Gir National Park

The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary are one of the most significant national parks in India that provides shelter to the Asiatic Lions. Apart from the lions, it also possesses innumerable species of various plants and animals. Due to the presence of favourable perennial rivers that flow through this place and several factors that contribute to its richness; this park has become one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. Every year, this national park attracts tourists in a large number from various places around the world to experience its charismatic bliss. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently out of the 1153.42 sq. km area of the sanctuary, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park.

Gir Forests has a topography made up of successive rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir Forests forms a unique habitat for many mammals, reptiles, birds and insect species along with a rich variety of flora. The overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had the Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country.

People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses". Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in its natural habitat.

Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of human being and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last century in British rule, lion population touched an all time low of 20 in 1913. The serious conservation efforts by the then Nawab of Junagadh saved the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest Department has successfully brought the population to the present respectable status of 523 numbers of this majestic animal.

History of Gir National Park
Asiatic Lion at Gir National ParkThe area of Gir National Park was once the hunting ground for the Britishers during their reign in India and while hunting these great numbers of tigers and lions accompanied by several Rajas and Maharajas of the region, it was considered as the matter of great pride. It was in the year 1899, the major counts of lions decreased sharply with the effect of famine and as a result Lord Curzon cancelled his trip in Gir which was scheduled for shooting upon invitation by the nawabs of the region. The effect of famine was so great that Lord Curzon even advised the residents of the area to save the remaining lions. By the time to save the more vulnerable acts like hunting and poaching, the Government of India banned the hunting process in the area in the year 1960 and today with an approachable count of increase in lions the area is only available for photo safaris. Today the park is recognized as one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. Gir is accustomed of unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna and is now considered as one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its unsupported species. The various initiatives and efforts by the Indian Government and the NGOs brought many changes in the population of the Asiatic lions in the year. Where in 2005, the count rose to 359 and again during the April 2010, the reserve witnessed a greater rise in the count to reach by 52 as compared to 2005 ratio. The lion breeding program included the park and its surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in its captivity since its inception.

Travel Information: How to Reach There?
By Air : The nearest airport is located at Diu at the distance of 92kms from the reserve area and Rajkot will be next convenient airport to Gir located at the distance of 160 kms. From Mumbai, the tourists can catch the daily flights to these two destinations towards Gir.
By Rail : One can travel by rail to Junagadh from Ahmadabad or Rajkot and then take a 65 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir.
By Road : Gir National Park is 60 km from Junagadh, the most common base for making a visit, and 360 kms away from Ahmadabad. The main centre is at Sasan Gir, and has a forest guest house maintained by the park, just opposite the railway station.