Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Famous For

Asiatic Lions

The prime attraction of the park is the large population of Asiatic lions.

Getting There

By Air : The nearest airport is in Keshod, 90 kms away from the sanctuary.

By Road : Vearval(32kms) and Junagarh(64kms) are the two nearest towns from Gir Wild life sanctuary which are well connected by road to major cities of India.

By Rail : Sasangir Railway Station is the nearest railway junction from the sanctuary.

Did You Know?

• The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as "Sasan Gir".
• The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 1965.
• There are more than 400 flora species in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a major biological research area.

Attractions

Flora

Vegatation comprises of mixed deciduous forest and trees found here are evergreen. Teak, Acacia, Banyan, Tendu, Salai, Simal, Kalam, Amla, Moledi, Kadayo, Charal, Jamun, Karanj, Ber,Umro, Vad, Sirus and Amli, Khair, Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Khakhro, and Asundro are some of the species of trees which can be seen here.

Fauna

The sanctuary is home to Asiatic Lion, Panther Striped Hyaena, Leopard, Jungle cat, Indian fox, Small Indian civet, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara Wild Boar, Hanuman Langur, Ruddy Mongoose, Five Striped Palm Squirrel, Indian Gerbille, Indian Flying Fox and many other animals making the visit worthful and exciting for the adventurous tourists. Saw Scaled Viper, Common Indian Krait, Spectacled Cobra, Indian Star Tortoise, Indian Chamaeleon, Fan Throated Lizard, Flap Shell Turtle, Indian Bush Rat, Russel's Viper, Common Wolf Snake, Common Monitor Lizard, Buff Striped Keelback are some of the reptiles which makes a thrilling experience.

Avifauna

Several birds can be seen fishing, breeding and nesting. Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Peafowl, Peacocks, Parrots, Raptors, Fish Owls, Black Vultures, Shaheen Falcons, Flamingo, Crested Serpent Eagles, Painted Sandgrouse, Honey Buzzard, Redheaded Merlin, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted Storks Bonelli's Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White Necked Storks, Painted Sandgrouse, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Spotted dove, Spotted Owlet, Flamingo etc. makes this sanctuary an ideal destination for the bird watchers.

Major Attractions

Dhangadhra Wildlife Sanctuary

It lies near Rann of Kutch and houses endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. Nilgai, Blackbuck, Chinkara , Desert Cat, Desert Fox and Indian Wolf which are extremely rare can be seen here.

Tulsishyam

It is a pilgrimage place and known for the hot springs.

Kamleshwar Dam / Lake

Marsh crocodiles are found here.

Deva Danga, Rileys, Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodardi also attract tourists and must be seen while visiting the wildlife sanctuary.

Location

It is situated in an area of 1,412.13 sq km. in Junagadh district in Gujarat.

Best time to Visit

This sanctuary is open throughout the year except in monsoon and its good to see the wildlife from November to June.`