Gir National Park

Established in 1965 as a forest reserve to conserve the Asiatic lion, it was declared as a national park in 1974. This park is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. The natural park and the sanctuary spread over an area of 130,000 hectares.

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The park has a rugged terrain and steep rocky hillside those are covered with mixed deciduous forests.

Located in the state of Gujarat in the southwest of Saurashrea Peninsula, the park has a population of 300 plus lions. Gir forest is also has a good population of leopards, chital, nilgai, chinkara, four horned antelope and wild boar. The forest is also rich in birds and reptiles. It has a crocodile-breading farm.

The lions are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. The best time to visit the park is from December through June. The park will be closed during the monsoon.

The forest is rich in bird life and the paradise flycatcher black headed cuckoo shrike woodpecker, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, painted sand grouse, bush quail and grey partridge are among the variety that is found here. Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary where large numbers of water-birds can be seen; the bare saline flats of the Rann of Kutch, incredibly the home of the Indian wild ass and the spectacular Flamingo Island where nesting colonies of flamingoes are to be seen, make Gujarat an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts.

The park can be accessed by road or by rail. The nearest railway station is Sasan Gir about one km from the park. Accommodation could be arranged at Lion Safari Lodge.

General Information :
Best Time to Visit : December- Mid- June (Closed during Monson till mid October).
Nearest Town : Veraval (42 km)
How to Get Here :
Air : Keshod (86 km)
Rail : Sasan Gir (1km).