This document provides information about Gir National Park in Gujarat, India. It discusses that Gir National Park is the only place in the world outside of Africa where Asiatic lions can be seen in the wild. The document outlines details about the park such as its size, history of lion conservation, current lion population, other wildlife present, and tips for visiting. Information is also given about nearby accommodations and how to plan a short trip to Gir National Park.

1. GIR FOREST NATIONAL PARK
• EVS ASSIGNMENT| PRESENTED TO- JEET DOGRA SIR
• BY : SURYANSH CHAUHAN ,SANJANA BHARGAVA,
• RITIKA SHARMA , SUYASH NIGAM
•
•

2. GIR NATIONAL PARK: THE MAJESTIC HOME
OF THE ROYAL KING
• BESIDES AFRICA, GIR NATIONAL PARK IN GUJARAT IS THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD
WHERE YOU CAN SPOT LIONS ROAMING FREE IN THE WILD. IT COVERS TOTAL AREA OF 1412
SQUARE KILOMETERS OF WHICH 258 KM FORMS THE CORE AREA OF THE NATIONAL PARK.
INDISCRIMINATE HUNTING BY THE PEOPLE OF JUNAGARH LED TO THEIR DECREASE IN
POPULATION DRASTICALLY, WHILE THEY WERE COMPLETELY WIPED OUT FROM THE OTHER
PARTS OF ASIA. IT WAS THE KIND EFFORT OF NAWABS OF JUNAGARH WHO PROTECTED THE
QUEEN ROYALTY IN HIS OWN PRIVATE HUNTING GROUNDS. LATER IN DUE COURSE OF TIME
DEPARTMENT OF FOREST OFFICIALS CAME FORWARD TO PROTECT THE WORLD’S MOST
THREATENED SPECIES. FROM A POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 20 LIONS IN 1913, THEY
HAVE RISEN TO A COMFORTABLE 523 ACCORDING TO 2015 CENSUS. THERE ARE 106 MALE,
201 FEMALE AND 213 SUB-ADULT LIONS IN THE WILDERNESS OF THESE FOUR DISTRICTS.

3. SUBTLE GLIMPSES OF MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
AT SASAN GIR
• ANIMALS:ENTIRE FOREST AREA OF THE GIR NATIONAL PARK IS DRY AND DECIDUOUS WHICH PROVIDES BEST
HABITAT FOR ASIATIC LIONS. AS PER THE NEW STATICS OF 2015, THE ENTIRE SAURASHTRA REGION IS INHABITED
BY 523 LIONS AND MORE THAN 300 LEOPARDS. APART FROM THESE TWO ANIMALS THE PARK IS A HOME TO TWO
DIFFERENT SPECIES OF DEER. THE SAMBAR IS COUNTED LARGEST INDIAN DEER. THE GIR FOREST IS ALSO
KNOWN FOR THE CHOWSINGHA – THE WORLD’S ONLY FOUR HORNED ANTELOPE. THE JACKAL, STRIPED HYENA
AND INDIA FOX ARE SOME OF THE SMALLER CARNIVORES FOUND IN GIR FOREST.
• BIRDS: THE EXOTIC FLORA OF GIR NATIONAL PARK GIVES SHELTER TO MORE THAN 200 SPECIES OF BIRDS AND
MOREOVER THE SANCTUARY HAS BEEN DECLARED AN IMPORTANT BIRD AREA BY THE INDIAN BIRD
CONSERVATION NETWORK. GIR IS ALSO HABITAT OF RAPTORS LIKE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED WHITE-BACKED
AND LONG-BILLED VULTURES.
• REPTILES:SASAN GIR IS BLESSED WITH MORE THAN 40 SPECIES OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. KAMLESHWAR –
A LARGE RESERVOIR IN THE SANCTUARY IS THE BEST SPOT WHERE MARSH CROCODILE CAN BE SEEN IN LARGE
NUMBERS. PARK HAS EVEN MANY SPECIES OF SNAKE INCLUDING KING KOBRA, THE RUSSELL’S VIPER, SAW-
SCALED VIPER AND THE KRAIT.
• GIR INTERPRETATION ZONE, DEVALIYA: DEVALIYA SAFARI PARK IS ENCLOSED AREA OF THE SANCTUARY THAT
OFFERS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE A RUSTIC BEAUTY AND WILDERNESS OF THE
AREA. THE SAFARI TOUR IS CONDUCTED IN A MINI BUS THAT TAKES VISITORS TO ANOTHER CROSS SECTION OF
THE GIR. TRAVELERS CAN WATCH HERE A GOOD VARIETY OF WILDLIFE IN JUST 20 TO 30 MINUTES TOUR
INCLUDING ASIATIC LION.

4. HOW TO REACH GIR NATIONAL PARK
GIR:
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 SASAN 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 TO SASAN GIR OR TRAVEL BY TAXI.
• 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 SASAN 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.

5. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR
VISITING GIR FOREST NATIONAL
PARK?
•THE ONLY HOME OF THE ASIATIC LIONS, THE VERY POPULAR GIR
NATIONAL PARK IS PLACED 66 KM AWAY FROM JUNAGARH
DISTRICT. THE NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN TO VISITORS ALL
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR EXCEPT THE MONSOON MONTHS,
BETWEEN JUNE AND OCTOBER. BUT THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GIR
NATIONAL PARK IS IN THE WINTER SEASON, FROM NOVEMBER TO
MARCH. DURING THIS TIME, THE WEATHER IS COOL AND THE
CHANCES OF SIGHTING ANIMALS ARE GREATER.

6. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN AND
AROUND THE PARK?
Interpretation Zone: For tourists, an interpretation zone has been created inside the Park at
Devalia, which basically comprises of all sorts of habitat and wildlife in the park restricted under
chained fences.
Kamaleshwar Dam: This stunning dam inside the sanctuary surrounded by lush greenery is bet
for a visit in the morning. At this location, tourists will find maximum number of marsh crocodiles
as compared to any other place in the country.
Gir Bhimchas: This water reservoir inside the park is a must visit. It is believed among tourists
that this reservoir was constructed by Bhim to help his mother, Kunti, to get rid of her thirst.
Somnath: The newly constructed Somnath temple which has become a famous tourist attraction
is located at a close distance from the sanctuary.

7. WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES
ARE THE BEST NEARBY GIR FORESTS?
Tourists need not worry about accommodation facilities when on a tour to Gir forests. Apart
from the budget hotels that are nearby the forests, there are some of the top rated wildlife
resorts and lodges nearby Gir Forests. Stay in these lodges is an ultimate vacation
opportunity to the tourists.
The best of accommodation and dining facilities are available to the tourists with a stay in
the wildlife lodges. Most of these accommodation establishments even organize camp fires
at night which are very exciting and fun.
The best advantage of choosing these slightly expensive accommodations is the chance to
live amidst the wildlife and very close to the forests. There is hardly any other adventure that
can be compared with this. For wildlife enthusiasts, some of the best wildlife resorts nearby
Gir Forests include Gir Birding Lodge, Fern Gir Resort, The Taj Gateway Hotel, the
Maneland Jungle Lodge, Lion Safari Camp, Sinh Sadan Guest House, etc.

8. .
USEFUL TIPS ON A TOUR TO GIR
NATIONAL PARK
• LIONS ARE MOST ACTIVE EARLY IN THE MORNING, AND HENCE, THE EARLY MORNING
SAFARIS ARE IDEAL FOR LION VIEWING.
• PRIVATE VEHICLES OF ANY SORT ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE PARK.
• DO NOT CARRY ANY KIND OF WEAPON WITH YOU INSIDE THE FOREST.
• THE CHARGES AND CROWDS ARE LARGER DURING SPECIAL HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS, SO
TRY AND AVOID TOURS ON THESE DAYS.
• BE PATIENT IF YOU DO NOT GET TO SEE ANY WILDLIFE INSIDE THE FOREST.
• TOURISTS MUST BE READY WITH THEIR CAMERAS TO CLICK EXCITING PICTURES OF
WILDLIFE SPECIES.
• IT IS PREFERABLE TO WEAR LIGHTER COLORED CLOTHES AS THE ANIMALS ARE SCARED
AWAY EASILY BY DARKER COLORS.
• DO NOT TEASE, HARM OR HURT ANY WILDLIFE SPECIES. IT IS CONSIDERED A MAJOR
OFFENCE AND WILL LAND YOU IN TROUBLE WITH THE AUTHORITIES.

9. Days
Morning
Timings
Evening
Timings
MondayTo
Sunday
6 AM to 9 AM 3 PM to 6 PM
9 AM to 12PM -
Particulars
Morning
Timings
Evening
Timings
MondayTo
Sunday
8 AMTo 11 AM 3 PMTo 5 PM
Category
Monday-
Friday
Saturday-
Sunday &
Special
Holidays
Indian
Up to 6
persons
INR 800 INR 1000
Extra Child INR 100 INR 125
Foreigner
Up to 6
persons
INR 4800 INR 6000
Extra Child INR 1200 INR 1500
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES INSIDE
THE NATIONAL PARK ?
https://www.indianholiday.com/wildlife-india/gir.html

10. SHORT ESCAPE TO GIR
DURATION: 2 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS
DESTINATION COVERED: JUNAGADH - GIR NATIONAL PARK -
ITINERARY DETAILS
• DAY 1: RAJKOT/ JUNAGADH - GIR NATIONAL PARK-
• YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS TO REACH GIR NATIONAL PARK. YOU CAN EITHER DIRECTLY DRIVE TO GIR FROM
RAJKOT. THE JOURNEY IS ABOUT FOUR HOURS. THE OTHER OPTION IS TO REACH JUNAGADH FROM
AHMEDABAD, THEN CONTINUING TO THE GIR BIRDING LODGE. ON ARRIVAL, TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL AND
COMPLETE THE CHECK-IN. NOW YOU CAN RELAX, AND ADMIRE THE LUSH, TRANQUIL SURROUNDINGS. HAVE A
PLEASURABLE STAY IN THE COMFORT OF THE LODGE.
• DAY 2: GIR NATIONAL PARK-
• AFTER BREAKFAST, YOUR DAY IS BOOKED FOR WILDLIFE SAFARI AT GIR. ALSO KNOWN AS SASAN GIR, IT IS HOME
TO A VAST VARIETY OF FAUNA AND AVIFAUNA. YOU SPEND AN EXTENSIVE TIME IN SAFARI WHERE YOU CAN SPOT
ANIMALS AND BIRDS SUCH AS LION, SAMBAR, CHOWSINGHA, INDIAN FOX, STRIPPED HYENA, JACKAL AND SO ON.
THE PARK IS HOME TO AS MANY AS 200 SPECIES OF BIRDS INCLUDING CRITICALLY ENDANGERED WHITE-BACKED
AND LONG-BILLED VULTURES. LATER IN THE EVENING, BACK TO THE LODGE FOR A WARM DINNER AND TO
RETIRE FOR THE DAY.
• DAY 3: GIR NATIONAL PARK - JUNAGADH / RAJKOT-
• YOU WAKE UP FOR AN EARLY MORNING SAFARI FOR THE VIEWING OF THE WILD ANIMALS AS THE CHANCES ARE
HIGHER AT THIS TIME. AFTER SAVORING LUNCH, PROCEED TO VISIT THE CROCODILE FARM AND DEVALIYA. BACK
TO THE HOTEL FOR CHECK-OUT AND TRANSFER TO YOUR ONWARD DESTINATION. IF YOU ARE DIRECTLY GOING
TO RAJKOT BY ROAD, THEN YOU START YOUR JOURNEY BACK. BUT, IF YOU ARE TAKING THE TRAIN, THEN HEAD
OUT FOR JUNAGADH A BIT LATER. YOUR SHORT TRIP ENDS ON A HAPPY NOTE.
• HTTPS://WWW.INDIANHOLIDAY.COM/TOURS-OF-INDIA/SHORT-ESCAPE-GIR.HTML#ITINERARY