Gir Sanctuary & National Park
Over 400 lions, more that 250 leopards, and a number of other carnivores; ungulates crossing that 50,000 mark and 300+ species of birds flitting about among 500 types of tress; more than 2000 species of insects and other lesser know animals green revering patches of forest and dry scrub jungle; That’s Gir National park and Sanctuary a veritable paradise of biological diversity.
Asiatic Lion (Pathera leo persica)
The Asiatic lion once ranges from Iran/Iraq to UP and Bihar in India Narmada which it never crossed-marking the southern boundary. Hunting and loss of habitant caused its disappearance everywhere except in Gir. Protection given by the Nawab of Junagadh and after independence, by the Gujarat State Forest Department has brought this magnificent animal back from the brick of extinction in the wild.
The Gir Sanctuary was created in 1965 and part of it was declared a National Park in 1975.
The Asiatic lion is some what different from the African lion. Its mean is smaller, and it has a prominent belly-fold. In Gir its main prey based comprises chital, sambar, wild boar.
Biological diversity
| Mammals | 38 Species |
| Reptiles | 32 Species |
| Amphibia | 10 Species |
| Birds | 300+ Species |
| Plants | 500 + Species |
| Insects & Lessor fauna | 2000+ Species |
Millennium Figures:
According to the census of 2005, the number of animals in Gir continues to show, like in the past, a healthy increase.
| Asiatic Lion | 359 - 411 (2010) |
| Nilgai | 937 |
| Leopard | 311 |
| Sambar | 2811 |
| Chital | 46785 |
| Chowsinga | 636 |
| Chinkara | 461 |
| Wild Boar | 3109 |
Beside lion and leopard Gir has other carnivores such as wild cat, rusty spotted cat, jackal and striped hyena. Also, there are chowsinga (four-horned antelope), chinkara, Indian gazelle, wild pig and languor. Gir harbours rare animals like pangolin, rattle python and desert cat.
Bird Life…
Impressed by the remarkably rich bird variety in Gir, Salim Ali, the great omithologist said if Gir did not have lions it would be known as a bird sanctuary! Among the 300+ species of birds found in Gir are; Flycatchers, Warblers, Parakeets, Kingfishers and Woodpeckers to name some; Crested Serpent Eagle, Paradise Flycatcher, Blossom Headed Parakeet, Small Blue Kingfisher, Golden Backed Woodpecker, Indian Pitta. Because of large reservoirs, Herons, Snake bird and Osprey are also seen.
Sanctuary Visit…
Sanctuary Visit is allowed only during day time between sunrise and sunset. Sanctuary visit permits are issued to the Reception Center Reception Center
Timings…
| Open | Permit Issue | Sanctuary Visit |
| 16th Oct to 15th Feb | 06.30 – 10.30 | 07.00 – 12.00 |
| | 15.00 – 17.00 | 15.00 – Sunset |
| 16th Feb to 15 June | 06.30 – 11.00 | 0.7.00 – 12.00 |
| | 16.00 – 17.30 | 16.00 – Sunset |
Lodging Arrangement…
Rooms booking in Sinh Sadan, the Forest Department Guest House, are done in the office of the Guest House Manager.
Public Facilities at Sasan…
Hospital PHC, Hospital CHC, Market, Petrol Pump, Post & Telegraph, Bank, Railway Station.
Approach Routes…
| Ahmedabad – Sasan | 40 Kms. |
| | 165 Kms. |
| Junagadh – Sasan | 60 Kms. |
| Keshod – Sasan | 60 Kms. |
| Veraval (Somnath) – Sasan | 45 Kms. |
| | 110 Kms. |
| Nearest Airport | 110 Kms |
| Nearest Airport | 165 Kms. |
Places to Visit…
There are many places in Gir, visit to every one of which will be an exhilarating experience. Some of these places are:
Kamleshwar
A water reservoir created by a dam on the river Hiran, Kamleshwar presents a panoramic view of Gir, hills and forest. The water body also harbours of a large population of crocodiles and is a good spot to observe water birds.
Crocodile – rearing center
This center, situated in the Forest Department office complex was crated to rear crocodile hatchling to be subsequently released to restock crocodile population in the wild. There are some crocodiles for public viewing at the centre.
Gir Interpretation Zone (GIZ)
Gir Interpretaion Zone in Devaliya, 12 kilometers from Sasan, is a fenced area of 4.12 sq. km. The area represents typical Gir habitats and wildlife and depicts model wildlife management practices.
The Gir Orientation Center
Visitors Information…
| Sr. No. | Particulars | For Indian Nationals Rs. | For Foreigner |
| (A) | Entry fee for Gir-Sanctuary, Gir National Park & Devaliya Interpretation Park | ||
| 1. | Entry fee for vehicles including visitors | ||
| 2. | 1. LMV-Car Jeep (Up to 6 persons) | 400 | 40 |
| 3. | Additional Extra persons per day/ person | 50 | 10 |
| | Fee for | 75 | 20 |
| | In rare case of private vehicle is allowed. | ||
| | 1. LMV-Car Jeep (Up to 6 persons) | 400 | 40 |
| | 2. Matador, Station Wagon (Up to 15 Persons) | 1000 | 100 |
| (B) | Guide Fee | ||
| | 1. For first four hours per vehicles / Group | 100 | -- |
| | 2. For Every additional hour per vehicles / group. | 20 | -- |
| | (To be paid to the guide directly in Rupees only irrespective nationality) | ||
| 2. | Professional Photography (Per day / Camera) | ||
| | Still Photography | 100 per day | 10 |
| | Documentary | 5000 per day | 500 |
| | Feature film | 25000 per day | 1000 |
| | No camera fee for amateur photography by visitors mentioned above in Para (A) & (B) will be charged. | ||
| | Security Deposits | ||
| | 1. Documentary | 15000 per day | 1000 |
| | 2. Feature Film | 50000 per day | 2000 |
| (D) | Rate for Sinh Sadan – Sasan – Gir | ||
| 1. | Rest house rates for non-official visitors. | ||
| | a. Air conditioned room | 1500 per day | 75 |
| | b. Dormitory (per person) | 50 per day | 10 |
| | c. Tent | 200 per day | 20 |
| 2. | Lunch or Dinner charges | ||
| | a. Vegetarian Lunch or Dinner | 70 | 5 |
| | b. Non Vegetarian Lunch or Dinner | 110 | 7 |
| | c. Vegetarian breakfast | 40 | 2 |
| | d. Non Vegetarian breakfast | 50 | 3 |
| | Tea or Coffee | 7 | 1 |
Note…
- In the Gir Sanctuary / National Park the entry fee rates will be charged 50 % more that the regular rate during the period of Navrati (15 days), Dipawali (10 days) and during the Christmas festival – first Saturday prior to Christmas day to the first Sunday after 4th January of the year. The specific period shall be noticed by the Conservator of Forest Wildlife, Junagadh in advance after considering calendar of holidays during the year.
- 25% more rates on entry fee shall be levied on every Saturday-Sunday.
- The fees levied shall be rounded up to nearest Rs. 5/-
- Concerned officer shall recover the said fees in Indian currency in case of foreigner at the exchange rate prevailing on the last working day of the previous month.
Visitor’s Co-operation…
- Visit Gir with prior reservation to avoid disappointment.
- Please observe the guest house rules and regulations.
- When you are in the forest wear light colored clothes which blend with the surroundings.
- Take permit and guide for sanctuary visit.
- Observe silence in the forest and listen to bird and animal calls.
- Night visit to the sanctuary is strictly prohibited.
- Do not disturb wild animals by blowing horns, playing music or talking loudly.
- You are a guest of Gir. Don’t litter. Keep Gir clean and healthy.
- Wild animals have a right to live and right of way here. Respect their right. Do not tease of chase them.
- Do not light fire. A small negligence can create a big tragedy.
- Taking fire arms inside the sanctuary is strictly prohibited.
- Payment is accepted only in Indian currency.
(Source: From the booklet of Forest Department-Gujarat State
