Home of the Asiatic Lions - Sasan Gir

 

The Lioness and the kids (Pic - Mumbaitravllers)

 

After a long week, may be a long month or may be a long year at work, a middle class family collects the finances and time to plan a happy loving travel week for a time together. When you start thinking about your tour plan, you can be confronted with a question. Where should we go ? The brain normally gives us two common options, Let's go to a Beach destination or Let's climb up the hills. But if you look around India, there are many amazing options to select from, but there is one majestic option that takes you up-close with rare and mind-blowing living beings with whom you are sharing this planet and thanks to the collection of many developed national parks and sanctuaries in India, anyone can opt for a trip to the wilderness.

So, Welcome to the Jungles my friend !

India is the land of many exotic species of flora and fauna, and the two most sought after species for which the whole world comes to India are "The Royal Bengal Tiger" and the "Asiatic Lion". In India, there are multiple protected forest which are home to some fantastic wildlife which are rare, endangered and extremely magnificent. Like the Tigers, which is given government protection as the "National Animal of India" and protected through Project Tiger Initiative under which many sanctuaries are created. The other jewel of India, is The Asiatic Lion, but sadly, in the whole world, there is only one place where you can find them walking freely in the wild.  These are extremely beautiful but critically endangered species which needs the support of the government and citizens equally.

Gir National Park, the only home of the magnificent Asiatic Lion, is a protected forest at Junagarh, Gujarat. The area is a dry deciduous forest, scrub-land drained by small river streams which makes it well suited as a Lion habitat. The sanctuary was established at 1965 with a park area of 1412 sq.km. Sasan Gir is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers and a very well managed park which suits the liking of children and adults alike. The area has dense Lion population so the chances of Lion sighting is always high but always not compulsory. As per census, in year 2020, the lion population is estimated to be 674. But due to habitat shrinkage, Lions are loosing their home and faces threats from human population living around the forest.

Waiting area for Visitors at Reception

 

Things to Experience

1. Jungle Safari in Core Forest

A jungle safari is the most sought after adventure sightseeing activity that should be done in Gir to witness the wildlife treasures of India. The activity is a 3 Hr drive through designated drive routes. In total, there are 13 routes, out of which one will be allotted to you from permit office along with a Jeep with driver and guide. The whole activity will cost you Rs 4300 for Indian citizens. Each permit allows maximum 6 visitors. Always book your permit well before your visit to Gir, through online process (link below) and please respect nature, wildlife and please follow the rules of the sanctuary.

Link: https://www.girnationalpark.in/book-gir-lion-safari.html

The Arrival of the Super heroes of Gir - The Forest Guides

2. Devalia National Park

An earmarked area within the park, with the motive of a Tourist Interpretation Center, which is designed as a tourist area for assured Lion and other wildlife sighting at a cheaper cost. The park remained closed on Wednesdays. The park services open at 7-11am in morning while in the evening it opens at 3 - 6 pm. The charges are quite nominal, if you are visiting by bus which is around Rs 150 - 190 as per season. If you want a private gypsy, you can book permit  online using links below. Gypsy and guide charges can cost you around Rs 1900 i.e. Rs 1500 for gypsy and Rs 400 for guide.

Bus Safari booking: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/GIZDevaliaBusBooking.aspx

Gypsy Safari booking: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/GIZDevaliaGypsyBooking.aspx

 

Entry Area of Interpretation zone

3. Bird Tours

The national park is also home to many different species of birds, and it is a beautiful site of bird photographers. But you may have to spend days to have a good documentation done. A jungle safari in the morning is a better option for bird lovers. Many water bodies are present in the park which are good spots for bird spotting.

4. Crocodile Sightings at Kamleshwar Dam 

Gir is used as a Crocodile conservation zone for Mugger Crocodiles which are found in good numbers in lakes and river areas. Kamleshwar dam is a beautiful spot within the park and every jungle ride stops by this area. 

Near Kamleshwar Dam

Visiting Schedule

Safari booking is open for all days of the year except for days during monsoon times i.e. from 16th June till 15th October every year due to weather condition. Permit is issued 3hrs before the safari timing, using the printed receipt of online booking and government ID cards.

1. Jungle Safari:

Winter Safari Timing: 

Slot I: 6:45 AM - 9:45 AM   Slot II: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Slot III: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Summer Safari Timing:

Slot I: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM   Slot II: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Slot III: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

2. Devalia Jungle Trails

Devalia Safari is allowed all days except Wednesday. The safari can be availed through bus or gypsy service. 

Bus Service: 7.30 - 11 AM and 3 - 5 PM

Gypsy Service:  7-11 AM in the Morning; 3-6PM in the Evening as 1 hr slots

Entry gate to Safari Trail - Welcome to the Jungle

Wildlife Sightings

Along with Asiatic Lions, the area also habits many carnivores like Indian leopard, Striped Hyena, Bengal Fox, and some species of Wild cats. The attractive herbivores are Nilgai, Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara. Reptiles like Mugger Crocodiles are present in water bodies in Gir, along with Cobra, Monitor lizard, Rock Pythons. Many exotic bird species like Peacocks, Crested serpent Eagle, Changeable hawk-Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Pygmy woodpecker, Black-headed oriole and many more can be seen.

Spotted Deer, Sambhar and the Mugger should be in your bucket-list

  

How to Reach

There are two rail heads by which you can reach Gir. Firstly, Junagarh, which is 76km from Gir, which is well connected to many cities of India via Ahmadabad. But my vote goes to Somnath or Veraval Railway Station, which is around the same distance from Gir but you can visit Somnath Temple as an additional trip. Remember, for the early morning ride, a stay at Gir is recommended. The nearest busy airport is Rajkot, which is 100km from Gir.

Where to Stay

There are many jungle lodges and resorts available around the area, which can be selected for a stay. Gir Jungle Lodge is one name worth mentioning. You can have cheaper stay arrangements at Somnath or Junagarh which is close to Gir, but you may miss the early morning safari, which is best suited for Lion sightings.

Who should Visit

It is only for Wildlife lovers. All parents are requested to give wildlife exposure to their kids so that they are made aware about Indian wildlife heritage and develop a sympathy and love towards these beautiful beings. 

Number of Days

1 day visit for general visitors, where you can opt for Devalia Tour so that you can guarantee Lion experience. Wildlife enthusiast can book at-least 1 deep safari ride. For wildlife worms, at-least 3 safari are suggested by wildlife experts. But it will be costly.

Visit Tips:

The best time to visit it is between December and March. Although it is very hot in April and May, these are the best months for wildlife photography, as lions tends to accumulate near water ponds, where hunting activities can be recorded and sighting is more probable.

 

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If you are visiting any national park for a sight of only one species, then you will miss to experience the sighting of many beautiful wildlife that the forest has to offer. So be open, be ready to experience all the friends of Mother Nature. 

To conclude, I will reiterate one statement that everyone should make their kids aware of nature and wildlife. Visiting national parks and sanctuaries serves dual purpose. Firstly, your child gets a first hand experience of wildlife and its importance, so they develop an early love for them. Also, it is the source of income for many forest guides and workers who serves as forest caretakers and helps in keeping the forest and its residents healthy. Imagine, if wildlife tourism stops giving income to these people, who are mainly local residents, they may start exploiting the forest for livelihood, resulting in damage to Lion habitat that may lead to their extinction. So, this small visit may go a long way in protecting these amazing wildlife species, which directly protects these beautiful forests, and most importantly, which directly helps in the survival of Mankind. 

So, Happy Traveling and be grateful to Mother Nature !