Gir Forest National Park

Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan-Gir, is a wildlife sanctuary and protected forest area in Gujarat, India. It is considered one of the most important protected natural areas in Asia due to the rare animals living here, particularly the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica).

The scientific classification of the various types of lion has changed: Asiatic lions are now viewed as an isolated population of a subspecies that includes lions in Central and West Africa, plus the regionally extinct North African lion. Lions of East and Southern Africa are classified into another subspecies.

Understand
The park has a total area of 1412 km², from which 258 km² are in the fully protected national park and the remaining 1153 km² make up the sanctuary.

History
The Gir forest area and the Asiatic lions were first "protected" by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh at the start of the 20th century, which saved the lion population from being wiped out by trophy hunters. In 1965 the national park was established.

In 2005 there were only 52 Asiatic lions in the wild, but conservation efforts have resulted in a major population increase, with over 500 Asiatic lions now living.

Climate
Between April to June it can be very hot. From November to early February, the weather is pretty cool, and this is the most pleasant season to visit. It can be chilly enough at the end of December to require winter clothing.

From 16 June to 15 October, the park is closed due to the summer monsoon.

Get in
It seems most accepted to spend the night at a hotel in Junagadh and take a bus or taxi to Gir early in the morning.

By plane
The closest airport with commercial service is in Rajkot, which has regular flights from Mumbai and Delhi. From Rajkot it is about 160 km to Gir.

By train
There are regular trains to Junagadh (65 km from Gir) and Veraval (45 km from Gir) from other parts of India, notably Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

There is reportedly a once-daily train from Junagadh direct to Gir, which however misses the times for the lion safari in the park.

By bus
There are buses from Ahmedabad.

Fees and permits
See the Gir National Park Website to book a jeep safari for Gir National Park. This website is frequently not working. Beware private tour companies that claim to represent the national park.

This is not the official website for Gir

See

 * Among the many species living here, the Asiatic lion is surely the most treasured of all, as the Gir Forest National Park is the only place in the world where these rare lions have survived. A breeding programme was set up and so far succeeded in bringing forward some 180 lions. In 2015 the population here was 523.
 * Other fauna is diverse and plentiful and includes at least 38 mammals and some 300 species of birds. Some 37 different species of reptiles have been documented too. Among the most spectacular possible sightings are Indian Leopards, jungle cats, striped hyenas, sloth bears and Indian cobras. There are golden jackals, Indian mongoose, Ratels and Indian Palm Civets as well as chital deer, nilgai, four-horned Antelopes, wild boars and many other animals.
 * Flora in the area is also of high value, with over 500 plant species documented.

Photography
Photography is the best way to capture the beauty of Gir National Park. You can take photos of wildlife and nature, as well as pictures of beautiful scenery, sunrise, and sunset, as well as night sky photography.

Jungle safari
If you want to see Gir National Park in its entirety, a safari is the best way. You can do it on foot or in jeeps - you just need a vehicle and time to enjoy it thoroughly. The park offers different types of safaris throughout the year, so if you're interested in seeing more animals than just elephants then choose one with longer hours (or even two days).

Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a popular activity in Gir National Park. The park has many bird species, including migratory birds. Some of these birds include:


 * Painted stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
 * Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
 * White-naped crane (Grus vipio)

Eat
Snacks like potato chips are available. There are small food stalls with average quality of food are present. Prices are nominal.

Sleep
There are a few lodges in and near the park. You can also stay further away, for example in Junagadh.