Hey wildlife lovers, looks like you are all set to explore the wilds again. And if this time you’re thinking of visiting Gir National Park in Gujarat, we couldn’t be happier for you! Before we tell you why you say something. How wonderful is the scene in Singh Raja when Rafiki introduces Simba as the future Lion King and everyone cheers for him? And how great would it be to see little Simba running around his kingdom? Well, Gir National Park is a perfect place to see lion kings. Because this sanctuary is proudly keeping Asian lions! We recommend that you reach this serene jungle by booking an Ahmedabad to Junagadh cab.
While Gir National Park is best known for its conservation of Asian lions, it is also home to many other mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. All in all, there is so much to see and explore in this national park. And we say, without further ado, plan your trip. And we want to help!
Here is a complete guide to these wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. !
History of Gir Forest National Park
By the end of the nineteenth century, only about a dozen Asiatic lions remained in India. They were all in the mountains. The Nawab of Junagadh was forced to build the sanctuary after the British Viceroy noticed the alarming loss of Gir’s lion population and Asian lions are now found only in Gir in all of Asia. This national park is one of the most important and protected areas in Asia due to its biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
- Gir National Park is the last surviving habitat of Asian lions in the world.
- Sasan Gir provides shelter to about 2,375 species of wildlife including Asian lions.
- Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the beautiful Nalasarovar lake which is a very famous sanctuary.
- Asian lions diverged from African lions maybe 100,000 years ago.
- Asian lions once roamed from the Middle East to India. Currently, only a handful of these amazing animals survive in the wild.
When is the Best Time to Visit Gir National Park?
The Gir National Park is closed from mid-June to mid-October as this is when the southwest monsoon occurs and rains can be heavy
Similarly, visits can be made at any time from mid-October to mid-June. However, December to March is the best time to visit Gir National Park and there is no rain during this period.
Fun things to do in Gir Forest National Park
1. Jeep Safari to explore the Park
If you are going on a thrilling 3-hour jeep safari in Gir National Park, with a trained guide looking for an unforgettable encounter with a giant Asian lion in its native environment If you see this beautiful animal from a cabin vehicle an open top, it’s guaranteed once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Meet the Maldhari Tribes
Apart from the Girsingh Safari Camp inhabited by the Maldhari tribes and villages called Nesses, this pastoral village has coexisted with Girvan and its wildlife for decades, now an integral part of the district.
Things to do near Gir Forest National Park
- Visit the Devaliya Park: Devlia Park is an immersive wildlife park where visitors can get a closer look at the animals in the park, including lions, tigers and various giraffes
- Visit the Kamleshwar Dam: Kamaleshwar Dam is a popular spot for picnicking and bird watching and offers a panoramic view of the park grounds.
- Visit the Bhavnath Temple: Bhavanatha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the river Sarovar. It is also a popular spot for migratory bird watching.
- Visit the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary: Located just outside the national park, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary for wildlife, including Asian lions. Visitors can take guided tours to see lions and other animals up close.
How to Reach Gir National Park?
By Road
Junagadh (71 km) and Veraval (42 km) have bus connectivity to the national park.
By Train
Junagadh and Veraval serve as primary railway hubs connecting to the national park. Additionally, Sasan Railway Station operates meter gauge trains on both the Junagadh to Delvada and Amreli to Veraval routes, providing convenient access to the park.
By Air
The closest airport to Gir National Park is Keshod, nearly 54 km away.
3 Essential Travel Tips for Your Gir National Park Visit
- The climate of Gir is like a rainforest. So, you may want to consume a few essentials like anti-mosquito cream, sunscreen, water bottles to stay hydrated, and clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
- Temperatures can reach 46 degrees Celsius in the summer. It would not be advisable to go to the park at this time. It is best to plan a visit to the reserve between December and March when the minimum temperature drops below 10 degrees.
- Wear non-flashing clothing to avoid unwanted attention from wildlife. The most popular colours are blues, greens, and other muted tones. Also don’t forget binoculars, a good quality camera, a hat or cap, a water bottle and sunscreen. No camping, hiking, picnicking or smoking is permitted anywhere on the grounds outside the park. If you plan to stay at one of the many resorts or boot camps nearby, we strongly recommend booking through booking an Ahmedabad to Junagadh cab in advance
Safari Timing
Daily game drives in Open 4WD safari vehicles
- 06:30 AM to 08:30 AM,
- 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM and
- 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM.
Other Attractive Activities
- Bird Watching
- Devliya Safari Park
- The Maldharis Tribe Visit
- The Siddis Tribal Visit
- Crocodile Breeding
Make Your Trip Effortless
To make your visit to Gir National Park memorable and hassle-free, consider booking an Ahmedabad to Junagadh cab. They offer comfortable and convenient transportation, making it an easy trip to and from your park. Book your Ahmedabad to Junagadh cab today and enjoy your trip.
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