FACTS
& FIGURES
Area 1412 sq km
Language Gujarati, Hindi and
English
Best time to visit December -
April
INTRODUCTION
Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, which
lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra
Peninsula (west-central India), is the last home
of some 300 Asiatic lions. It was created in 1913
to protect the largest surviving groups of the
Asiatic lions. It was given a sanctuary status
in 1965. Close to being an extinct species, the
number of Asiatic lions has been steadily rising
since 1980 in this safe haven. The vegetation
in the area consists of teak with a mixture of
deciduous trees, including sal (Shorea), dhak
(Butea frondosa), and thorn forests. The terrain
is rugged with steep rocky hillsides. A few springs
also exist, but their flow is rather eccentric
depending upon the season. Some sixty thousand
tourists visited Sasan Gir Forest Reserve in 1999-2000.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The area is usually dry and arid,
but with the onset of monsoon greenery returns
and the region assumes a fresh and renewed face.
Summers (April-June) are harsh with temperatures
as high as 40°C while winters (December-February)
are cool.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The Asiatic Lion alone draws
hordes of visitors to the park each year. Sasan
Gir is the only place in the world outside the
African continent where the lion can be seen in
its natural habitat.The Asiatic lion is slightly
smaller than its African counterpart but is a
majestic sight to behold. The forest is also home
to species like leopard, chital, chinkara (gazelle),
wild boar, wild ass, nilgai, spotted deer, and
four-horned antelope. It is also the haunt for
monkeys, parrots and India's national bird, the
peacock. A crocodile-rearing and research center
also flourishes adjacent to Sihn Sadan Lodge,
where hatchlings are reared and then consecutively
released into their natural habitat.
Safaris are popular, although
one needs a permit before embarking on one. Permits
are issued on the spot at the Sinh Sadan Forest
Lodge office. Jeeps and minibuses are freely available
for touring the forest. The option of the jeep
is a better one as it can travel to areas where
the bus cannot, hence makes your outing more meaningful.
The best time to observe lions
in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk,
when they are on the prowl. Though the Asiatic
lion is an elusive creature, a morning safari
awards a good chance of seeing it, in contrast
to a hot afternoon safari. With luck on your side,
you may spot more than one.
Gir forest area also includes
the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, where birds
like paradise flycatcher, back-headed cuckoo,
pied woodpecker, various species of eagles, painted
sand grouse, bush quail, flamingo, partridge,
parrot, and peacock may be seen. The park also
has a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna near
the Tulsi Shyam springs.
HOW TO REACH
The park is approachable by
road from the nearest town of Veraval, which is
at a distance of 32 km, and Junagarh, at a distance
of 64 km. State transport buses also ply between
Junagarh and Veraval on a regular basis throughout
the day. Steam trains run to Veraval (twice daily)
and Junagarh (once a day) from the nearest rail
junction, Sasan Gir, which is about 1 km from
the park. The nearest airport is Keshod at a distance
of 86 km.
WHERE TO STAY
The Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge is
not far from the railway station. Gujarat Tourism's
Lion Safari Lodge is down by the river, about
200 meters from the Sinh Sadan, surrounded by
well-maintained gardens and has good facilities.
One can also stay at reasonably priced hotels
away from the forest reserve.
Eatables are freely available at both lodges
within the forest reserve's precincts.
PLACES AROUND SASANGIR
Junagarh, which is 64 km from
Sasan Gir Reserve, is an important heritage sight.
Veraval, to which Sasan Gir has direct links,
is interlinked to Somnath-a popular place for
Hindu pilgrims.
Tourism-of-India.com provides
complete information on tourism in Sasangir Lion
Sanctuary. Tourism-of-India.com offers package
tours in order to make your visit to Sasangir
Lion Sanctuary Pleasant.
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