Introduction :
The
Gir National Park is located among the low, undulating and
excellently irrigated hills in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It is
famous for being the last existing natural home of the Asiatic lion,
although it has a healthy population of other animal species too.
The
Gir forest covers an area of 1150 square kilometers with 300 square
kilometers forming the core area of the national park. The park receives a
good annual rainfall averaging 1000mm. The temperatures at the park vary to
extremes, as they do with most of the country too. In winters, the
temperatures go down to as low as 6 degrees centigrade, while soaring up to
a scorching 46 degrees in the summers. The park is open to visitors from
November to May but the best time for visiting the park, taking comfort and
wildlife viewing into consideration, is December to March. The park offers
many excellent drives through scenic areas. For the more impatient and less
adventurous, the park authorities organize "lion shows" in the
Dewaliya area, which are a sure-shot way of seeing the magnificent big cats.
These "spectacles" for the public are hopefully soon going to be
axed, as is proposed by the more thoughtful of the governing bodies, and a
safari park instead is to replace them with an area of around 1000 acres
being set aside with a higher population density of lions to enhance
sighting chances.
Prime Attractions of Gir National Park :
» The Lion King - Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the last
and only home of the critically endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are a
smaller more compact version of their African version, and are best viewed
at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. The major difference between the
two is that the African Lion appears larger than the Indian Lion because of
its large and luxuriant mane.
» The Leopards - Leopard is considered to be one of
the most beautiful and graceful animals in the jungle, also the most
dangerous one. Popularly known as the Prince of Cats, this animal is the
most adaptable from the family of predators, one the reason why it occupies
a much larger spread of Gujarat forest cover, and in Gir National Park it
has been found in all the varied habitats and vegetation types. The
approximate population of 210 Leopards resides within the sanctuary area.
» Reptiles - Not leaving the water predators behind,
Mash crocodiles are often seen along the Kamleshwar Dam Site. Another major
attraction among the reptile population of Gir National Park are the
numerous non-venomous Snakes such as the Indian Rock Python along with the
four venomous varieties, which are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled
Viper, Russell's Viper.
» Flora Attractions - Vegetation in Gir can be
looked at in four ways. The first is the Teak forest and nearly half of the
protected area has this kind of a habitat. The main tree species that occupy
this habitat are Khair, Sadad, Timru, Babul, Amla, Moledi, Dhavdo, Kadayo
and Bahedo. The non-Teak forests, which comprise the remaining forest
consists of tree species like the Khair, Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Amla, Moledi,
Kadayo, Salai, Simal, Khakhro, Ber and Asundro.
A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams.
Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are
found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the
area a cool shade and the moisture content. Finally, Prosopis and Casuarina
have been planted in the coastal border as part of the aforestation plan.
Other Attractions :
Among the lesser-known wildlife of Gir National Park include the most
common animal that can be sighted in the sanctuary is the Chital or Spotted
Deer. Others main wild attractions are Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Black
Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk
Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian
Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox, and Jackal. The
three smaller wildcats - the Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted
Cat, also inhabit Gir forest, which shows that the forest is not just meant
for the protection of Lions, but the whole of the cat family.
Safaris :
» Jeep Safari - The best way to observe the big cats
is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they
are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done, by driving via
jeep around the forest.
Best Time to Visit :
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited wildlife
reserves within India still the period one should visit this park is during
the months of Mid October-Mid June, and the best recommended time is
December-April.
General Information Tips:
» Do not disturb the animals during day time as most
of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.
» Do not try to irritate the animals or make them
angry by teasing them.
» Take official guides along with you on the park
trip.
» Do not smoke inside the park.
» Do not use flash or intrusive photography.
» Picking of plants and insects is strictly
prohibited.
» Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend
with the park surroundings.
» For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking
within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.
» Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the
park.
» Carry plenty of water along with you.
