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To
the south west of Saurashta Peninsula, amidst the vast
arid landscape of Gujarat, lies the last refuge of the
dwindling Asiatic Lion in the form of Gir
National Park. Despite the lion is long being celebrated
and admired in the region as a symbol of power and courage,
its survival was under severe threat when the majestic
beast became a victim of hunters. It was Gir that protects
the fate of these lions, and today the park boasts of
being the only habitat of Asiatic lion across the Indian
subcontinent.
The park spreads over 1412-sq. km area of mixed forest dotted with steep rocky hills, deep ravines and open grasslands irrigated by network of rivers. A plethora of trees like the teak, ber, jamun and babul form the main vegetation of Gir. It is as if an oasis of green that smiles gracefully in midst of a sea of dust.
Though the lion is the benchmark population of Gir, the park also houses a rich variety of other fauna. Had it not been for the lions, Gir would have been better known for its species of big cats. A considerable population of leopards in the forest of Gir makes the park a significant place to spot the roaring beast apart from the lion. The nilgai, sambar, chousinga, wild boar, mongoose, langur, jungle cats, striped hyenas and Indian porcupine are some of the major inhabitants of the park.
Reptiles and avian species also play an important part at Gir. More than 25 species of reptiles were identified, of which the most famous is the marsh crocodile often seen in the rivers that run across the forest of Gir. Among the rich population of birds the most commonly found are paradise fly catcher, fish owl, black vulture, shaheen falcon, honey buzzard, redheaded merlin, sandgrouse and a variety of eagle species.
Excluding monsoon, Gir is open to visitors throughout the year, but the most notable time to visit the place is the period between December to March. The nearest airport, Keshod, is situated at a distance of 90 km, and Rajkot Airport is 150 km away. Junagarh and Veraval form the base point for train and bus services to the park. The Gir Lodge of the Taj Group, inside the forest premise offers excellent accommodation to visitors.
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