Common Name: GIR Other Name: -, District: Junagadh, State: Gujarat, India Area: 1412 Sq. Km. Languages Spoken: Gujarti, Hindi and English Long Distance Code: +91-2836 Importance: National park and the only Lion sanctuary in India Best Time to Visit: October to March and - International Access: -
Description
Sasan which is hardly at a distance of One hour from Junagadh is famous for its National Park for Lions, the Gir National park. The dwelling of the King of Animals, the majestic lions is what Sasan Gir is famous for. The Gir National park, located at an hours distance from Junagadh is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion on Earth. It is spread over 2450 hectares, and offers visitors the best in flora and fauna. Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is definitely one of India's success stories. From a pitiful number of around twenty lions at the turn of the century there are now approximately three hundred lions in the park. Best visited from December to April, the visitors can have a better look if they drive through the park in Jeep. Although the Asiatic lions of Gir, incredibly awe inspiring animals, are supposed to be used to human presence it is always better to be cautious. Best time to view this animal is during early daytime or late in the night.The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare and the black buck also share the Jungle with the lions of Gir. As visitors pass through this park, they can view rivers making their way through the lush green thick forests. It is also home to over 200 species of birds including the peafowl, grey partridge, Boneli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sand grouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. The other attractions are the leopard population in the Jungle which is the most in any part of India and the crocodile breeding farm. But by and large, it is the Lion that makes your visit to the park worthy.The Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam are two temples inside the jungle and are famous for their natural hot spring tanks. The tribal life of the Siddis is also a major attraction of Gir. These Siddis are supposed to be of some African breed, and are believed to be brought here by a ruler of Junagadh as slaves and they stayed back. Now they have adopted the language and the dresses of the locals and it is only their body and face that differentiates them from the rest.
Location
The Sanctuary spreads over Junagadh and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. The main centre "Sasan" is located in Talala taluka of Junagadh district at about 60 km. from Junagadh.
- Nearest airport is Rajkot, 165 kms via Junagadh.
- Distance of 400 kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda.
- Distance of 43 kms from Veraval.
- Distance of 65 kms from Junagadh via Mendarda.
- Meter gauge rail line of 395 kms from Ahmedabad.
Climate
The climatic conditions in Sasan Gir can be classified as a tropical monsoon type of climate. The region is extremely hot during the summer months and the temperatures soar during peak summer. The monsoon season brings relief from the heat and torrential rainfall can be expected during these months. Winters are much cooler and temperatures can drop during the nights.
The summer season is from the months of March to May. The maximum temperature that one can expect during the summer season is around 43°C. The minimum temperature during the summer months is usually around 33°C. Peak summer season is in the months of April and May.
The onset of the monsoon is usually in the months of June and it lasts till the end of September. The South West Monsoon is responsible for bringing rain to this region and the conditions are damp for most of this period. Due to this, the park is closed from the second week of June to the end of October.
The months from November to February constitute the winter season, and this is the best time to visit the place. Temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C to a maximum of 15°C.
West and North India / PI-063 (13 Days / 12 Nights) Mumbai-Aurangabad-Mumbai-Bhavnagar-Sasan Gir-Ahmedpur Mandvi-Palitana-Bhavnagar-Ahmedabad-Delhi-Agra-Delhi
This tailor made tour shows you India in a nutshell. Starting from the commercial capital of India, Mumbai, it ends up in to the political capital Delhi. In between you visit the ancient marvels in stone the Ajanta and the Ellora caves and later nature''s glory, the state of Gujarat. The GIR FOREST in Gujarat is the only surviving home of the Asiatic Lion since 1914 and is considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the World. The state''s 1600 km long and spectacular coastline offers a rare holiday experience replete with water sports, rich bird and marine life, fishing villages and historic monuments. Ahmedpur Mandvi is one of the finest beaches on the Gujarat shoreline. White and firm, the beach is ideal for long walks and its clear waters perfect for swimming. Also visit the icon of love and romance, the Taj.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Mumbai Day 2 : Mumbai - Aurangabad Day 3 : Aurangabad Day 4 : Aurangabad - Mumbai Day 5 : Mumbai - Bhavnagar - Sasan Gir Day 6 : Sasan Gir Day 7 : Sasan Gir - Ahmedpur Mandvi Day 8 : Ahmedpur Mandvi - Palitana - Bhavnagar Day 9 : Bhavnagar - Ahmedabad Day 10 : Ahmedabad Day 11 : Ahmedabad - Delhi Day 12 : Delhi - Agra - Delhi Day 13 : Delhi
Tribal and Cultural Highlights of Gujarat / PI-0359 (16 Days / 15 Nights) Ahmedabad-Darbargadh-Poshina-Dasada-Bharwad-Anjar-Bhuj-Gondal-Jetpur-Junagadh-Sasan Gir-Palitana-Balasinor-Chhota Udaipur-Champaner-Chhota Udaipur-Ahmedabad
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Ahmedabad Day 2 : Ahmedabad - Darbargadh - Poshina Day 3 : Poshina Day 4 : Poshina-Dasada Day 5 : Dasada-Bharwad Day 6 : Bharwad-Anjar Day 7 : Anjar - Bhuj Day 8 : Bhuj Day 9 : Gondal Day 10 : Gondal-Jetpur-Junagadh-Sasan Gir Day 11 : Sasan Gir Day 12 : Sasan Gir-Palitana Day 13 : Palitana - Balasinor Day 14 : Balasinor - Chhota Udaipur Day 15 : Chhota Udaipur - Champaner - Chhota Udaipur Day 16 : Chhota Udaipur-Ahmedabad
Gujarat of Splendors / PI-0413 (18 Days / 17 Nights) Mumbai-Bhuj-Gondal-Sasan Gir-Diu-Bhavnagar-Uteliya-Zainabad-Vadodara-Ahmedabad-Mumbai
This tour is designed to whisk you away into the splendid sights of Gujarat, a culturally rich and diverse state of India. Explore this state with its wildlife, palaces, beaches, forts, traditions and customs. The tour traverses through varied Gujarat destinations showcasing the soul of the state in its true colors and beauty.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Mumbai Day 2 : Mumbai Day 3 : Mumbai - Bhuj Day 4 : Bhuj Day 5 : Bhuj Day 6 : Bhuj - Gondal Day 7 : Gondal - Sasan Gir Day 8 : Sasan Gir Day 9 : Sasan Gir - Diu Day 10 : Diu Day 11 : Diu - Bhavnagar Day 12 : Bhavnagar - Uteliya Day 13 : Uteliya - Zainabad Day 14 : Zainabad - Vadodara Day 15 : Vadodara Day 16 : Vadodara - Ahmedabad Day 17 : Ahmedabad Day 18 : Ahmedabad - Mumbai
Gujarat with Madhya Pradesh / PI-0417 (20 Days / 19 Nights) Delhi-Khajuraho-Jhansi-Datia-Sonagiri-Gwalior-Bhopal-Ujjain-Indore-Mandu-Indore-Ahmedabad-Modhera-Zainabad-Wankner-Rajkot-Junagadh-Sasan Gir-Somnath-Ahmedpur-Mandvi-Ahmedpur Mandvi-Bhavnagar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai
Located in the center of India, Madhya Pradesh is also known as ‘Heart of India’ and has several natural features ranging from plateaus, river valleys, hills and forests. The trip also covers the beautiful state of Gujarat that pays tribute to its past splendors with its superb monuments and rich cultural diversity.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Delhi Day 2 : Delhi - Khajuraho Day 3 : Khajuraho Day 4 : Khajuraho - Jhansi Day 5 : Jhansi - Datia - Sonagiri - Gwalior Day 6 : Gwalior Day 7 : Gwalior - Bhopal Day 8 : Bhopal Day 9 : Bhopal - Ujjain - Indore Day 10 : Indore - Mandu - Indore Day 11 : Indore - Ahmedabad Day 12 : Ahmedabad - Modhera - Zainabad Day 13 : Zainabad - Wankner - Rajkot Day 14 : Rajkot - Junagadh - Sasan Gir Day 15 : Sasan Gir Day 16 : Sasan Gir - Somnath - Ahmedpur Mandvi Day 17 : Ahmedpur Mandvi - Bhavnagar Day 18 : Bhavnagar - Ahmedabad Day 19 : Ahmedabad - Mumbai Day 20 : Mumbai