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Gir National
ParkIt is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been
confirmed to this forest since 1884 (around 300 lions were reported in 1995).
The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin. Nevertheless, a
large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold.
The chinkara,
wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, leopard, fox, musk shrew, Indian Pangolin, deer,
common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck and crocodile are the other animals
that can be found in this sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including
the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush
quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves.
Located in the south west of the Saurashtra peninsula, the Gir National Park
is a haven 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, and flame of the forest and banyan trees. Streams run
through 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 also has nearly 210 leopards and numerous chital, nilgai,
chinkara, the four homed antelope and wild boar. Marsh crocodiles are often seen
along its rivers.
The forest is rich in bird life and the paradise flycatcher
black headed cuckoo shrike woodpecker, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle,
painted sand grouse, 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 of the Rann of
Kutch, incredibly the home of the Indian wild ass and the spectacular Flamingo
Island where nesting colonies of flamingoes are to be seen, make Gujarat an exciting
place for wildlife enthusiasts.
General Information
Best
Time to Visit : December- Mid- June (Closed during Monson till mid October).
Nearest Town : Veraval (42 km)
How to Get Here :
Air : Keshod (86 km)
Rail : Sasan Gir (1km).
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