The Gir Forest National Park, also known as Sasan Gir is one of the prime attractions in the state Gujarat, established in 1965. This sasan gir park is a sole home of Asiatic lions, located at 43 km north-east of Somnath, 60 km south-west of Amreli and 65 km south-east of Junagadh district. Gir is one of the oldest as well as most visited wildlife sanctuaries in India. This national forest can take a legitimate pride in saving various endangered species that was extinct during the twenty-first century. This forest provides the secured habitat to these species. The Government of Gujarat has announced the total area of Gir Forest as 1882.6 sq km divided in protected area of 1412.1 sq km contains 258.7 sq km as national Park and 1153.4 sq km as Sanctuary and 470.5 sq km of forest area called as buffer zone and unclassified forest. It is one of the most protected areas in Asia that covers many precious species from the brink of extinction. Today, it is an only place where Asiatic lions, an endangered species found. Apart from this Asiatic Lions race, you can also enjoy rich flora and fauna that is protected by the Government Forest Department and various NGOs.
The lifeline of Gir, Kamleshwar Dam is a biggest reservoir, located between 21°08′08″N 70°47′48″E. Apart from this, there are several major perennial rivers of the Gir region including Datardi, Machhundri, Hiran, Shetrunji, Raval and Godavari. In 1955, as per the survey of Gir Forest, more than 400 plant species were declared and the Botany Department revised this record and declared 507 species of plants in this Gir National Forest. This list of species includes Teak, khair, dudhlo, ber, dhav, desi baval, hermo, sadad, ashitro, saledi, timru, modad, khakhro and many others.
The Gir forest covers around 2,375 distinct species of fauna, comprising 2000 of species of insects, 300 species of birds, 38 species of mammals and 37 species of reptiles. This rich biodiversity mainly include Asiatic Lions, Indian Cobras, Indian Leopards, Jungle Cats, Indian Mangoose, Striped Hyenas, Indian Palm Civets and so on. In addition to these carnivores, Gir forest offers range of Herbivores, including Chital, Sambar, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Four-horned Antelope and Blackbucks. 300 typical species of birds include crested serpent eagle, crested hawk-eagle, Indian eagle-owl, black-headed oriole, Indian eagle-owl, Pygmy woodpecker, crested treeswwift, Indian Pitta and much more. In the water areas of the sanctuary, you can see marsh crocodile, hir tortoise and the monitor lizard. Sometimes snakes can also be found in the bushes.
One can easily reach this Gir National Park by road, train and air. It is just around 55 km from Junagadh city, 156 km from Rajkot and 348 km from Ahmedabad. You can get various taxis and trains for Gir Forest from these stations. Enjoy the amazing wildlife experience to this home of Asiatic Lions by Online booking for Jungle trial. One can book Gir Jungle trail at http://girlion.in/ by filling one simple form. Here you will get time table and charges for visiting this place, go through this website and book your tickets today.
Jeep safari is one of the most famous activities that one can partake. It offers you to see some of the extreme parts of the jungle which you have seen in your dream.
Doing photography in the natural environment is a great fun activity. The Gir Forest National Park is considered to be a paradise for animal lovers and the for people who want to explore nature.
