About Sasan Gir Wildlife National Park
The Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula. The sanctuary is home to some 300 Asiatic lions. The sanctuary was created in 1913 to provide protection to the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given the status of the sanctuary in 1965. The vegetation of the sanctuary consists of teak and deciduous trees including Sal (Shorea), Dhak (Butea frondosa) and Thorn Forests. The forest has a rugged terrain with steep rocky hillsides. There are A few springs also, but their flow generally depend upon the season.
The Asiatic Lions had once become almost extinct specie. The number of Asiatic lions has been steadily on the rise since 1980 in the Gir Lion Sanctuary. The Asiatic Lion attracts a lot of visitors to the park every year. Sasan Gir is the only place in the world where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat outside the African continent. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African counterpart. The lion Safaris are popular among tourists. Jeeps and minibuses are freely available for touring the forest. The best time of the day to observe lions in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Though the Asiatic lion is an elusive creature, a morning safari has a good chance of spotting the beast.
The sanctuary provides natural habitat to other species like Chital, Chinkara (Gazelle), Four-Horned Antelope, Leopard, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and Wild Ass. Monkeys, Parrots and peacock can also be seen around the forest. Adjacent to the Sihn Sadan Lodge is the Crocodile-Rearing and Research Center, where hatchlings are reared and then released into their natural habitat.
Around Sasan Gir Wildlife National Park
The Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary are also within the Gir Forest Area. You can spot birds like Back-Headed Cuckoo, Paradise Flycatcher, Pied Woodpecker and various species of Bush Quail, Eagles, Flamingo, Painted Sand Grouse, Partridge, Parrot and Peacock may be seen. There is a small temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, located near the Tulsi Shyam Springs. is 64 km from Sasan Gir Forest Reserve. It is an important heritage sight.
Travel Tips
Tourists should not cause any damage floral and faunal life. The flora should not be plucked to take back home. You should not kindle any kind of fire; throw lit matches and cigarette buds. Do not throw or leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags in the forest. Firearms and chemicals should not be taken into the forests as they may cause harm to the wildlife and the vegetation. Never play radio and tape recorders as their frequency and voice might disturb, scare or irritate the animals.
The safaris require a permit before entering the safari area. The Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office issues the permits on the spot.
Climate
The Gir Forests are usually dry and arid. The greenery in the forests can be seen during the monsoon season. The summers, from April to June, are harsh with temperatures rising to 40°C. the winters, from December to February are cool and comfortable. The tourists need to carry light woolens during the summers and heavy woolens during the winters.
How To Reach
The park is well connected by the road network from the nearest town of Veraval and Junagarh, which are at a distance of 32 km and 64 km respectively. Daily two steam trains run to Veraval and one to Junagarh from the rail junction at Sasan Gir, which is the nearest railway station at about 1 km from the park. The nearest airport is at Keshod, which at a distance of 86 km.
The Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge provides accommodation to the visitors to the park. Gujarat Tourism's Lion Safari Lodge is close by to the river at about 200 meters from the Sinh Sadan. The lodge has well-maintained gardens and is equipped with modern facilities. There are a few reasonably priced hotels a little distance away from the forest reserve.
The STD/ISD services are available at the lodges of the forest reserves. The lodges may also provide with the postal services. Veraval is the nearest major post office where telegraph and fax facilities as well as medical facilities are available.
