Gir National Park [ Gujarat ]

Located in the south west of the Saurashtra peninsula, the Gir National Park is a heaven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The 1,412.13 sq. km. Park has a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides are covered in mixed deciduous forests. There are teak, ber, flame of the forest and banyan trees. Streams run throuh the deep ravines.The lions, a smaller more compact version of their African cousins, are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Gir has also nearly 210 leopards and numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara, the four horned antelope and wild boar. Marsh crocodiles are often seen alongits rivers. The forest is rich in bird lif and the paradise flycatcher, black headed cuckoo shrike, pied woodpecker, Bonelli's eagle, creste~ serpent eagle, painted sandgrouse, bush quail and grey partridge are among the variety that is found here .

Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, where large numbers of water-birds can be seen; the bare saline flats o the Rann of Kutch, incredibly the home of the Indian wild ass and the spectacular Flamingo Island where nesting colonies of flamingoes are be seen, make Gujarat an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts.

General lnformation

Best time to visit :

December-mid June (cl during monsoon till mid October)

Accommodation :

Lion Safari Lodge

Nearest Town :

Veraval (42 km)

How to get there :

Rail-Sasan Gir (1 km) Air-Keshod (86 km)