also include Porcupine and Hare where Pangolin is rare in the Gir sanctuary.
⦁Flora of Gir National Park
Gir National Park is also quite popular for its flora as tourist appreciates its scenic beauty and takes much pleasure in spending time in the beautiful landscapes of Gir. The Park is home to nearly more than two thousand three hundred species of flora ranging from deciduous trees, evergreen trees, savannah-type grasslands, and thorny shrubs. So, visiting Sasan Gir can be a memorable moment of your life because experiencing the greenery and serenity will be really worthwhile.
⦁Jungle Safari at Sasan Gir
Sasan Gir is famous for its exotic Jungle Safari which gives you the ultimate satisfaction of enjoying the beauty of Gir and the Asiatic lions. There are various types of wild species that can be found in Gir and this Safari will make you witness all the major beauties of Gir National Park. The Gir Forest Department also organizes "Lion Shows" for much fun.
⦁Best time to visit Sasan Gir
Gir National Park can be visited any time throughout the year but the best time to Visit Gir National Park is in the month of April and May as this will be the best time for wildlife adventures and enjoying the beauty of the National Park. Also, one can visit the Park during the winter and the best time will be December to March which is the best time for sightseeing. Gir National Park remains closed from 16th June to 15th October.
Major tourist attractions near Gir National Park
Gir National Park is also famous for its nearby destinations which are very popular among all the tourists who are about to visit the Park.
⦁Kamleshwar Dam
Kamaleshwar dam is one of the most attractive destinations to visit in Gir. It is also one of the important sources of water supply in Gir and if you are a true nature lover then this place will surely mesmerize your heart. One can also witness the beautiful tribal villages of Gujarat and the Hiran river. It is also a place where you can spend some fun moments with your family and friends.
⦁Tulsi Shyam Temple
This temple is also a very popular tourist destination in Gir and it is known as Tapodak in the Puranas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and thousands of devotees visit this place every year. Also, this place is famous for its hot springs this area is surrounded by all dense forests which can be the best place to witness eternal peace. This temple is nearly 700 years old.
⦁Tribal settlements
Tribal settlements are also quite popular in Gujarat and these villages provide a beautiful insight into the lifestyle of tribal people and their culture. You can also hire a guide to see the Maldhari and Siddhi tribal settlements of Gujarat.
⦁Uparkot fort
This famous fort has been constructed by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BC. and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Gir National Park. Tourists will be able to see stunning views from the top of the fort and it also houses Buddhist Caves, two step-wells, and a Mosque. The best time to visit the fort is from November to February every year.
⦁Somnath temple
Somnath temple is the major tourist attraction of Gujarat and is a must-visit place for all devotees. The Somnath Temple of Gujarat is the house of the first 12 holy Jyotirlingas in India and the temple lies at the merging point of three rivers – Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. Also, it is believed that the Moon god built the temple in Gold, Lord Krishna in wood, Ravana in silver, and Bhimdev in stone.
⦁Zamzeer waterfall
This waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls to visit nearby Gir National Park as one can definitely enjoy the serenity of nature and can find inner peace by visiting this beautiful place. Many visitors come each year to admire the beauty of the cascading waterfalls near Gir.
Gir National Park is therefore a very beautiful tourist destination of Gujarat where one can find the most famous Asiatic lions and also other majestic mammals and birds along with rich flora and other popular sights nearby Sasan Gir. One should definitely visit this place to witness the scenic beauty of the Park and achieve some eternal peace amidst the green and serene nature.
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