Gir National Park:

Gir, the name that gives you goosebumps, is the royal territory of the giant Asiatic lions. The Gir National Park, owing to its perfect topography and great environs forms a flawless dwelling place of wildlife animals. The Gir Park is a wildlife sanctuary and forest that lies in Gujarat near the Talala Gir. Established in 1965, this wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 1412 sq. km. This forest is also known by the name Sasan Gir and lies at a distance of 60 km south-west of Amreli and near about 65 km south-east of Junagadh.

History of the Park:

The ground of the Sasan Gir National Park was once the hunting locales of the British people during their rule in India. Hunting and killing the giant lions and tigers were considered a matter of pride. The year 1899 saw huge redundancy in the number of lions in the Gir forest due to famine. Owing to this fatal condition, Lord Curzon canceled his shooting trip to Gir. He further requested the residents to save the remaining number of lions.

Gradually, hunting and killing were banned by the Indian Government in 1960. Since then the number of Gir lions increased in the count and at present, the lions are kept under 24x7 surveillance and are only accessible for the photo safaris. At present, the credit of the most protected wildlife sanctuary of Asia goes to this Gir National Park. With the inception of the lion breeding program, the park and its adjoining areas have seen an increase of around 180 lions.

Wildlife in the park : The Gir lion park in Gujarat offers a fabulous opportunity to the wildlife lovers to witness the massive Asiatic lion roaming safely and freely. There are about 2,375 unique fauna species in Gir. This includes near about 38 varieties of mammals, 2,000 types of insects, 37 types of reptiles and 300 varieties of birds..

The residents of the herbivore group include the Nilgai, Chital, Wild boar, Four-horned Chinkara, Sambar and the Antelope. One can also see Blackbucks in the adjoining areas of the park.

Last but not least:

The Gir National Park is easily accessible via air, rail, and road. To make your forest trail an explicit one, look for luxury Gir hotels and lodges. Several accommodation facilities are available near the National park. The majority of the hotels offer salubrious facilities and are equipped with modern amenities to make your trip a memorable one. Pack your bags, book the best accommodation available and make your Gir visit a grand success.