GIR NATIONAL PARK

Earlier known as Sasan Gir, this National Park, and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few places where you can find lions roaming about! Located near Talala Gir in Gujarat, it covers almost 1400 square kilometer area.If we go back to history, it was a ground of hunting for British Colonists. Later, they all realized that there was a drastic decline in the number of lions and brought it in the attention of Nawab of Junagadh. In today's date, this is the only area in entire Asia where lions occur. Strange, right? And, now, we humans realized that we shall protect the Park because of its biodiversity. In 1960, the government finally took an action and banned lion hunting and permitted only Photo Safaris which continues to date.They also regard the Gir forest as “The Majestic home of the Royal King”. The presence of abundant lions is the sole definition of this forest!

This park is the inclusion of several rivers, reservoirs, and dams! 7 perennial rivers like Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, Macchundri, Godavari and Raval are part of the Gir region. Water, water, everywhere! There is a lifeline of Gir- Kamleshwar Dam as it's the biggest reservoir in that area.Even if there are so many rivers and water sources, there are times of drought during the summer. The Forest Department has to take care of maintaining the water availability for the flora and fauna. The Park comprises 300 water points to make water available to our beloved animals.At times, surface water is not available at most water points, especially during drought and poor rainfall. This makes it difficult for the wild animals surrounding the region.

Nothing more than trees soothes me after the daily hassle of work and worries! And, for me, flora in the Gir region is like paradise to me! The Gir forest has over 400 species of plants and trees. The vegetation is mixed with savannah forests and scrub forests. Teak covers the maximum area of the forest.The forest is a well-taken advantage of biological researches with scientific, aesthetic values intact! Umm…… So this is where our biologists pay more visits too! Use doesn't end here. The forest also avails us tons of wood annually.

A Wildlife Sanctuary remains incomplete without its wild animals inhabiting the trees, shrubs, and other green areas. Apart from being a home to Asiatic Lions, Gir has leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, mongoose, badger, and much more! I've lost the count of the wildlife you can discover there.The topography of dry shrubs, the open deciduous forests is the perfect habitat for the lions to live. And, as we know these carnivores love to hunt their prey, we also find herbivores here. One can find cheetah, boars, sambar, antelope, etc in the surrounding area and within the Gir region!In open shrubs, you also find reptiles like the cobras, lizards, crocodiles, and others! I fear these ground-loving creatures; they creep me out! The Marsh Crocodile is found in the Kamleshwar reservoir. Small mammals porcupine and hare are common co-existing animals.Hey! How can we forget the birds? Eh… the forest has over 300 species of birds and most of them are residential. Typical bird species of Gir forest are eagles, owls, peafowl, woodpeckers, and many others. Who shall remember them all? I recently learned that the sanctuary is now an important bird area, as declared by the Indian Bird Conservation Network.

Unlike other National Park, Gir offers only Jeep Safaris; no Elephant or Canter Safaris! The Jungle Safari will give you a glimpse of what heaven looks like. The mesmerizing voices of the birds alongside the roar of the lions will make you feel closer to nature than ever!Experience the beauty and vastness of the Gir Forest with your bare eyes in a jeep or a minibus. The Safari is short in this jungle for about 20 to 30 minutes.Devalia Safari Park, a part of the Gir forest is termed as an interpretation zone. This arena is helpful during the heavy footfalls in the Gir Forest region and people find it difficult to get a permit for the Forest. It is segregated by chain-like fences and also called the eco-tourism zone. It aids in promoting Natural Education among tourists and young visitors! It's wonderful how the forest just cares about our tourists and our wildlife simultaneously!

Keeping aside all the flora, fauna and wildlife, this place has to offer, it also brings us miscellaneous attraction in and around the Gir forest. There's a crocodile breeding farm, a unique place to see the baby and adult crocodiles. They breed there the crocks to restock in the sanctuary.One special temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, for all the religious people is also within the area. Named Tulsishyam Temple or Kankai Mata Temple is one of the famous temples of that region. Tourists make sure to at least visit the temple. The most attractive part of this temple is the nearby hot spring. I guess this is the actual reason for visiting the temple, HOT SPRING!! Yay, it's fun!Let's now talk about another form of water source found! It's like we can find everything here - all at once! Yes, I am talking about the waterfall. Gir forest also has a waterfall, namely Zamzir waterfall present on the Hiran River. It is the most beautiful and heavenly place with an active waterfall throughout the year.  I am sure people like me enjoy the waterfall and its captivating sound. Tourists each year visit this serene place to enjoy and cherish what nature has to offer! The prime part is that you can even take a bath at one particular spot toward a few steps upstream.With so much in one forest, I can surely make several trips with my friends and not get bored! I hope it's the same for you guys. And yes, plan as long as trip as would like or your job permits you too! There are great accommodation provisions for visitors with the best standards of hospitality within one's budget.