Chitrod

Gir National Park

The last abode for the truly majestic Asiatic lions, Gir National Park is the place every wildlife enthusiast must explore in a lifetime. Spread over an area of 1.412 km. sq., it was earlier a game reserve for the local rulers, responsible for almost eliminating the huge population of these regal jungle beasts. With untiring efforts, they have been saved from extinction and attract huge flocks of tourists from all corners of the world. Other attractions at Gir include leopards, sloth bear, golden jackals, desert cats, four-horned antelope, blackbucks, Indian cobra, marsh crocodiles and a huge variety of birds. Dry deciduous forests, evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetations, grasslands and acacia scrubs contribute the flora wealth of the park which is also fed by a number of rivers and streams, thereby creating mesmerizing natural vistas all around. Safari trips at Gir are organized in jeeps in three shifts starting at 06:30 a.m., 09:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. Each group must accompany a tourist guide. The park’s interpretation zone is a must-visit place for guaranteed sightseeing of Asiatic lions. Additional charges must be paid for safari trips, tourist guides and interpretation centre (closed on Wednesday) visit. Amateur photography is free, though charges are applicable for professional camera shooting.