Gir National Park also known as Sasan-Gir is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions. The park is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The forest area of Gir and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. The April 2010 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 411. Adequate protection and better enforcement of conservation strategies have resulted in the dispersal of lions outside Gir National Park and Sanctuary.
Gir has evolved to host a very stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self-supporting and self-sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity. The park includes a variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the Indian python. It is one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country. The park is also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India.
The park comprises 1412 sq km of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills. The park is a catchment of important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran, Saraswati, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval and Datardi. The forest helps recharge the water table due to infiltration and percolation in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation.
STATE : GUJARAT
LOCATION : Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located 43 km in the north-east from Somnath and 65 km to the south-east of Junagarh in Gujarat.
LANGUAGE : Gujarati, Hindi and English.
WHEN TO VISIT : November to March is the Best Time to Visit Gir Forest National Park.
CLOTHING : Cotton or linen full-sleeve outfits which match with surroundings like dark green, muddy-brown and rocky-grey are the ideal clothing color. Avoid shiny or reflective clothes during park safari which may diverts or attracts wild animals & birds’ attention which may become cause them leaving the place.
Nature
Adventure
Wildlife
National Park
Gir Forest National Park is available from Kolkata to different entry point. The nearby places are connected by good motorable road from Kolkata. From the entry points motor boat services are available for Gir Forest National Park.
Nearest rail-head Sasan Gir is 30 km away from Gir Forest National Park. The railhead is well connected with different cites and places in India. A bus or taxi from the railway station would get you easily to the Gir Forest National Park.
Ahamedabad Airport is the nearest airport to Gir Forest National Park. The airport is well connected by flights with different cities and places in India. From the airport, you can get a taxi or bus to reach Gir Forest National Park.
Best Season / Best Time to Visit Gir National Park
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
CLIMATE
OPENING OF PARK : Every Year Gir Forest National Park remains open from 15st October to 15th June for visitors. The park is close from Mid June to mid of October for visitors.
PERMIT : Permits obtain from the concerned park authority before you make entry to the Park. Tourists can obtain day visit permit at the respective entry gates.
ENTRY FEE:
For Indian nationals is Rs. 800 for 6 adults +1 child.
For foreign national, the entry fee Rs. 4800 Up to 6 persons.
SAFARI TIMING : Timings for Safari in the park vary according to the season. Safari timing at Gir Forest National Park are:
| DAY | Morning Shift | Afternoon Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 06:00 AM-09:00 AM and 9:00 AM-12 AM | 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
:A trip of Gir Forest National Park directly takes you to the widespread arena of the lush habitat of wild creatures. Jeep safari can take you a closer look to the wild animals and can capture their magnanimous images in your cameras.
JEEP SAFARI IN GIR FOREST: Open Jeep safaris are the best way to observe wildlife at the thick & lush green forest of the reserve. Three hour open jeep safari will take you through an unspoiled wilderness area with some of the best sightings of wildlife in Gir Forest. The star attraction of the park is Asiatic Lion roaming inside their natural habitats.
Jeep Safaris at Gir Forest can be done in morning and afternoon Shift. Jeep Safari at Gir Forest is a delight for adventure lovers and wildlife photographers. It explores especially those places, which are difficult to travel via any other mode of transportation.
