Sasan Gir National Park
Gujarat
Gir National Park is heaven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The Lion, Panther Leo, inhabits the forest of Gir in the Saurashtra peninsula, attracting sixty thousand visitors to this sanctuary of Gujarat every year. Gir today is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin; nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold. 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.
Sasan Gir is the only place in the world outside the African continent where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. It alone draws hordes of visitors to the park each year. Much of the Asiatic Lion’s time is spent snoozing where the shade is deepest, while the lionesses do the stalking, hunting, and cub raising. But, when a kill is made, he is the first to come and claim his share.
Best Time to Go
December – March
Flights
Rajkot (RAJ)
Avg. Climate
20°C – 45°C
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About Gir national Park
The Gir forest is also home to a large number of other fascinating species like the leopard, chital, Chinkara (gazelle), wild boar, wild ass, Nilgai, spotted deer, and four-horned antelope. It is also a good place to watch monkeys, parrots, and India’s national bird, the peacock. A crocodile-rearing and research Centre also flourishes adjacent to Sinh Sadan Lodge, where hatchlings are reared and then released into their natural habitat.
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Geographical Details
Altitude: 150m – 530m above mean sea level
Vegetation: Very dry teak forest
Water Resources: The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed ‘the lifeline of Gir.
Core Area: 300 sq. km
Buffer Area: 850 sq. km.
Coordinates: 21.1243° N to 70.8242° E
Rainfall: 806mm
Temperature: 25.8 Degree Celcius.
Gir National Park Safari Tours
Photographic Safari Tours
Popular Fauna at Bandhavgarh National Park
It is surviving today only in India. Since the turn of the 20th century, its range is restricted to Gir National Park and the surrounding areas in the Indian state of Gujarat. Historically, it inhabited much of Western Asia and the Middle East.
It has larger rosettes than the other subspecies, with a paler coat in desert habitats, greyer in colder climes and more ochre in rainforest habitats. They remain well-camouflaged at night but come down from trees to hunt during the day.
The golden jackal is the most northerly of jackal species, and also the most widely distributed. It overlaps biotopes only with the black-backed jackal in East African savannas. They prefer dry open country, arid short grasslands.
Safaris at Gir National Park
Jeep Safaris
A jeep safari in Gir National Park offers the best way to explore the park’s vast wilderness and observe its iconic wildlife, including the endangered Asiatic lions. Gir National Park conducts half-day jeep safaris, which are further divided into morning and evening safaris, ensuring ample opportunities to experience the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Morning Safari:
The morning safari begins around 6:00 AM, depending on the time of sunrise, and lasts approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. The cool morning hours are ideal for spotting wildlife, as animals are more active during this time. Guests return to their lodge or resort after the safari, where they can freshen up, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and relax before heading out again.
Evening Safari:
The evening safari commences in the late afternoon and lasts for about 3 to 3.5 hours, concluding just before sunset. As temperatures drop, animals begin to move towards water sources, increasing the chances of wildlife sightings. The softer light during the evening adds a serene charm to the safari, offering an unforgettable experience.
Accommodations at Gir
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