Gir National Park
The Gir forest covers an area of 1150 square kilometers with 300 square kilometers
forming the core area of the national park. The park receives a good annual
rainfall averaging 1000mm. The temperatures at the park vary to extremes, as
they do with most of the country too. In winters, the temperatures go down to
as low as 6 degrees centigrade, while soaring up to a scorching 46 degrees in
the summers.
The park is open to visitors from November to May but the best time for visiting
the park, taking comfort and wildlife viewing into consideration, is December
to March. The park offers many excellent drives through scenic areas. For the
more impatient and less adventurous, the park authorities organize "lion
shows" in the Dewaliya area, which are a sure-shot way of seeing the magnificent
big cats.
These "spectacles" for the public are hopefully soon going to be axed,
as is proposed by the more thoughtful of the governing bodies, and a safari
park instead is to replace them with an area of around 1000 acres being set
aside with a higher population density of lions to enhance sighting chances.
Prime Attractions of Gir National Park :
» The Lion King - Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the last and only home
of the critically endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are a smaller more compact
version of their African version, and are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they
are on the move. The major difference between the two is that the African Lion
appears larger than the Indian Lion because of its large and luxuriant mane.
» The Leopards - Leopard is considered to be one of the most beautiful
and graceful animals in the jungle, also the most dangerous one. Popularly known
as the Prince of Cats, this animal is the most adaptable from the family of
predators, one the reason why it occupies a much larger spread of Gujarat forest
cover, and in Gir National Park it has been found in all the varied habitats
and vegetation types. The approximate population of 210 Leopards resides within
the sanctuary area.
» Reptiles - Not leaving the water predators behind, Mash crocodiles
are often seen along the Kamleshwar Dam Site. Another major attraction among
the reptile population of Gir National Park are the numerous non-venomous Snakes
such as the Indian Rock Python along with the four venomous varieties, which
are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled Viper, Russell's Viper.
» Flora Attractions - Vegetation in Gir can be looked at in four
ways. The first is the Teak forest and nearly half of the protected area has
this kind of a habitat. The main tree species that occupy this habitat are Khair,
Sadad, Timru, Babul, Amla, Moledi, Dhavdo, Kadayo and Bahedo. The non-Teak forests,
which comprise the remaining forest consists of tree species like the Khair,
Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Amla, Moledi, Kadayo, Salai, Simal, Khakhro, Ber and Asundro.
A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species
like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here.
These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade
and the moisture content. Finally, Prosopis and Casuarina have been planted
in the coastal border as part of the aforestation plan.
Other Attractions :
Among the lesser-known wildlife of Gir National Park include the most common
animal that can be sighted in the sanctuary is the Chital or Spotted Deer. Others
main wild attractions are Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned
Antelope, Wild Boar, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog,
Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine,
Ratel, Indian Fox, and Jackal. The three smaller wildcats - the Jungle Cat,
Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat, also inhabit Gir forest, which shows that
the forest is not just meant for the protection of Lions, but the whole of the
cat family.
Safaris :
» Jeep Safari - The best way to observe the big cats is, of course,
in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl.
Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.
Best Time to Visit :
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited wildlife reserves
within India still the period one should visit this park is during the months
of Mid October-Mid June, and the best recommended time is December-April.
General Information Tips:
» Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal
animals sleep during day time.
» Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing
them.
» Take official guides along with you on the park trip.
» Do not smoke inside the park.
» Do not use flash or intrusive photography.
» Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.
» Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park
surroundings.
» For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the
vicinity of the park is not allowed.
» Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.
» Carry plenty of water along with you.
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