Gir

Gir Forest National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, western India. The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest-cum-sanctuary famous for being the only abode of the Asiatic Lion. It was established to protect Asiatic lions, who frequent the fenced-off Devalia Safari Park, along with leopards and antelopes. Gir Jungle Trail, outside the fenced area, traverses deciduous forest and is home to wildlife including vultures and pythons. The Kamleshwar Dam has marsh crocodiles and birds, such as Indian skimmers and pelicans.

The protected area of the national park remains closed between June to October, So between December to March is climatically the best time to visit Gir forest. However if you are a great fanatic of wildlife viewing and photography then April and May is considered to be the ideal time despite being hot and humid.

The sanctuary lies in the peninsula of Gujarat that is India's south-western part with terrain that has low hills, is rugged and filled with mixed deciduous trees. Land is rugged with the deepest ravines, rocky hills that are steep, rivers aplenty and those are interspersed with big grassland patches. The bird Sanctuary that houses more than two hundred species of birds, Temple of TulsiShyam and breeding farm of Crocodiles that is nearby Sasan. A combination of crocodiles, Pygmy woodpecker, Chital, Leopard and many more such animals make this place come alive.

Travel Deck

Gir National Park By Road - The roadways traveling is always an appealing journey and the best than any other commuting option. The conditions of the roads in Gujarat are comparatively good and the road journey can be comfortable and enjoyable in the state. The Gir National Park is properly connected to most of the prominent cities of Gujarat via a good road. There are state bus transport service and private bus service, which offer frequent bus service to Gir from various parts of the state. The cab and taxi are also available easily at major cities in Gujarat to commute to the Gir National Park.

Gir National Park By Air - The nearest airports to the Gir National Park are Keshod airport and Rajkot airport. The Keshod airport is located around 70 km from the park, whereas the Rajkot airport is at a distance of around 160 km. Take a cab or bus service to reach the Gir national park from any of these two airports. However, the best way to reach Gir National Park from overseas is by using the Mumbai International Airport. One can reach the Diu airport from the Mumbai airport via air route and then take the cab from Diu airport to Gir national park, which is at around drive of 2 hours by a cab. You can also opt to reach the Porbandar airport from the Mumbai airport and then take a cab or taxi to reach the Gir national park by road. It will take around 2 to 2 and half hour to drive from Porbandar to Gir.

Gir National Park By Rail - Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are the nearest railway station from the Gir national park, located at around the same distance from the park. Both the railway stations are on the main railway line of the state and connected to all the major location of the country by the direct trains. Take a cab or taxi or state bus to reach Gir from any of these two railway stations which will take around one and a half hour to 2 hours by road. The other nearest railway station is the Rajkot railway station, which is located at around 165 km from the Gir forest and takes around 3 and a half hours to 4 hours by road. The Rajkot railway station is also a major station and connected to major cities by direct or connecting trains.