Gir National Park
Gir National Park, also popularly known as Sasan Gir, is not only a national park but also a forest and wildlife sanctuary located in Gujarat. Gir National Park is one of two places in the world outside Africa where lions still exist. The other wildlife sanctuary is Bannerghatta National Park, but, unlike Gir’s healthy and flourishing lion population, Bannerghatta has only a few lions that are hard to spot.
Water from the Gir region’s seven major perennial rivers quenches the thirst of its wild animals on the hottest of the summer days. During peak summer, there are at least 300 water points available to the park’s thirsty wildlife. The forest department has to ensure water availability during times of drought, due to poor rainfall in the area. Other than being a primary water source for the park’s wildlife, these rivers also host some of the park’s popular attractions.
Wildlife in Gir National Park
According to the latest lion census, the population of Asiatic lions in the last five years has risen by 29%. The forest department stated there are around 674 Asiatic lions in Gir National Park. These lions are one of the primary attractions of the park.
Apart from lions, the park is home to 38 other species of mammals. In 2015, there were 300 Indian leopards in the park. After Asiatic lions, Indian leopards are the most sought-after wildlife species. Other predators include Bengal fox, golden jackal, jungle cat, and spotted hyena. Although the park also has some rusty-spotted cats and Asiatic wildcats, they are rarely spotted.
Amongst the commonly spotted herbivores are blackbucks, chinkara, chital, four-horned antelope, sambar, and wild boar.
With over 300 bird species calling it home, Gir National Park is also an excellent birding destination. It has at least five different vulture species – Indian vulture, Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, red-headed vulture, and white-rumped vulture. There are also 16 distinctive species of eagles – black eagle, booted eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk eagle, eastern imperial eagle, greater spotted eagle, grey-headed fish eagle, Indian spotted eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, short-toed eagle, steppe eagle, and tawny eagle.
The park has over 40 reptiles species, including marsh crocodiles, Indian star tortoise, flap shell turtle, Indian chameleon, red sand boa, Indian rock python, Russel’s viper, saw-scaled viper, and spectacled cobra.
Gir National Park Premier Attractions
- Kamleshwar Dam: Located in the heart of the Gir National Park, Kamleshwar Dam is an artificial dam built on the Hiran river. It is a scenic spot as well as an indispensable source of water during the summers and the perfect place for bird-watching within the park. The waters of the Hiran river are home to mugger crocodiles.
- Darbar Hall Museum: Although not located within the Gir National Park, it is only a 2 hours drive from Gir. Located in Junagadh, also known as the City Palace, this museum is known for its extensive collection of historical artefacts. It displays beautifully preserved costumes, thrones, silver artefacts, and tapestries. Most of the artefacts belong to the Nawabs.
- Uparkot Fort: It is a popular belief that the Uparkot Fort was built in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maurya – the founder of the Mauryan Empire, the largest empire on the Indian subcontinent. The fort was indeed built during the reign of the Maurya empire, but for a while, it lost its significance when Junagadh was replaced as capital by Vallabhi and it lay dormant until Graharipu, King of Chudasama dynasty, rediscovered it. Located in Junagadh, it is only a few minutes from the Darbar Hall Museum. The moat surrounding the fort was once filled with crocodiles to keep the trespassers at bay. The strategic location of the fort has allowed it to survive 16 sieges over 1000 years.
- Girnar Hills: As Girnar Hills has 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread through its summit, it is one of the most sacred places for the Hindu and Jain pilgrims. The hills have a history that can be traced further back than the Mohenjo-daro period. Apart from the religious significance, the hills also offer adventure seekers a rigorous trek of 7.5 hours. The view from the top of the hills is fantastic and so are the temples once you reach there.
When To Visit Gir National Park
Summers (April to June) are considered to be the best time to visit the Gir National Park for wildlife viewing and photography although April and May are the hottest months in India as the temperatures can rise as high as 103.1°F. The heat is one of the reasons it is easy to spot the wildlife as the animals prefer to spend time in sheltered areas, under the trees beneath the shade or closer to water bodies. In the absence of vegetation, visitors can see the wildlife gathering around the water holes.
Gir National Park remains closed for the duration of the monsoon, which is approximately from June to October. For those who want to visit the Gir National Park in cooler climates, November to January is an ideal period to plan a trip.
You May Also Be Interested In...
Kaziranga National Park
One of the newly declared tiger reserves, Kaziranga National Park located in Assam, has over 118 royal Bengal tigers and became a tiger reserve in 2006. Despite housing a large number of royal Bengal tigers,...
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, is a tiger reserve with more than 60 tigers. With one of the highest tiger densities, Bandhavgarh is one of India's top tiger...
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Located in Madhya Pradesh, a state that accounts for most of India's royal Bengal tiger population, the Kanha Tiger Reserve was one of the first few Project Tiger reserves to be established. Also known...
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan, is an iconic tiger safari destination in India. Since its establishment in 1955, the park has acted as a sanctuary for the forests and the wildlife contained...
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, -Asia’s first national park, was initially called Hailey National Park after Lord Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of the United Province. Since then, it has been renamed...
India Safaris
Cycling Safari Trip on Kerala Backroads
- 13 Days
Explore the back roads of Kerala, a tropical region of South India, on this cycling safari. Enjoy a spectacular...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:13 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Kovalam, end in Kochi
India’s Golden Triangle with Bird & Tiger Safari
- 9 Days
This 8-night safari takes you to Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Oct, Nov, Dec
-
Length:9 Days
-
Start/end:Start/end in Delhi
Wildlife Hiking Expedition in Indian Himalaya
- 6 Days
This amazing safari is ideal for wildlife lovers especially birders. Hike through the Indian Himalaya...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Apr, May, Oct, Nov
-
Length:6 Days
-
Start/end:Start/end in Delhi
15-Day Mountainous Cycling Safari
- 15 Days
A cycling safari that sees you traveling through the Indian countryside, making your way past rural villages...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
-
Length:15 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Amritsar, end in Delhi
Tiger Jungles Of Central India
- 14 Days
Venture into the Central Indian Forests and explore the Narmada River Valley, Vindhya Mountain Ranges...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun
-
Length:14 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Mumbai, end in Mumbai
6-Day Golden Triangle Tour With Ranthambore Tiger Safari
- 6 Days
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, combining the Golden Triangle Tour with a Ranthambore Tiger Safari...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Mar, Apr, May, Jun
-
Length:6 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Delhi, end in Delhi
Tiger, Temple & Ancient Caves
- 8 Days
A perfect Indian wildlife experience with intense spirituality and history. Pench National Park has its...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
-
Length:8 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Nagpur, end in Bhopal
Wildlife and Cultural Wonders
- 14 Days
Madhya Pradesh is the true centre and heartland of India. Its forests were made famous by Rudyard Kipling...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Feb
-
Length:14 Days
-
Start/end:Start/end in Delhi
Kaziranga Sunderban Safari Adventure Tour
- 11 Days
Experience the wildlife of India's northeastern states. In Assam, travel by safari jeep in Kaziranga...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
-
Length:11 Days
-
Start/end:Start in September, end in April
Birding Safari, Arunachal Pradesh
- 10 Days
Arunachal Pradesh is the north-eastern-most state in India. Home to a remarkable wealth of birdlife in...
-
Country:India,
-
Departures:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
-
Length:10 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Guwahati , end in Guwahati