Things to do / see in Gir National park , Gujarat , India

Wildlife / animals  / birds / flora / fauna / waterfalls / trekking / birding / nature camps / jungle / jeep safari in Gir National Park , Sasan Gir, Junagarh district

The Asiatic lion previously had an extensive range in natural area running from North West India through Persia to Arabia. But sorry to say hunted as a popular item through the British Raj era, it is now barely found in the Gir forest of Gujarat. The famine of 1899 so destroyed the Asiatic lion population that Lord Curzon, staying as the guest of Nawab Junagadh cancelled his hunting at Girs. Curzon influenced the Nawab to protect the residual lions. In 1965, the India Government affirmed this place as a National park.

The lion population which had downcast to a shocking two dozen in the early 20th century has gradually climbed over the years and at present numbers nearly 300. Inside the sanctuary, there are abundant human settlements of cattle herders known as Maldharis. There are as well locations of Hindu worship and pilgrimage and sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata.

At the periphery of the park there are excellent populations of Indian Gazelle, sheltered by the religious emotion of the local people. Excluding the Asiatic lion, further wild attractions in the sanctuary are Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, crocodile, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox and Jackal. The three smaller wild / Jungle / Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat, moreover dwell in Gir forest. The forest is too rich in bird life, and nearly 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park over the years, the most widespread is the peafowl.

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Gir National Park
Lion Safari Gir 
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