Gir National Park

No trip to Gujarat is complete without a visit to the Gir National Park. Sprawling across a vast expanse of 1412 square kilometres of dense forest, it is the natural abode of the lion – the only place outside of Africa where you get to experience the wild cats in their natural habitat. Take in the experience in its entirety by exploring everything, from the 250 species of chirping birds darting out of the thick canopy of trees overhead, to the crocs in the marsh waters. Spot the leopard, nilgai, hyenas, chinkara and antelopes, including the world’s only four-horned antelopes known as chousingha. Additionally, the Gir is the homeland of a tribe called the Maldharis, that thrives on pasturing and livestock. Spend a few days to really take it all in. We suggest a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Farm, and both the morning and evening safaris – the forest tells a different story after sundown. Being the only place in India that serves as home to the endangered mighty Asiatic Lion, Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the highly popular tourist destination of Gujrat. In 1965, Gir National forest was bestowed with the status of a wildlife sanctuary and in 1975 it was declared as a National Park. Covering a n area of 1412 square km, the national park boasts of housing around 38 species of mammals, 300 avifauna species, 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 insect species. The jeep safari and bird watching at Sasan Gir are activities worth opting for at the park. It is located 66 km away from Junagarh district and open to visitors throughout the year except the monsoon months i.e. between June and October. The most favourable time to visit the park is during the winter months November to March. At this time, the weather is cool and the chances of catching a sight of the animals are greater because they tend to come out of their dwellings to soak up the warmth of the winter sun. If you are planning a trip to this place, know that Junagadh is the best place to reach the park.
The railway station in Junagadh receives trains from different cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot and other major cities. Then, from here it takes approximately one and half hour to reach Gir National Park. Tourists also come from Somnath and Diu. Another aspect of the Gir National Park safari is the Gir Interpretation Zone, Devaliya Safari Park. It is a surrounding area of the Sanctuary that provides a good chance to the visitors to behold the raw beauty and wilderness of the area. The safari tour is done in a mini bus that ushers the visitors to another section of the Gir Park. From here, the tourists can see a variety of resident fauna including the King of the Park, in just 20 to 30 minutes. The safari generally costs NR 4900 / Jeep for Indian nationals and NR 12,400 / Jeep for foreign nationals. The price includes jeep and driver, permit charges, guide charges, one camera charges, online payment gateway charges, pickup & drop facility from any of the resorts / hotels in Gir and service charges. The park is open for visitors from 6 AM to 6 PM. Bookings can be made online; but it is mandatory for the visitors to carry their original ID proof during the visit.