Gir National Park - The home of Asiatic Lions

Gir Forest is a wildlife Sanctuary, internationally notable for Asiatic lions. The forest is situated in Indian state of Gujarat; spread over an area of 58.71 square kilometers. Gir Forest was established in 1965, since many programs are being run in the park to save precious species of lions. This sanctuary is located at the distance of 65 kilometer from Junagadh, and approximately 60 from Amreli. These are two districts in the state of Gujarat. The national park is covered with variety flora, which makes it best place for lions and is considered the best among the places to visit in India . Gir Forest comes under the possession of the Forest Department of Gujarat.

Fast Facts of Gir Forest

1.    Country                                India

2.    State                                     Gujarat

3.    Nearest Town                      Somnath: 40 kms and Junagad: 60 kms

4.    Area                                     258.71 Square Kilometers

5.    Attraction                            Asiatic Lions

6.    Best Time to Visit                October to May

7.    Closed                                  Mid June to September (During Monsoons)

8.    Visitors                                 60,000 (Per Year)

Asiatic Lion at Gir

Fauna, Gir Forest

The environment of Gujarat is meant for the lions, the park houses approximately 300 Asiatic lions. Gir Forest is abode of variety of wild life. It includes more than three hundred species of birds, and two thousand of species of insects. Besides Lions, the park houses big cats, Indian leopards, cobra snakes, Striped Hyenas, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, Desert cats, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose etc. The park has forty species of reptile and 38 of mammals.

Wild life Activities in Gir Forest

Gir National park is considered one of the well known tourist locations in India. It has its unique place in spreading tourism in India.  Gir forest offers best environment for Wild life Activities. Jungle Safari and Wild Life Photography is most performed activity in the park. Capturing the lion in its natural habitat is a unique experience in its self. Jeep Safari is other main attraction of the Gir which gives an opportunity to behold lion from the close. You can spot Lions prowling too, if you are lucky enough, which is wonderful experience in it self. For Jeep Safari in Gir National Park, you need to have permission, which can be taken from Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. Charges for the Indians are Rs 2500/- and for foreigners Rs 4000/- Six person are allowed in the jeep at the time. Timings for the safari are 6 to 9 AM, 9 to 12 Noons and 3 to 6 PM.

Jeep Safari at Gir Forest

Where to Stay at Gir Forest

Gir National Park is quite popular place to visit in India as many small big hotels have been emerged in it’s near by area, which provide best facilities for food, staying and such other services. Gir Jungle Lodge is other place to live which is located on Sasan Junagadh Road, Sasan Gir, Dist Junagadh, Gujarat, India. One can contact them by calling on these numbers: 02877 285600, Mobile: 91-9662548700, 9662542700.

Enquiry Reservation office for Gir Forest

Shop No 106, Upper Level Sashan Complexe, Near Prernatirth

Derasar, Jodhpur Gam, Satellite Ahmedabad - 380015

Tel.: 91-7926924023 

How to Reach Gir Forest

Air

The nearest airport for the Gir forest is Keshod Airport, which is located at the distance of 90 Km frm Sasan Gir.

Road

Gir is well connected with Junagarh Distric which is further connected with many major cities in Gujarat.

Rail

Sasan Gir is the nearest railway station to Gir which is connected with many cities in the State of Gujarat and it’s near by states.