The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also famous as Sasan-Gir is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. This is the only place outside Africa were Asiatic lions are marked. This well-known Lion sanctuary is located at the Saurasktra peninsula 70 km South East of Junagarh district. It is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions and one of the most significant protected areas in the world. The sanctuary was established in 1964 with a total area of 1415 sq. km. Out of which 259 sq. km is reserved for the National Park and 1155 sq. km for the Sanctuary.
The sanctuary lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South West India with a terrain that is rough with low hills and the vegetation is full of mixed deciduous. The loveliness of this place is enriched by high-rise Jamun, Teak, Tendu and Dhak trees.
Based on the data the Sasan Gir National Park is the home of over 460 plant species, 33 mammals, 315 birds and over 2,000 species of insects. The joint beauty of diverse flora and exotic avifauna calls on scores of travellers and wildlife supporters to this place from several parts of the globe.
This national park has mainly three seasons namely summer, winter and rainy. Summer has the longest stretch in which the average minimum and maximum temperature ranges between 10ºC to nearly 48ºC. The hottest months recorded in Gir are April and May. The rains bring some relief from the heat during the monsoons period which starts from the middle of June and continues till September.
The Crocodile Breeding Farm near Sasan is the best place to see the hatching and breeding of reptiles. It is basically a Crocodile breeding farm but numerous other reptile species are hatched and reared before they are set free into the forest in their natural habitat.
The Crocodile Breeding Farm near Sasan is the best place to see the hatching and breeding of reptiles. It is basically a Crocodile breeding farm but numerous other reptile species are hatched and reared before they are set free into the forest in their natural habitat.
The Lion Safari is one of the most exciting familiarities you can have during your Sasan Gir Tour. Special tours around the park are arranged for spotting only Lions. In fact, the park has 5 routes - the longest is 30km. Some of the most popular routes for a drive are the Sasan-Kamaleshwar Dam, the Sasan-Kankai, the Sasan-Chodavdi and the Sasan-Tulsishyam routes. Another stimulating session would be the regular jeep safaris that will take you around the jungle trail, escorted by an expert driver and guide, who are adept at recognizing pugmarks and animal sounds.
The Kosi and Ramganga Rivers are ideal for fishing for the golden mahaseer. This is among the prevalent activities which can be done here apart from jungle safari.
Wildlife lovers can holiday Sasangir National Park all through the year. The best time to visit this place is between Novembers to May.
Road: :Keshod is the nearest airport from Sasangir. Daily flights are also available from Many cities of India to Keshod.
Rail: : The nearest railhead is Ahmedabad.
Air: Sasangir is well linked with Ahmedabad. The state transport buses are also available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir during November to June.
There is a varied range of hotels in Sasan Gir from which tourists can choose from. There are first class hotels as well as economy hotels in the area. The hotels are equipped with modern facilities and services to take care of the needs of the tourists.
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