Gir National Park

About Gir Forest

It is one of the biggest national parks in India which was established in early 1995's, it is also known as Sasan Gir and Girvan Forest as we have the highest population of Lions here, the total area acquires of 1411 sq km among the 260 sq km is fully protected which is for National Park and the rest which is 1151 sq km is for the sanctuary. The Gir National Forest is situated 64.7 km to the south east of Junagadh.

Gir is one of the important restricted areas in Asia because of the utmost protection of valuable species. Gir forest gives the feel to lions as they are at home and they are very much protected species in India, in this forest huge numbers of Lions are found. In olden days the declaration was made by a king that the jungle area and its Lions should be protected. Gir has got an amazing eco-system gifted by nature with various species of plants and animals.

Save The Lions

According to the Census done in April 2010 they got the count of Lions and it was 411, Comparing with 2005's Lion count and the 2010's Lion count has an increase of 52 in numbers. "Save Gir Lions". You will never find any tigers in Gir Forest as they do not come to the place most often where Lions reside, territories of Tigers and Lions are different, when ever these big cats come face to face they attack each other questioning about the inappropriate invasion.

The State Transport buses and taxies are available all the time from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir. Gir forest can be reached from all the cities of Gujarat and the roads well connected, also you can hire 4 wheelers or mini buses depending upon the number of people in your circle.

Safest and enjoyable way is to hire a taxi and the cost is Rs 5/Km, The best time to travel is in the early morning from Ahmedabad and will reach Junagadh in the afternoon, Forest Department Cottages are available at the cost of INR 1000/day for stay. You can proceed with your activities and can go to Gir Forest at night because thats the time you will get to see more animals.

The population of Lions is increasing in Gir Forest every year, lets try to spread the word "No more Killing of Animals" for the good of all endangered species. The best time to visit Gir National Park is December to April, as this is a hottest wildlife reserve most of the people prefer visiting between October and June.

By : Khadeer_Ahmed