Gir National Park Ahmedabad

Home to the mighty Asiatic lions, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is also the National park and one of the most popular animal reserves in the world. It is the only abode, housing the last of the Asiatic lions in the world. Not only is a trip to Gir one of the best things to do in Gujarat, the sanctuary is located with several other important places of interest in close proximity making this a comprehensive holiday best with lots of diverse options.

Gir National Park Ahmedabad
Gir National Park: A Comfort Home to the Wild

Gir National Park Location & Formation

You will never see a better literal manifestation of the popular title associated with the Lion, unless you have found your way to the Gir National Park where the Asiatic lion is in every sense of the phrase, “The King of the Jungle”.



Spread over an area of 1412 sq km mostly composing of hills comprising dry forests, shrubs, semi or ever-green flora and grasslands that survive on the lake and river streams, the Gir is rich in flora and fauna. The diversity of flora and fauna in Gir Forest, is protected by the efforts by the government, wildlife activists and a number of NGOs that work to increase awareness among the people about the importance of wildlife conservation.

A shepherd community called the Maldharis, have long inhabited the forests of Gir and have co-existed with the mighty Asiatic lions. These people have been sharing the habitat with the Lions since decades even though, while living here, they have been losing away a lot of their livestock to these wild cats.

Flora and Fauna at Gir National Park Ahmedabad

Gir National Park is a habitat to about 411 lions and over 300 leopards. Today it is one of the biggest big-cat camps in India. You can also spot Sambars, Deers, Neelgai, and the only four-horned antelope, Chinkara. Apart from them, there are Jackals, Hyenas, wild cats, Chimpanzees, Porcupines, and Hares. Here also resides, a huge population of crocodiles and water birds.

You will be astonished to see an amazing range of other species like Sand Grouse, Francolin, Quails, black-naped Monarch, Asian paradise flycatcher, Asian brown flycatcher, Greenish Warbler, Coppersmith Barbet and Green Pigeon. Among other birds, there is long-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Indian white-backed Vulture, Hawk-eagle, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Serpent Eagle, Bonneli's eagle, Tawny Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Fish Eagle, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Osprey, red-headed Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Laggar Falcon and Oriental Honey-Buzzard.

 

The flora here comprises of a variety of plant species like the Jambu, Sirus, Vad, Kalam, Karanj, Charal, Umro, and Amli. The vegetation makes the place more homely and comfortable for the wild animals. There is a mixed set of deciduous forest evergreen trees, grasslands along with rocky hills. The deciduous forest has Teak, Acacia, Zizyphas, Banyan, Jamun, Dhak and Tendu.

How to Get There

The Gir National Park is in Junagarh in Gujarat and is at a distance of 408 kms from Ahmedabad. It takes 7 hours to drive down to this place on road. You can avail Ahmedabad bus service or hire cab service for a comfortable journey to the park.

Quick Facts:

Park Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Safari Timings: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: The Gir Forest stays closed between June and October because of south-west monsoon. The best time to visit here is December to March.
Public Facilities: Hospital PHC, Hospital CHC, Market, Petrol Pump, Post & Telegraph, Bank, Railway Station.
Entry Fees: Rs.30 per Adult
Photography Charges: Rs.50
Videography Charges: Rs.2500
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