Sasangir
National Park was established in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion, on 18th
September 1965, as a Forest Reserve with an area of about 2,450 hectares. A
principal part of the Junagadh District of Gujarat, it is 90 kms from the Keshod
Airport in the Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula.
A small town named Sasan with a forest rest house, is the headquarters of the
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. A hilly terrain with a dense network of rivers is the
distinct feature of Sasangir National Park. Sasangir was declared partially
as a Wildlife Sanctuary and partially a National Park in 1975.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is one and the only existing habitat of the Asiatic lion
found only in these forests since 1884 whose statistical figures are around
300 presently.
The Asiatic lion differs from the African Lion in its size, which is slightly
smaller than its African cousin. The national park is made of three adjoining
reserves - the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary inhabiting several water-birds;
the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the Indian Wild Ass; and the captivating Flamingo
Island make the Sasangir National Park an ideal place for wildlife buffs.
The Sasangir National Park boasts of many antique temples like Kankai Mata and
Tulsishyam. The best way to explore the national park and enjoy the wildlife
viewing in the Sasangir wildlife sanctuary is by jeep safari.
The best long jeep drives from Sasan are conducted to Baval Chowk and Kankai,
Chodavdi, Tulsishyam and to Kamaleshwar dam.
Do's and Dont's
Take
official guides along with you on the park trip.
Do not disturb the animals during daytime as most of the nocturnal animals sleep
during daytime.
Do not try to irritate or annoy the animals by teasing them.
Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.
Do not smoke inside the park.
Do not use flash or intrusive photography.
Walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.
Camping and picnicking is prohibited within the park.
Carry plenty of water along with you.
Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.
Flora in Sasangir National Park
The Gir is an area with mixed deciduous forests with Teak, Ber, Flame of
the forest, Jamun and Babool. A wildlife sanctuary owes a distinct belt of vegetation
along the main rivers and streams.
The rare tree species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus
and Amli are found here abundantly. These wide and tall, broad leaved and evergreen
trees provide a cool shade and moisture to the area.
Wildlife in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sasangir National Park accommodates the wild animals like chinkara, wild
boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck and
other animals.
There are more than 200 bird species including the peafowl, grey partridge,
Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse,
common green pigeon and several species of doves.
The
Kamleshwar Dam in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the marsh crocodile
commonly seen in the river. There is also the only crocodile-breeding farm in
this national park.
Special Attractions in Sasangir National Park
Jeep Safari: Wildlife viewing in the Gir's is best done, by driving
via jeep around the forest. The Forest Department organizes the lion shows every
Sunday for the tourists. There are also special trips along with the trained
guides who give the tourists direction for the sanctuary tour.
The best time to observe this ferocious carnivore is to grab his sight during
the dawn and dusk when they are on the prowl.
When to Visit Sasangir National Park
The wildlife lovers can visit Sasangir National Park all through the year. The
best time to visit the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is between November to June.
How to Reach Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: Keshod is the nearest airport from Sasangir via Veraval. Daily flights
are also available from Mumbai to Keshod.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from Sasangir is Ahmedabad.
By Road: Sasangir is well connected with Ahmedabad via Rajkot,
Junagadh and Mendarda. The state transport buses are also easily available from
Junagadh and Veraval to Gir between November to June.
