Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited
Gujarat by Interest

Archaeological/
Historical Destination
Beaches
Cultural Centres
Hill Stations
Wildlife
 
National Parks
Gir National Park
Black buck National Park, Velavader
Vansda National Park
Marine National Park

 

Sanctuaries
Gir Wild Life Sanctuary
Wild Ass Sanctuary
Nal Sarovar Birds Sanctuary
Jessore Sloth BearSanctuary
Barda Wild Life Sanctuary
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Marine Sanctuary
Narayan Sarovar Sancuary
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Kutch Desert Wild Life Sanctuary
Gaga Wild Life Sanctuary
Rampara Wild Life Sanctuary
Thol Wild Life Sanctuary
Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary
Porbandar Birds Sanctuary
Pania Wild Life Sanctuary
Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary
Jambuhoda Wild Life Sanctuary
Purna Wild Life Sanctuary
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
 
Temples

 

 

Click to view Gallery
 

Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. kms., Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem-endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the king of the jungle, is one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India.

     

 

The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to extensive trophy hunting. In the early 1900s the Nawab of Junagadh was advised by Lord Curzon to protect the remaining lions. The lion was declared a protected animal, although concerted conservation efforts started much later.


     
  Click to view Map
 

In India the Lion population is spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges.

Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.

Other Attractions
Jeep Safari : The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.

Best Time to Visit Gir Forest
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.

The forest also harbours a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.

     

Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc. Adholia, Valadera, Ratanghuna and Pilipat are rewarding places for bird watching. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.
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Nearest airport is Rajkot 165 kms via Junagadh. Daily flights operate from Mumbai and New Delhi to Rajkot.
Girnar
Mahuva
Palitana
Savarkundla
Distance of 400 kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda.
Distance of 43 kms from Veraval.
Distance of 65 kms from Junagadh via Mendarda.
One can travel by rail to Junagadh from Ahmedabad or Rajkot and then take a 65 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir.
On can visit the park from October to June and the best recommended time is from December to April.
Maneland Jungle lodge
Sinh Sadan Guest House