Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

One of Gujarat's top attractions is the Gir National Park, which is around 43 kilometres from Somnath and 60 kilometres from Junagadh. The largest population of Asiatic Lions is only found in Gir National Park in Gujarat, India. Covering Almost 1412 Square Kilometers of Land. More than 300 species of carnivorous animals, such as hyenas, wild cats, foxes, and leopards, as well as a large population of wild boar, sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, and other species are also present. Gir National Park, one of Gujarat's most stunning public spaces, with a unique topography made up of insulated hills and rugged ridges. However, if you're looking for a demesne with inspiring wildlife and natural beauty, you might schedule a trip to Gujarat's Gir National Park.

British colonists had a regal history in the Gir National Park. The Princely States' leaders were used to invite British colonists on hunting expeditions during the nineteenth century. Less than 100 Asiatic lions were still present in the Gir forest by the end of the 19th century.

The Nawab of Junagadh was the owner of the Gir forest. The Asiatic lion population was down, according to the Nawab of Junagadh. The national park was created by the Nawab of Junagadh to save the Asian lion. The Gir National Park is now the only park in Asia where the Asiatic lions are protected as a result of the nawab's decision. Following the nawab, the variety of vegetation and animals in the Gir National Park was taken care of by wildlife enthusiasts and NGOs.

The Gir National Park is mostly made up of rocky hills, expansive grasslands, and plateaus covered in dry deciduous woodland. The trees that are growing on the hills are generally tiny and short, with a few bulbul and other scrub trees. The park is filled with several teak trees and blooming flora. In addition to teak, there are other other trees in the park, including banyan, jamun, tendu, dhak, samai, kalam, and amli. The park is mostly made up of teak trees.

• Along with other wild creatures, the Asiatic lion and Gir National Park are also internationally renowned. Around 38 species of animals, 300 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, and countless of bug species all call the forest home.
• Aisatic lion, Indian leopard, Jungle cat, Bengal fox, Indian mongoose, striped hyena, rusty spotted cat, Indian Palm civets, honey badger, and other uncommon wild creatures may all be observed in the wild.
• Sambar, nilgai, chital, four horned antelope, wild boar, blackbucks, and many more herbivores may be found in the park. In the park, one may also witness pangolin, hare, and porcupine. The Indian cobra, pythons, tortoises, monitor lizards, mugger crocodiles, and tortoises are just a few of the reptiles that may be found here.
• Numerous species of birds, including the brown-capped pygmy woodpecker, black-headed oriole, crested treeswift, Indian pitta, vultures, brown fish, Indian eagle owl, rock bush quail, hawk eagle, Indian peafowl, and many others, may be found at Gir National Park.

• Devalia Safari Park : If you skip the magnificent Gir Devalia Safari, your trip to Gujarat will undoubtedly be lacking. About 12 kilometres to the west of the Sasan Gir is Devalia. The Gir Interpretation Zone, also known as Devalia, is a section of the Gir National Park that is located here. You can see lions as well as fixes, spotted deer, and mongoose from this part of the park. The animals appear to be stage-managed here. For those who enjoy the outdoors and animals, the Devalia Safari on a Jeep is a must-try.To make your safari enjoyable, try to reserve hotels around Devalia. Read to gather detailed information about the trip and book a trip online.
• Crocodile Of Breeding Farm : One distinctive location where you may observe adult and young crocodiles being reared for the purpose of replenishing the sanctuary is the Crocodile Breeding Center in Sasan Gir. Have your camera ready since crocodiles are quite evasive when people are close by. Take pictures of them while they are sunbathing instead. Avoid getting too close to any water features in this area since crocodiles in the water seem to be floating logs from a distance, so it's best to maintain a safe distance when admiring these magnificent reptiles.
• Kamleshwar Dam : A rock-fill embankment dam on the Hiran River in Visavadar, Gujarat State, India, the Kamleshwar Dam is sometimes referred to as the "Hiran-I Dam". The dam was built in 1959 for irrigation reasons and measures 764 hectares (7,640,000 m2). It is situated inside the Gir Forest National Park. The dam, one of Gir's most famous locations, serves as a crocodile breeding ground and is a wonderful destination for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Kamleshwar Dam, with its brilliant vistas of the Hiran River, is a magnificent escape to be enjoyed with friends and family.
• Tulsishyam Temple/Kankaimata temple : A little shrine to the goddess Kankeshwari hidden deep within the Gir forest. It was a lengthy but enjoyable drive through the forest on the gravel road, during which we saw peacocks, deer, and Sambar. On this journey, it is unlikely that you will spot any large cats. Contrary to what many infamous taxi drivers have stated, this is not a substitute for a jungle safari. For many of the local peasants, this resembles a pilgrimage. Definitely worth a visit if you like the forest!
• Zamzir Waterfall : The only waterfall in Gujarat's Saurashtra area that remains evergreen all year is Zamzir (Jamjir). It is located in Kodinar, Junagadh, in the Gir forest area beside the Shingoda river. There are a few stairs to walk and an uneven approach road that needs upkeep, but it is all worthwhile. Near the waterfall, there is a Jamdagni ashram where we may cook for ourselves.Overall, the Gir Jungle is a must-visit location.

• Amidhara Resort : Amidhara Resort is a resort with facilities and a restaurant that is close to the renowned Gir Forest. You will have air conditioning and a TV in the lodging. Private bathrooms offer with complimentary amenities and a shower. You can see the garden from the bedroom. On-site parking is unrestricted. The Hotel Anil Farm House in Sasan Gir offers a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Each of these rooms has a balcony and air conditioning. Hotel Anil Farm House has a front desk that is manned round-the-clock, a garden, and a terrace. On-site parking is available for free.. A desk as well as a fan are extras. There is a front desk open around-the-clock, a garden, and a patio at Amidhara Resort. Meeting spaces, a gaming area, and a tour desk are some of the other amenities available at the establishment. On-site parking is unrestricted.
• Anil Farm House : The Hotel Anil Farm House in Sasan Gir offers a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Each of these rooms has a balcony and air conditioning.Private bathrooms offer with complimentary amenities and a shower. A desk, bed linens, and a fan are extras. Hotel Anil Farm House has a front desk that is manned round-the-clock, a garden, and a terrace. There is also a communal lounge and baggage storage available at the facility. On-site parking is available for free.Fern Gir Forest Resort The Fern Gir Forest Resort in Sasan Gir accepts Genius rewards members. The eco-friendly Fern Gir Forest Resort in Sasan Gir features an outdoor pool, indulgent spa services, and a gym and is situated near to Gir Lion Sanctuary. It has lovely views of the hills surrounding it as well as the Hiran River. It's free to park. Cottages and tents with air conditioning offer an own balcony with views of the outdoors. A flat-screen TV, minibar, and in-room safe are standard in every accommodation. The bathrooms in suites have a shower.
• Gir Birding Lodge : The Gir Birding Lodge is situated near to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary's entrance amid a sizable mango orchard. The lodge offers six deluxe cottages and basic rooms, all with attached bathrooms and hot and cold water showers. The apartments and cottages, which are cosy equipped, are surrounded by groves of the renowned Gir Hills Kesar Mango and other greenery, guaranteeing that many birds visit the property itself. The dining and living spaces of the lodge's first floor are spacious, light-filled, and include verandas where you can observe birds in the orchard and surrounding sanctuary in addition to taking in the view of the woodlands.
• Gir Jungle Lodge : The finest value is provided by Gir Jungle Lodge. It is designed to give the impression that you are staying in the forest. Entry is through the main road, and the inside of the property is calm and free from noise and smog. All meals and taxes are included in their all-inclusive package. no additional costs. In this location, They  have the most inventory, therefore more occupancy translates in cheaper rates. The property is also very large; you may exercise, go for a morning stroll, etc. there. also have a fairly big pool. In our restaurant, they also serve dishes from many cuisines. On the visitors' behalf, they organise safaris.
• Gir Lion Paw Resort : Rooms are available at Gir Lions Paw in Sasan Gir. Visitors may use the outdoor pool and 24-hour front desk at this hotel.The eatery offers Indian cuisine. Each of the hotel rooms has a flat-screen TV. The resort provides a continental breakfast every morning.The Gir Lions Paw offers a playground for kids. Diu Airport is 95 kilometres from the property and is the closest airport.
• Maneland Jungle Lodge : Maneland Jungle Lodge was constructed utilising materials from the region and design elements that complement the native aesthetic. The lodge, which is tucked away in some tiny hills, offers the ideal fusion of a wild, thrilling, and even romantic experience of the forest. Gir, a rich cultural legacy held by the current generation, is more than just a haven for animals. It represents history, which has seen the ups and downs of nature, the challenges of wildlife development, the eventual acceptance of nature's gifts, and the ensuing rise of conservation philosophy.

You should wear clothing with non-reflective fabrics to avoid attracting the unwelcome attention of wild animals. The most chosen colours are browns, greens, and various pastel tones. Additionally, make sure you have binoculars, an excellent camera, hats, water bottles, and sunscreen on you. Within the park's boundaries, camping, hiking, picnics, and smoking are not permitted. It is strongly encouraged that you reserve accommodations in advance because there are a number of resorts and boot camps in the area with varied degrees of lodging amenities.

• In the whole globe, Gir National Park is home to the last remaining population of Asiatic Lions.
• Asiatic lions are among the 2,375 distinct animal species that find refuge in Sasan Gir.
• The lovely Lake Nalsarovar Wildlife Refuge, a well-known sanctuary, is close to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The subspecies of lions that live in Asia and Africa are the same.
• Possibly a million years ago, Asian and African lions diverged.
• It's crucial to remember that lions are exclusively sociable cats that live in packs known as prides.
• Once upon a time, Asiatic lions roamed from the Middle East to India. Only a small portion of these majestic creatures are still found in the wild today.

• Mahabat Khan Maqbara : DOWN A CROSSWAY One of India's least well-known but most amazing architectural anomalies is located in the centre of Junagadh city. The Mahabat Maqbara complex, a stunning fusion of Gothic and Islamic decoration, is still one of India's best-kept architectural secrets. The tomb of Wazir Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, one of the leading lords in the Court of Nawab Mahabat Khan II of Junagadh, is this stunning building that appears out of nowhere. Mahabat Khanji started building the yellow-walled structure in 1878, and his successor, Bahadur Khanji, finished it in 1892. Extensive carvings, beautiful arches, French-style windows, columns, and sparkling silver doors can be seen on the buildings' inner and exterior façades as a result of more than ten years of construction.
• Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple : The elaborately carved, honey-colored Somnath temple on the state's western border is said to have been the site where Shiva manifested as a blazing column of light, the first of India's twelve sacred jyotirlingas. The confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati rivers and the Arabian Sea's tides both have an impact on the area where the temples are located. The history of the old temple can be dated back to 649 BC, although it is thought to be far earlier. In 1951, the current shape was rebuilt. Colorful dioramas of the Shiva story line the north side of the temple grounds, however it's difficult to see them through the misty glass.
• Uparkot Fort : Although it has undergone several expansions, it is thought that the Mauryan monarch Chandragupta constructed this old fort around 319 BC. The ramparts are 20 metres high in certain areas. 16 occasions, and according to mythology, the fort once withstood a 12-year siege. Excellent views of the city and Girnar Hill to the east may be seen from here. Within its walls are two beautiful step-wells, a majestic former mosque, and a group of ancient Buddhist caves. The fort includes two lovely stepwells, each carved out of solid rock. The two slave girls who used to bring water from the round, 41-meter-deep Adi Kadi Vav gave it its name when it was carved in the 15th century. Nearly 1,000 years old, 52-meter-deep Navghan Kuvo was built to aid in sieges, and it has a wonderful stairway that spirals around the well shaft. Be on the lookout for the historic dovecotes.

A wildlife destination is Sasan Gir. The months of September, October, November, December, January, and February are the ideal times to visit Sasan Gir. Expect some crowds because this is the busiest time of the year. The months of July and August have typical weather. As a result, you may easily avoid having to interact with a huge crowd. Peak season weather consists of mild daytime temperatures and cooler evenings, whereas off-season weather consists of sweltering heat and high humidity levels. Rainfall is constant during the mild season, and humidity levels are high. Tourists congregate in huge numbers during festivals like the mango and monsoon festivals. The festivities are observed in June, September through October, and so on.

• By Air : Rajkot and Keshod airports are the closest to the Gir National Park. The Rajkot airport is around 160 kilometres away from the park, whereas the Keshod airport is about 70 km away. Take a cab or a bus to the Gir national park from any of these two airports. However, using the Mumbai International Airport is the most effective option to go to Gir National Park from abroad. From the Mumbai airport, one may fly to the Diu airport. From the Diu airport, one can take a cab to the Gir National Park, which is about a two-hour drive away.
• BY RAIL : The two railroad stations closest to the Gir National Park, Junagadh and Veraval, are almost equal in distance from the park. Both train stations are located on the state's primary rail route and have direct trains running to all of the major cities around the nation. From any of these two train stations, take a cab, taxi, or state bus, and it will take 1.5 to 2 hours to go to Gir. The Rajkot railway station, which is around 165 kilometres from the Gir forest and takes about 3 and a half hours, is the next closest. station.
• BY ROAD : The roads are always a pleasant ride, and they are the finest commuting alternative. Given Gujarat's generally outstanding road conditions, travelling by car there may be both relaxing and fun. Most of Gujarat's important cities are adequately connected to the Gir National Park via an excellent road. Both public and commercial bus companies offer frequent bus service to Gir from several locations within the state. To go to the Gir National Park, cabs and taxis are fairly accessible in Gujarat's major cities.