Gir Forest & Sanctuary

Located about 50 kms from Junagadh is the Gir Forest, sprawling on 1412 sq kms. This is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat and this sight can be enjoyed on a guided jeep tour. One can see animals like Chital, Nilgai, Sambar, Black Buck, Chinkara, Wild Pig, and Jackal etc.

Gir exhibits great variation in topography, including flat, gently undulating to hilly tracts. The Gir forest area is extremely rugged and hilly. Slopes are generally moderate, hills are of volcanic origin and the soil varies from one area to another. While most of the soil is generally black, the other types include red, yellowish, white clay and sandy. Each soil type supports a different kind of plant life and hence the wildlife too differs based on vegetation types.

Gir has seven main rivers - Datardi, Shingoda, Macchundri, Saraswati, Raval, Ardak, and Hiran of which only Hiran has perennial flow, the rest being seasonal. Many of these seasonal streams have permanent waterholes, called 'Ghunas' and 'Virdas', which provide precious water to animals and birds. Gir also has four dams and that has made possible to store water in large reservoirs. Hiran River is the main lifeline of Western Gir, originating from Kansa hills of Gir. Shingoda River originates from the Chasa hillocks and Kadi Vadli hillocks and crosses Gir near Buntel, Chhodavadi, Jamwala and Kansaria-No-Ness. The Gir National Park was established on 18th September 1965, as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion. The best way to observe the big cats in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. The Forest Department does arrange lion shows every Sunday, where the spectators can watch prides of lions on the hunt. There are guided trips available, to watch these magnificent animals from a close range.

Gir has dry deciduous forest and a luxuriantly rich eco system endowed with fauna aplenty. It is the last home of the Asiatic lion and here one can see lions roaming freely. This rare sight can be enjoyed on a guided jeep tour. While driving one can see animals like Chital, Nilgai, Sambar, Black Buck, Chinkara, Wild Pig, Jackal etc. Guides and vehicles are available for hire. The striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, and hare are the other animals, found in this sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. It is also home to the marsh crocodile, which can be sighted easily in its rivers, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is also a crocodile-breeding farm at Sasan. The Gir is steeped in history and folklore. The forest is famous for its cattle herders - the Madharis, whose buffaloes form a substantial part of the lions' meals.

Tulsishyam, a temple dedicated to Bhim and his mother Kunti is located in the heart of Gir, which is a scenic spot because of its hot water springs. Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done, by driving around the forest. The best drives from Sasan are to Baval Chowk and Kankai, to Chodavdi and Tulsishyam, and to Kamaleshwar

It is located in Junagadh District of Gujarat