The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a
forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a
total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the
national park) and (1153 km² for the Sanctuary), the park is located 43 km in
the north-east from Somnath, 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh and 60 km to
south west of Amreli.
It is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo
persica) and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia
due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and
fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest
department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir and its lions
were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the Nawab of the
princely state of Junagadh. This initiative assisted in the conservation of the
lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy
hunting.
Gir is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and is synonymous
with the majestic Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). The only place in India
to see this animal, this park can take legitimate pride in saving an endangered
species, which was at the threshold of extinction in the start of the twenty-first
century, by providing it a more secured habitat. The Gir ecosystem falls in
Biogeography Zone-4 (the semi arid) and Biogeography Province 4-B. Gujarat
Rajwara is the last remaining abode of the Asiatic Lion, Panthera leo persica.
The Government of Gujarat has declared an area of 1412.1 sq km as Protected
Area (PA) which comprises 258.7 sq km as National Park and 1153.4 sq km as
Sanctuary. Besides this 470.5 sq km of forest area forms a buffer Zone as
reserve, protected and unclassified forest. Thus, a total area of 1882.6 sq km
makes up the Gir forest.
Ecological importance
The largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in the
country, protected as Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covers an area of 1412
sq km in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Gir has evolved to host a very
stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self-supporting and
self-sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity: 606 different
plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and over 300
species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects. A breeding ground for
migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a variety of raptors and many
other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta,
Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the
Indian python and the Indian star tortoise, and possibly one of the highest
populations of Marsh crocodile in the country. Gir also has one of the densest
concentrations of leopards in India.
The continuous forest, which covers a large tract, plays a
pivotal role in keeping the climate moderate and also keeps the salinity levels
at a low on the southern coast of Saurashtra. Gir is essential to life in
Gujarat. It helps in the smooth running of several ecological activities. Gir
forms a part of the south central highlands in Saurashtra and is a catchment of
important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran, Saraswati, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval
and Datardi. The forest helps recharge the water table due to infiltration and
percolation in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation. Thus, Gir is a
boon to farmers inhabiting the peripheral environs; it ensures sustained
agricultural and horticultural production. Not to mention, the forest has great
potential to be a centre for creating environmental awareness and imparting
nature education. The real feather in Gir’s hat, though, is the presence of the
Asiatic lion. The attraction of these ironic species coupled with the aesthetic
beauty of the area and the close proximity to the Somnath temple, has made Gir
a popular tourist destination.
Conservation
For over 150 years, Asiatic lions have remained confined
only to Gir after the Nawab of Junagadh took strong conservation measures to
protect them, leading to a growth in the lion population. Even today, thanks to
the people who live in this area, Gir is one of the best conservation stories
in the world. The number of Asiatic lion has increased to 411 in the area
according to census conducted in 2010.
Adequate protection and better enforcement of conservation
strategies have resulted in the dispersal of lions outside Gir National Park
and Sanctuary. The lion's distribution range has expanded to 21 talukas in the
3 districts. It is possible that an increase in the number of male lions might
be one of the reasons that lions are migrating in search of new, alternative
territories. The government has taken steps to develop and increase more forest
areas under the network of protected areas for the lions using the ‘landscape
conservation’ approach. Infrastructure, skilled manpower, better communication
and patrolling systems, state-of-the-art rescue and treatment facility, people
participation, scientific and organized management inputs, and esteemed
leadership are the key factors behind the overall biodiversity conservation.
Eco-tourism
Tourism in Gir had its modest beginning much before the
country’s independence. During the last decade, a lot of improvement works have
taken place in terms of promoting the ecotourism opportunities in Gir. In tune
with the objectives of Wildlife Conservation, ecotourism is allowed on a
limited and regulated basis in identified eco-tourism zone near sasan-Gir. The
objectives of eco-tourism in the Gir are to minimize the negative impact of
tourists on PA and wildlife, to provide economic benefits to the local
communities, to maximize peoples’ enjoyment during their stay through
education, interpretation and to increase the visitors’ concern for nature and
biodiversity conservation.
Places of Interest near Gir
Veraval (36 km): The fishing port of Veraval is known for
its dhow-building yard where massive hand-built seaworthy vessels are made.
Once a port of the Nawab of Junagadh, it has old gates and historic buildings.
Somnath (40 km): Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas or
holy abodes of Lord Shiva. The main temple is an important pilgrimage for
Hindus and its riches were ransacked by invaders. The Prabhas Patan Museum has
interesting architectural fragments and sculptures from the ruined temples.
Somnath also has Lord Krishna's cenotaph and bathing ghats at Triveni Tirth, a
medieval Sun Temple , the historic Ahilya Temple , Bakhla Tirth where Krishna
is said to have met his end, and a cave temple.
It also has beaches and there are chances of seeing coastal
birds like dunlin, curlew sandpiper, black-headed, brown-headed, Pallas,
yellow-legged and heuglin's gulls, gull-billed, Caspian, lesser crested,
common, little, whiskered and river tern, ruff, ruddy turnstone, whimbrel,
curlew, red-necked phalarope, etc.
Junagadh (63 km): Historically, Junagadh is one of the most
interesting cities of Gujarat. Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts here date to the
3rd century BC and there are also ancient Buddhist cave-sites dated to the
Mauryan and Gupta Fort. The Uparkot Fort of the Chudasama Rajputs rises from a
hilltop and has 11th century monuments inside the imposing battlements. Mystic
poet Narsinh Mehta also lived in Junagadh and his monument is in the city. By
the 19th century, the Nawabs of Junagadh rose to become affluent rulers and
during their reign palaces, colleges, mosques, mausoleum complexes and a quaint
railway station came up at Junagadh, all of which are worth seeing specially
the palace museum. The city museum has archaeological finds and manuscripts.
While in Junagadh, visit Sakkarbagh Zoological Park that is
captive-breeding Asiatic lions and you could see ibises and other birds in the
park.
Girnar (60 km): This 3660-ft high hill rises on the
outskirts of Junagadh with temples on ridges and on the summit. The 12th century
Jain Temples are specially attractive with exquisite carvings.
Jetpur (90 km): The textile town of Jetpur is known for its
block and screen printing workshops and is good for shopping.
Diu Island (95 km): Diu Island was once ruled by the Portuguese
and is now a Union Territory. Popular as a beach destination, the island also
has a 16th century Portuguese Fort, the impressive St Paul's Church, Diu Museum
and old houses. Flamingos, storks and waders can be seen at the creeks of Diu.
Wildlife Sanctuary in IndiaGondal (123 km): A princely state
known for its progressive rulers, Gondal is a good place to stay in the
luxurious comfort of palatial rooms at a heritage hotel. Other highlights of
Gondal are the Vintage and Classic Car Collection of the Maharaja, the
Maharaja's Royal Rail Saloons, the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Gaushala
and Ashwapalak (breeding centre for Gir cattle and Kathiawadi horses) and the
Swaminarayan Temple.
For birders, Gondal is interesting as it has large water
bodies where white pelican, demmossile and common crane, black-headed, black
and glossy ibises, comb duck, spotbilled duck, spoonbill and other birds gather
in large numbers. The royal family's grasslands are good for prinias, larks,
quails, francolins and other birds. Lesser florican in most years breeds at
these grasslands in August and harriers visit in winter. Ibises and waders
breed in Gondal.
Jamnagar (151 km): The princely city of Jamnagar is
dominated by its many palaces. Known for its tie-and-dye (bandhini) fabrics and
its temples, Jamnagar also has a bird-rich lake where more than 75 species of
birds have been listed.
Jamnagar is also the headquarters of the Gulf of Kutch
Marine National Park and Wildlife Reserve, which protects 42 islands fringed by
coral reefs and mangroves. These islands and coastal areas are excellent for
birding attracting large wintering flocks of crab-plover, Kentish plover, ruddy
turnstone, whimbrel, curlew, terek and curlew sandpiper, Temnminck's stint and
other waders. Many birds breed along the Gulf of Kutch and at the islands
including herons, darters, cormorants and terns. During low tide, the coral
reefs can be explored to see octopus, sea hare and other mollusk, echinoderms
like starfish, brittle star and sea urchin, sea cucumber, sea slug, many
species of crabs and other crustaceans, segmented and unsegmented worms
(including endemics), sea anemone, sea fans and other marine life.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary near Jamnagar is also a good
birding site. Indian skimmer is often seen in winter and the first breeding
site of great-crested grebe south of the Himalaya was recorded here.
Black-necked stork, glossy ibis and other birds breed at Khijadiya and large
flocks of ducks can be seen in winter.
The salt-works near Jamnagar are good for greater and lesser
flamingo, great white pelican and painted stork. Jamnagar is also the base to
visit Ranjitsagar, Sasoi Dam, Sinhan Dam and Khambaliya Dam, all four
reservoirs are good for birding.
Rajkot (164 km): The bustling city of Rajkot has the Watson
Museum, Gandhiji's childhood home, Rashtriya Shala working to revive rare
weaves and handicrafts, and public schools. The lakes around the city are good
for waterfowl.
Porbandar (187 km): The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi,
Porbandar was the capital of an important princely state and has many historic
buildings.
The creeks of Porbandar attract large flocks of flamingos,
waders and wagtails. Spectacular flocks of wintering cranes can be seen at dams
and wetlands near Porbandar. Porbandar also has a lake that has been officially
notified a bird sanctuary. It is an excellent area for gulls and terns and one
of the best places in Gujarat for great crested tern in winter.
Off the Sasan - Porbandar Road is the Barda Wildlife
Sanctuary which is also good for birding and for reptiles.
Getting there
By road: Gir National Park is around 55 km from Junagadh
City, the most common base for making a visit, and 348 km from Ahmedabad and
156 kms from Rajkot. The Reception centre is at Sasan Gir, and has a Forest
Guest house maintained by the forest department, nearby the railway station.
By rail:One can travel by Rail to Junagadh from Ahmedabad or
Rajkot and then take a 55 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir or can come
via local trains from Junagadh city.
By Air:Person can come via flight up to Rajkot or Ahemedabad.
Junagadh is perhaps the best approach to the park. The
railway station in Junagadh receives trains from different cities like
Ahmedabad and Rajkot and other major cities. Then, from here it takes
approximately one and half hour to reach Gir National Park.
From Rajkot-On reaching Rajkot Railway Station or Airport
you can take a cab or bus and to reach a Limda chowk. There are a number of
privately operated that go to Junagadh at frequent intervals. Junagadh is
nearly 105 Kms from the city Rajkot and it takes nearly 2 and a half to 3 hours
to cover the distance.From this point you have two options. First one is either
you take a bus from gate number 11or 12 to Sasan Gir or travel by taxi that is
accessible bang opposite the taxi stand. The taxi will take nearly one and half
an hour and will charge reasonably and will drop you to Sasan Gir.
From SomNath to Gir National Park Road Distance or the
driving distance from the Gir National Park to Somnath is approximately 50 Kms
and it takes nearly 1 hour to cover this distance. GSRTC buses and quite a few
private buses ply between both the cities and take you directly to Sasan Gir
Forest.
From Diu To Gir Park: Diu airport is closest to the Gir
National Park. From here you can hire that are present just outside the airport
which will take you to Sasan Gir. Sasan Gir is nearly 110 kms airport of Diu
and takes approximately 2 hours to cover this distance. If you have a late
afternoon flight it is better to take a halt at Diu or can visit Somnath Temple
which is nearly 80 kms from Diu and the road too is good except in little
patches. It just takes an hour to reach Somnath from Diu. Next morning you can
move on to Sasan Gir which is just 40 kms from here and just takes half an hour
to cover this distance.Some other routes to reach Sasan Gir by road is from
Keshod which also has an airport and is 45 kms, Veraval is 40 kms away,
Junagadh is 55kms, Rajkot is 160Kms, Ahemedabad is 410Kms. The closeby railway
stations are Sasan which is 0 Kms and Rajkot which is 160 Kms.
If you can't afford a taxi there are frequent buses that are
playing throughout the day. The park is easily accessible from the beautiful
beaches of Diu which is about two hours drive don't want to take a taxi, pubic
buses run regularly to Sasan Gir from both places during the day. People prefer
private buses as it conveniently drops them to the Guest houses you want to
reach. So in this way they are more convenient than the buses. No prior booking
is required as the buses are available on any part of the day. So, come and
enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of Gir National Park and take home some of
the most treasured moments back home.
Timings
Monday To Sunday:
6
AM to 9 AM, 9 AM to 12PM, 3 PM to
6 PM
Note: Forest visit is closed from 16th June to 15th Oct
every year.
Charges
Up to 6 persons 400
INR 2400 INR
Extra Child 50
INR 600 INR
Saturday-Sunday
Up to 6 persons 500
INR 3000 INR
Extra Child 65
INR 750 INR
Festival Days
Up to 6 persons 600
INR 3600 INR
Extra Child 75
INR 900 INR
Note: In one E-permit maximum 6 (+1*) persons will be
allowed.
*Only 1 child between 3 to 12 years will be allowed.
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