Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is located to the southeast of Junagadh, at a distance of 65 km, and southwest of Amreli at a distance of 60 km.
Fast Facts
History
Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular amongst the native and foreign travelers as this is the only shelter of the Asiatic Lions (Panthera Leo Persica). The Nawab of Junagadh state recognized the area of the Gir forest as ‘Protected’, during 1900s. This motive of this initiative was to safeguard the population of lion that had sharply dropped to 15. The survey of 2010 states 411 lions in Gir. This data was 52 more than the data collected in 2005.
Flora
According to the survey made in the year 1964, about 500 plant species were recorded to be in the Gir forest.
Avifauna
There are almost 300 species of birds (native and migratory), enjoying shelter in the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the birds in the park are Crested Hawk-Eagle, Black-Headed Oriole, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Pygmy Woodpecker, Bonelli's Eagle, Indian Eagle-Owl, Vultures, Rock Bush-Quail, Indian Pitta, Crested Treeswift, etc.
Wildlife
The Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is praised for its count of distinct fauna species, which was recorded to be 2,375. This count included 38 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles, 300 species of birds (native and migratory), and 2,000 species of insects.
Climate
The climate in the Gir Forests is typically dry and arid. Monsoon is the time to see the lush greenery in the forests. The months of summers, i.e., from April to June, are hot with temperature rising to 40°C. The months of winters, i.e., from December to February are pleasant and cool. Light woolens are suggested to be carried during the summers and during winters, heavy woolens are advised.
Best Time to Visit
To explore the best of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of October to Mid June. This time is pleasant to explore the forests and during this time, various migratory birds find their shelter in the sanctuary.
Safari in Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
The safari is allowed in The Devaliya Park, which is open throughout the year (Wednesday Closed). The safari timings are 06:00 am to 09:00 am in morning and 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm in the evening.
Travel Tips
Important Information for the Visitors
Around Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
While your visit to Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, you may also visit some of the interesting attractions in and around the wildlife sanctuary as listed below:
How to Reach
By Air: Rajkot, Keshod and Dui are the nearest airports to the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. On your arrival to the respective airports, shared or private taxis are available to fetch the tourists from the airport to the sanctuary.
By Rail: Sasan and Rajkot are the nearest railway stations to the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists can hire private taxies from railway stations to reach the wildlife sanctuary.
By Road: The Gir wildlife sanctuary is also accessible through road. Some of the popular destinations located close to the sanctuary are Ahmedabad (331 km), Rajkot, (170 km), Junagadh (111 km), Veraval (71 km), and Diu (73.5 km).
Accommodation Facilities
For the proper and comfortable accommodation, there are hotels, resorts, lodges and cottages available to meet the specific requirements of the guests. These accommodation options are equipped with facilities and services that lead to pleasurable stay for the guests.