Gir National Park: Home of the Asiatic Lion
- Admin
- 17 May 2023
Want to see the King of Jungles live? No need to visit Africa, just visit Gujarat. Asiatic lions reign in Gir National Park and offer a thrilling experience to nature and wildlife lovers from around the world.
History of Gir National Park
Gir National Park was the hunting ground for the Junagarh Nawabs. It was transformed into a Wildlife Reserve in 1965 to save the lions.
Why Visit Gir National Park?
While India is known for its rich flora and fauna, and there are several national parks and sanctuaries around the country, Gir National Park is unique for its high population of lions. The best part about watching lions in the Gir National Park is that you can find these in their natural moo, Pd, relaxing at the side of roads, pampering the puppies, or hunting.
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Other Wildlife Attractions
Sloth bear, wild boar, Indian leopards, striped hyenas, spotted deer four four-horned deer, and porcupines. Marsh crocodiles are a major attraction of this national park. The Kamleshwar Dam is located within the park, is filled with these carnivores.
Besides lions, this Park is also a bird watcher's paradise. Tourists can witness endangered avian species like Bonelli eagles, sarus cranes, white backed and long-billed vultures.
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Other Than The Flora and Fauna
Gir National Park is not only a safe shelter for the Asiatic lions but also home to the Maldhari tribes. Visit their villages within the forest, which are known as nesses. Also known as the community of the cattle herders, Maldhari live a rustic life depending on forest produce. This tribe does not grieve over the loss of their cattle to the predators but considers this a sacrifice or offering, instead of their ability to stay within the jungle.
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In and around Gir National Park
Want to get a single snap of the complete Gir forest? Enjoy a safari trip in the fenced Devalia Safari Park.
[caption id="attachment_2257" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Devalia Safari Park[/caption]
Soak in the exquisite beauty of nature at the Jamvala village. The Jamjir Waterfalls of the village are 12 feet high and have two levels.
The Kankai Mata Temple is a must-visit. The shrine is located within the Gir National Forest and is dedicated to Kankai Mata. Spend some time here to witness the local customs and enjoy a strange mix of folk songs and wild roars at the same time.
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How to Reach?
The Deccan Odyssey train is one of the most convenient ways to visit Gir National Park. This is a luxury train from the Indian Railways that takes tourists to different parts of the country. The train has a special tour itinerary, Cultural Odyssey, which takes you to the Gir National Park. In the 7-night tour package, the train chugs into the Gir National Park on the 4th day.
Besides taking you to the Gir National Park, the staff of Deccan Odyssey also arranges for jeep safaris through the forest.
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When to Visit
The ideal time to visit Gir National Park is from December to March. During the peak time, it can get very crowded after the long waits. You are more likely to see lions and experience the wildlife in Gujarat. While the summers are very hot from March to May.
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Opening Hours and Safari Timings
Gir National Park is open during the months of mid-October to mid-June. There are three safari slots, namely from 6 AM to 9 AM, 9 AM to 12 PM, and 3 PM to 6 PM. The Devalia Safari Park is open all year from Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wednesday), 8.00 AM until 11:00 AM and 3.00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fees
Monday to Friday: 800 rupees for Indians and 4,800 rupees for foreigners.
Saturday and Sunday: 1,000 rupees for Indians and 6,000 rupees for foreigners.
Festival Days (Christmas, Diwali, and Navaratri): 1,000 rupees for Indians and 6,000 rupees for foreigners.
Note: The Festival time, for which the higher charges apply, extends for about two weeks from the festival dates.
Apart from this, if you want a guide to accompany you inside the park, you need to pay 400 rupees; the cost of a jeep safari is 2100 rupees, and for DSLR camera charges for Indians is 200 rupees, and for foreigners is 1200 rupees.
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