GIR NATIONAL PARK

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. It is located 43 km (27 mi) north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Amreli. It was established in 1965 in the erstwhile Nawab of Junagarh's private hunting area, with a total area of 1,412 km2 (545 sq mi), of which 258 km2 (100 sq mi) is fully protected as a national park and 1,153 km2 (445 sq mi) as wildlife sanctuary.[1] It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.[2][3] The 14th Asiatic Lion Census 2015 was conducted in May 2015. In 2015, the population was 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and 359 in 2005. The lion population in Junagadh District was 268 individuals, 44 in Gir Somnath District, 174 in Amreli District, and 37 in Bhavangar District. There are 109 males, 201 females and 213 cubs.[4] Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year. The best time to visit it is between December and March. Although it is very hot in April and May, these are the best months for wildlife viewing and photography

Jungle Info

Located in the Saurashtra peninsula of the Gujarat state, Gir forest (Gir National Park & Sanctuary) since time immemorial has been synonymous with the majestic Asiatic lions. It bestows a rich diversity of flora, fauna and landscapes in the Indian sub-continent. The Gir forest ecosystem takes legitimate pride in saving rare and endangered majestic Asiatic lions from the threshold of extinction at the beginning of the 19th century. A diverse assemblage of more than 600 species of wild flora and wild fauna, including 41 mammal species, 47 reptile species and over 300 resident and migratory bird species, gives serene and fascinating experiences to the visitors in the vast swaths of forest. The presence of rolling hills and rivers originating from it makes it look more enigmatic. One can witness the tints and hues of Gir forest in different seasons, which gives an altogether different experience. It has had the glory of being one of the best wildlife areas in India. Moreover, Gir is the origin point of cultural and religious evolution in Gujarat's Kathiawar region.

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Other Attractions

Located in the Saurashtra peninsula of the Gujarat state, Gir forest (Gir National Park & Sanctuary) since time immemorial has been synonymous with the majestic Asiatic lions. It bestows a rich diversity of flora, fauna and landscapes in the Indian sub-continent. The Gir forest ecosystem takes legitimate pride in saving rare and endangered majestic Asiatic lions from the threshold of extinction at the beginning of the 19th century. A diverse assemblage of more than 600 species of wild flora and wild fauna, including 41 mammal species, 47 reptile species and over 300 resident and migratory bird species, gives serene and fascinating experiences to the visitors in the vast swaths of forest. The presence of rolling hills and rivers originating from it makes it look more enigmatic. One can witness the tints and hues of Gir forest in different seasons, which gives an altogether different experience. It has had the glory of being one of the best wildlife areas in India. Moreover, Gir is the origin point of cultural and religious evolution in Gujarat's Kathiawar region.

Nearby Gates

  • CORE GATE - Devalia -
  • CORE GATE - Sinh Sadan -
  • Gir: Arrival and leisure day


    -As soon as you reach Rajkot, an agent’s representative will greet and escort you to Sasan Gir. Once you reach, check-in to the resort and unwind. Evening is free for you to do what your heart desires. You can choose to explore the surroundings on your own and treat your lungs to gulps of fresh, unpolluted air. Later, come back to the resort for a restful sleep and get ready for the action-packed day ahead.

    Gir: An exciting safari day ahead


    -Wake up to a delectable breakfast and set out for an exciting jeep safari around 6:00 in the morning as planned by this Gir safari tour package for 3 days. The joy ride lasts for almost 3 hours. Satiate your hunger pangs with a lovable lunch. Thereafter, visit Devaliya Park, Crocodile Park, and Gir Museum. After a happening day, come back to the resort and slip into your cozy bed for a sound sleep.

    Gir: Departure back home


    -Savor breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Now, you will be transferred to Rajkot to proceed for your journey back home.

    Transportation By Bus

    Gir National Park is conveniently accessible by road from nearby cities – Junagadh (76 km), Rajkot (161 km) and Ahmedabad (327 km).

    Transportation By Air

    You can reach by a flight up to Rajkot city located at a distance of 156 km from the park and then cover the rest of the distance by car. The other nearby airport is in Diu which is almost 110 km from Gir.

    Transportation By Train

    Junagadh and Veraval are the two nearest railway stations for reaching Gir National Park. These are well connected to several major cities of the country including Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

    Latitude-Longitude

    21.126867391561397, 70.82466568410352

    Safari Timing

    • Morning 06:00--10:00
    • Afternoon 03:00--06:00

    Seasonal Timing

    • Summer 04:00--07:00

    Weather

    • Summer43

    Forest Features

    To have a fantastic safari experience at Sasan Gir, the privilege of jeep safari with an assistance of a guide is beneficial. The Gir Forest Department also organizes

    The gypsy safaris in Gir forest offer an unforgettable experience to visitors to witness the pristine wilderness. The safari gypsies' roams on the thoughtfully laid down wilderness tracks that give a glimpse of the diverse flora and fauna of Gir forest. It offers a range of scheduled departures that are led by a trained eco-guide. The eco-guides will make your wilderness safari seamless and interpretive. Only a maximum of six visitors (plus one child between 3-12 years) are allowed in each gypsy.

    Flora and Fauna

    Flora

    In Gir, most of the area is comprised of rugged hills, with high ridges and densely forested valleys, wide grassland plateaus, and isolated hilltops. Around half of the forested area of the park is being stuffed with teak forest, with other floral varieties like khair, dhavdo, timru, amla, and many others. The other half is non-teak forest, with samai, simal, khakhro and asundro jambu, umro, amli, vad and kalam; mostly broadleaf and evergreen trees. The river Hiran is the only one to flow year-round; with rest of the inflows being seasonal. There are also areas of the park with open scrub and savannah-type of grassland.

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    Activity

    BIRD WATCHING

    Visiting a wildlife park is all about observing animals and birds at their natural best. Gir is one of the most preferred reserves for birding, thanks to it being home to some really rare species. It is an ideal place for spotting all kinds of migratory birds, such as the pygmy woodpecker, greater flamingo and Bonelli’s eagle. So don't forget to carry your camera and a pair of binoculars. Bird watching is one of the best thing to do in Gir for nature lovers.

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    Tribal Festivals In Gir

    Maldharis and Siddhis are two tribes residing in Gir. They organise festivals every year that allow visitors to mingle with their own folk. This is a great chance for travellers to get to know about their lives, rituals, and traditions. Catch some folk dance performances and indulge in some great local food; you will find yourself greatly enriched by the experience.

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    Booking Policies

    There are two kinds of safaris you can go for – Gir Jungle Trail safari and GIZ Devalia safari. GIZ stands for Gir Interpretation Zone. It is an eco-tourism zone created to bring down tourist overload

    A paradise for wildlife lovers, Gir also has plenty of other activities you can enjoy while on a family vacation, especially when you are staying at a Club Mahindra resort. Here’s a list of things to do in Gir that will certainly make for a memorable family vacation: