'' The Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary is located about 65 km south east in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Gir National Park is one of the India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries located in Gujarat. This national park is set up in an area of 1412 square km. of lush deciduous forests. This national park was established on 18th September 1965 as a Forest Reserve to conserve the Asiatic lion.
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The Gir National Park is being located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh and 60 km to south west of Amreli in the Indian state of Gujarat. The rapidly growing population of this state has opted another way of survival as the productivity is not found sufficient for livelihood. They turned towards industrialization. The regularly minimizing water level, diminishing bio diversity aspects, making land free from forests, unplanned excavation made the population some slow towards natural productivity options.
Attractions in Gir National Park
Flora : 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.
Fauna : The Gir national park is a heaven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The Lion, Panther Leo, inhabits the forest of Gir in the Saurashtra peninsula, attracting sixty thousand visitors to this sanctuary of Gujarat every year. Gir today is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin; nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park
December to March is the best time for visiting the park.
How to Reach there
Air: The nearest airport is located at Keshod.
Rail: The nearest railway station is located at Junagadh.
Road: Gir National Park is connected to various cities in Gujarat. Junagadh is about 60 kms from the Gir National Park.