Sasan Gir, The Dwelling of the Lions

  • General Information

    Common Name:
    GIR
    Other Name:
    -
    District:
    Junagadh
    State:
    Gujarat
    Country:
    India
    Area:
    1412 Sq. Km.
    Language Spoken:
    Gujarti, Hindi and English
    Long Distance Code:
    +91-2836
    Importance:
    National park and the only Lion sanctuary in India
    Best Time To Visit:
    October to March and -
    International Access:
    -

  • Description:

    Sasan which is hardly at a distance of One hour from Junagadh is famous for its National Park for Lions, the Gir National park. The dwelling of the King of Animals, the majestic lions is what Sasan Gir is famous for. The Gir National park, located at an hours distance from Junagadh is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion on Earth. It is spread over 2450 hectares, and offers visitors the best in flora and fauna. Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is definitely one of India's success stories. From a pitiful number of around twenty lions at the turn of the century there are now approximately three hundred lions in the park. Best visited from December to April, the visitors can have a better look if they drive through the park in Jeep. Although the Asiatic lions of Gir, incredibly awe inspiring animals, are supposed to be used to human presence it is always better to be cautious. Best time to view this animal is during early daytime or late in the night.The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare and the black buck also share the Jungle with the lions of Gir. As visitors pass through this park, they can view rivers making their way through the lush green thick forests. It is also home to over 200 species of birds including the peafowl, grey partridge, Boneli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sand grouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. The other attractions are the leopard population in the Jungle which is the most in any part of India and the crocodile breeding farm. But by and large, it is the Lion that makes your visit to the park worthy.The Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam are two temples inside the jungle and are famous for their natural hot spring tanks. The tribal life of the Siddis is also a major attraction of Gir. These Siddis are supposed to be of some African breed, and are believed to be brought here by a ruler of Junagadh as slaves and they stayed back. Now they have adopted the language and the dresses of the locals and it is only their body and face that differentiates them from the rest.

  • Location:

    The Sanctuary spreads over Junagadh and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. The main centre "Sasan" is located in Talala taluka of Junagadh district at about 60 km. from Junagadh. - Nearest airport is Rajkot, 165 kms via Junagadh. - Distance of 400 kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. - Distance of 43 kms from Veraval. - Distance of 65 kms from Junagadh via Mendarda. - Meter gauge rail line of 395 kms from Ahmedabad.

  • Climate:

    The climatic conditions in Sasan Gir can be classified as a tropical monsoon type of climate. The region is extremely hot during the summer months and the temperatures soar during peak summer. The monsoon season brings relief from the heat and torrential rainfall can be expected during these months. Winters are much cooler and temperatures can drop during the nights. The summer season is from the months of March to May. The maximum temperature that one can expect during the summer season is around 43°C. The minimum temperature during the summer months is usually around 33°C. Peak summer season is in the months of April and May. The onset of the monsoon is usually in the months of June and it lasts till the end of September. The South West Monsoon is responsible for bringing rain to this region and the conditions are damp for most of this period. Due to this, the park is closed from the second week of June to the end of October. The months from November to February constitute the winter season, and this is the best time to visit the place. Temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C to a maximum of 15°C.