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Situated
about 65km SE of Junagarh district in the state of Gujarat in South
West India, the Sasan Gir National Park was established on 18th September,
1965, as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic
lion-classified as one of the World's most threatened species. Now Gir National Park is the only remaining place in the world, where
one is likely to see the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers a total
area of 1,412 sq. km of which 258 sq.km at the core forms the
National park. Permits are required to enter this part of the
sanctuary.
The land is rugged with deep ravines, steep rocky hills and plenty
of rivers. The vegetation, mainly along the main rivers and streams
is mixed deciduous, with Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees,
interspersed with large patches of grasslands and offers the visitor
long pleasant drives, through the thick forest cover. These trees
are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade
and moisture content. The Gir forest is dry for most of the year
with scrub trees, like babul and few flowering trees. Prosopis and
Casuarina have been planted in the coastal border as part of the
aforestation plan.
The Asiatic lion once had a wide range in natural territory running
from North West India through Persia to Arabia. But unfortunately
hunted as a coveted trophy item during the British Raj era, it is
now only found in the Gir forest of Gujarat. The famine of 1899 so
decimated the Asiatic lion population that Lord Curzon cancelled his
shoot at Gir, where he was staying as the guest of Nawab Junagadh.
Curzon persuaded the Nawab to protect the remaining lions. In 1965,
the India Government declared this place as a National park. The
lion population which had sunk to an alarming two dozen in the early
20th century has slowly climbed over the years since, and now
numbers about 300.
Within the sanctuary, there are numerous human settlements of cattle
herders called Maldharis. There are also places of Hindu worship and
pilgrimage and sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. At
the edge of the park there are good populations of Indian Gazelle,
protected by the religious sentiment of the local people.
December to
March
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
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Indian |
Foreigners |
Entry Fees |
Rs.
30.00 |
USD 5.00 |
Vehicle |
Rs.
35.00 |
USD 4.00 |
Still Camera |
Rs.
50.00 |
USD 5.00 |
Video Camera |
Rs.
2500.00 |
USD 200.00 |
Guide (4
Hrs.) |
Rs.
50.00 |
Rs. 50.00 |
Jeep Hire
(per safari) |
Rs. 600.00 |
Rs. 600.00 |
Safari (plus
entry) |
Rs. 600.00 |
Rs. 600.00 |
Lion Safari
Camp (plus entry for 6 pax) |
Rs. 1000.00 |
Rs. 1000.00 |
Lion Show |
Rs. 50.00 |
USD 5.00 |
(Rates are subject to
change)
By Air :
Nearest airport is Keshod, while it will be ideal to travel by
air to Rajkot and take a bus or taxi from here. Another major
airport is Ahmedabad, connected to Delhi, Mumbai.
By Rail :
The nearest railheads are Sasan Gir and Veraval, while the most
convenient railway station is Rajkot connected from Delhi & Mumbai.
Another railhead is Junagadh, connected to Ahmedabad.
By Road :
State Transport buses are available from Junagadh and Veraval
between November and June. To reach the park from Ahmedabad, take
the NH8A to Chotila via Bagodra, Limbdi and Sayla, NH8B to Jetpur
via Rajkot and Gondal, NH8D to Junagadh via Vadal. From here, take
the district road to Sasan Gir via Khadia and Mendarda. Volvo buses
run between Ahmedabad and Junagadh (Rs. 200/head). From there a mini
bus will take you to Sasan Gir.
Distances from Major Cities
Veraval : 42 km
Keshod : 86 km
Mumbai : 340 km
Rajkot : 160 km
Ahmedabad : 415 km
Tips & Important Information |
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The entry gate of the
park is located at Sasan on the south-western border, while entry
tickets can be obtained from the reception desk at the Sinh Sadan
Guest House.
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Do not talk loudly or
play music as the noise may scare away the animals.
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Do not pollute the
surroundings by smoking or throwing polythene bags and other
non-biodegradable material.
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It is better to get
adequate information about the place and take along a guide. Carry
all the essentials along including a flash light, prescribed
medication and clothes according to the season of your visit.
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Gir Forest Lodge
à
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Maneland Jungle Lodge
à
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Wild Gujarat (13 Days)
à
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