 Location: Gir, 42 Kilometers from Junagadh in Gujarat
Ideal Time To Visit: November and June What To See: Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Chowsingha
Overview Gir National Park in Gujarat state covers an area of 1412 square kilometre. It is a jewel of the ecological resources of Gujarat. The park was created in order to safe-guard and protect the population of Lions in Asia. The population of Loins fell to merely 20. Since then efforts were made to make up for this fall. The population of the Lions has now reached nearly 300.
The park originally functioned as a hunting ground for the Nawab of Junagadh. There are many water bodies in the park. Kamleshwar Dam that houses a large population of crocodiles is one amongst them.
The forest area is a hilly tract dominated by dry deciduous forests, evergreen flora, acacia scrub and grasslands. Along the rivers exists a belt of vegetation. Jambu, Charal, Karanj, Vad, Sirus Kalam and Amli are the species found here. The trees lend a cool atmosphere and moisture content to the area.
Lions are the most common animals found in Gir National Park. Besides lion, Gir houses a large population of leopards, like a very few other sanctuaries and national parks in India. The possibility of observing this predator is greater during summer season. Other animals that the Gir forest houses include Sambar, Chital, Deer, Nilgai, Chowsingha (Four-Horned Antelope), Chinkara, Wild Boar, Monkey, Jackal, Langur and Hyena. Bird life that exists in the park includezs Bonneli's Eagle, Paradise Flycatcher, Woodpeckers, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Flamingo.
Entry Requirements The entry permits that are required to visit the park are obtained from Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. The cost of the permit is 15 rupees, which is a reasonable price to view the tigers in their natural habitat. Extra charges are to be paid for carrying photographic equipments, hiring of vehicles and guides.
Getting There Keshod Airport is the nearest airport from Gir. It is just 90 kilometers off from the place. Regular flights area available from Mumbai to Keshod. The nearest rail line is at a distance of 395 kilometers from Ahmedabad. Buses and private taxis to Gir are available from Veraval and Junagadh. Gir is 400 kilometers from Ahmedabad City. You can reach Gir from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Mendarda and Junagadh.
Don't Miss While you are on your trip to the Gir National Park in Gujarat, view the attractions within and outside the park that will add to the charm of the wildlife tour.
Some tribes still co-exist along with the animals inside the Gir Park. A visit to these tribal villages inside the park enables the visitor to get a closer look at the distinct lifestyle followed by these tribal people.
Junagadh, a city that lies quite close to the Gir Forest is filled with attractions that are worth visiting. This historic place has several impressive forts and beautiful gardens. The shops display an array of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts that are on the top of any visitor's shopping list.
The best way to view the wilds of Gir, either at dawn or at dusk, is through a Jeep Safari around the forest. | 
