About the Sanctuary

Situated in the southwest Gujarat, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining habitat of Asiatic Lions in India. Created with an aim to protect the last wild population of lion outside African region, the sanctuary is now home to around 300 lions. The Indian government declared the area a national park in 1965, and the lion population which had decreased to 20, has now increased to a good number over the years. Sprawling over 1,412.13 sq. kms, the park is rugged with low hills, criss-crossed by several rivers. The vegetation of the park is mainly mixed deciduous forest interspersed with patches of grasslands and the trees like Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak.

Inside the park there are several human settlements of cattle herders called as Maldharis, whose buffaloes form a substantial part of the lion's meals. The sanctuary also houses places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage with hot sulphur springs.

Entry

Rs 15 per person for the first, and Rs 7.50 for every additional day. Additional charges for cameras (Rs 50) and for jeep ride (Rs 100 per person).

Major Wildlife Attractions

Wildlife : Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Asiatic lions, but it also provide shelter to other wildlife animals like the Chinkara, Wild Boar, Stripped Hyena, Jackal, Common Langur, Chital or Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Sambar, the four horned Antelope, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox, Jackal and Black Buck etc.

The Asiatic Lion : Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the only home of critically endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are smaller and more compact than the African lions. They can be best viewed at dawn and dusk when they are on the prowl in their natural surroundings. The major difference between these two types of lions is that the African lions appear bigger than Indian lions.

The Leopard : A population of around 210 leopards resides within the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Considered one of the most beautiful animals in the forests, the animal is also the most dangerous one. The leopards occupy a large area of the sanctuary and it can be seen here in the varied habitats and vegetation types.

Reptiles : The wildlife sanctuary also houses several reptile species. Mash crocodiles can be seen along its rivers, particularly in the Kamleshwar Dam Site. Other reptiles residing in the sanctuary are non-venomous Snakes like the Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled Viper and Russell's Viper.

Bird Species : Around 300 species of birds reside in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary over several years. The bird species residing here in the forest floors, small plants, shrubs and even the canopy of trees. Birds found here are the Paradise Flycatcher, Pied Woodpecker, , Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Painted Sandgrouse, Bonelli's Eagle, Creset Serpant Eagle, Bush Quail, Grey Patridge, Common Green Pigeon and several species of doves.

Other Attractions

Lion Show : The Forest Department arranges Lion shows every Sunday, where visitors can see these big cats closely. Guided trips are available, to watch these lions from a very close distance.

How to reach there

By Air : Keshod (90 kms) is the nearest airport. Daily flights are available from Mumbai to Keshod. From Keshod one has to reach Gir by road journey. Other airport is situated at Rajkot, which is 140 kms from Gir.

By Rail : Sasan Gir, one km from Gir is the main railhead. The railway station is connected to other cities and towns of Gujarat and neighbouring states.

By Road : Good network of roads connect Gir with rest of the country. Regular buses run between Junagadh and Gir. Vehicles on hire are available at Gir, which are best to watch the wildlife in the sanctuary.

Where to Stay

Plenty of accommodation options are available within the park. The forest department run two lodges namely the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge. In addition some private lodges are also available which offer good accommodation facilities.