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West India Tiger Park |
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Gir National Park |
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Facts of Gir National
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Gir Tour Packages |
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About Gir National Park
Gir is the only home in India of the Lion of which there are nearly
300 in the park. The Gir national park lies in the Gujarat peninsula
in SW India. The terrain is rugged with low hills and the vegetation
is mixed deciduous, with stands of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak
trees, interespersed with large patches of grasslands. On the hills of
the trees are sparse and stunted.
Within the sanctuary, there are numerous human settlements of cattle
herders called Maldharis with an estimated 20,000 head of livestock
(which, incidentally, forms a significant part of the Lion’s diet).
There are also places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage and sulphur
springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. At the edge of the park there
are good populations of Indian Gazelle, protected by the religious
sentiment of the local people.
Birds in the park include the Paradise Flycatcher, Bonelli’s Eagle and
Painted Sandgrouse. Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarover 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 |
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The Topography
The state of Gujarat has some splendid wildlife reserves that are
quite out of the ordinary. The Gir Nati onal Park is the only home in
India of the Asiatic Lion of which there are nearly 300 in the park.
This sanctuary lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South West India and
is gifted with a terrain that is rugged with low hills and the
vegetation is full of mixed deciduous, with stands of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees, interspersed with large patches of
grasslands. On the hills of the trees are sparse and stunted.
Unique Attractions
The Lion King
Gir Sanctuary is the last and only home of the critically endangered
Asiatic Lion. These lions are a smaller more compact version of their
African version, and are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on
the move. The major difference between the two is that the African
Lion appears larger than the Indian Lion because of its large and
luxuriant mane. |
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The
Leopards
Leopard is considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful
animals in the jungle, also the most dangerous one. Popularly known as
the Prince of Cats, this animal is the most adaptable from the family
of predators, one the reason why it occupies a much larger spread of
Gujarat forest cover, and in Gir National Park it has been found in
all the varied habitats and vegetation types. The approximate
population of 210 Leopards resides within the sanctuary area.
Reptiles
Not leaving the water predators behind, Mash crocodiles are often seen
along the Kamleshwar Dam Site. Another major attraction among the
reptile population of Gir National Park are the numerous non-venomous
Snakes such as the Indian Rock Python along with the four venomous
varieties, which are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled Viper,
Russell's Viper. |
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Other Attractions
Among the lesser-known wildlife of Gir National Park include the most
common animal that can be si ghted in the sanctuary is the Chital or
Spotted Deer. Others main wild attractions are Nilgai, Chinkara,
Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Indian
Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian
Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel,
Indian Fox, and Jackal. The three smaller wildcats - the Jungle Cat,
Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat, also inhabit Gir forest, which
shows that the forest is not just meant for the protection of Lions,
but the whole of the cat family.
Rich and Varied Bird life
The forest is also rich in bird life, and an estimated of 300 species
are found inhabiting Gir National Park over the years. Many wildlife
experts say that if Gir has not been a Lion sanctuary, it could have
easily passed off as a protected area for the incredible diversity of
birds that it harbours. The avifauna in here occupies the forest
floors, small plants and shrubs and even the canopy of the trees. The
Paradise Flycatcher, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Pied Woodpecker,
Bonelli's Eagle, Creset Serpant Eagle, Painted Sandgrouse, Bush Quail
and Grey Patridge are among the varieties that are commonly found over
here |
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Flora
Attractions
Vegetation in Gir can be looked at in four ways. The first is the Teak
forest and nearly half of the protected area has this kind of a
habitat. The main tree species that occupy this habitat are Khair,
Sadad, Timru, Babul, Amla, Moledi, Dhavdo, Kadayo and Bahedo. The
non-Teak forests, which com prise the remaining forest consists of tree
species like the Khair, Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Amla, Moledi, Kadayo,
Salai, Simal, Khakhro, Ber and Asundro.
A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and
streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal,
Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and
evergreen, giving the area a cool shade and the moisture content.
Finally, Prosopis and Casuarina have been planted in the coastal
border as part of the aforestation plan.
Best Time to Visit in Gir
National Park
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited
wildlife reserves within India still the period one should visit this
park is during the months of Mid October-Mid June, and the best
recommended time is December-April.
How to get there?
By Air: Nearest airport is Keshod 90-km via Veraval. One can
catch daily flight from Mumbai to Keshod. Drive to Gir from Keshod or
Rajkot (166-kms) airports.
By Rail: Meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad. There
is also a railway station at Sasan Gir (1km).
By Road: Distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot,
Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are also available from
Junagadh and Veraval between November and June |
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Tour Packages of Gir National Park
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