Wildlife Holidays in india,Gir Forest Gujrat
Wildlife Holidays in india,Gir Forest Gujrat
Sneak PreviewFamed as the only wildlife sanctuary that houses the Asiatic Lion, the Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary, is collectively known as the Gir Protected Area. Gir is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Gir stretches over 1,412 sq km of scrub and grassland, dry deciduous forest and some
marshland. Besides lions, Gir harbours other wildlife such as antelope, deer, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles and jackals, along with a spectacular array of birds. An important part of the Gir Protected Area is the 4 sq km spread known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, about 12 km from Sasan Gir Village, the headquarters of the park. The Zone has a cross-section of wildlife within the park, and a visit here almost guarantees a lion sighting, which is otherwise a hit-or-miss affair in other parts of Gir.
There are many tribal groups who live around Gir that have chequered antecedents. Gir is the home of the Maldharis, who are one sect of a pastoral group of people settled in this area. The tribal maldharis of Gir who are Hindus and Muslims live in traditional settlements called nesses and tend
Jafrabadi buffalos, Gir cows and other livestock. Among the best-known pastoral groups of Gir is the Sorathi Rabari. Another community - the Siddis claim African origins. It is generally believed that the Siddis came here as slaves and mercenaries from some African countries. In Gir, there are villages of the Siddis, who are well known for their dances and other performing arts.
Historically SpeakingNearly exterminated by 1910- a result of drought, irate villagers and sheer indifference- the Gir lions were brought under protection by the Nawab of Junagadh, who banned all hunting in the area. After independence, in 1965, the Indian government declared the area a national park. The lion population-
which had sunk to an alarming two dozen in the early 20th century- has slowly climbed over the years since.
SightsThe Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary is collectively known as the Gir Protected Area. Gir stretches over 1,412 sq km of scrub and grassland, dry deciduous forest and some marshland. Besides lions, Gir harbours antelope, deer, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles and jackals, along with a spectacular
array of birds. An important part of the Gir Protected Area is the 4 sq km spread known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, about 12 km from Sasan Gir Village, the headquarters of the park. The Zone has a cross-section of wildlife within the park, and a visit here almost guarantees a lion sighting, which is otherwise a hit-or-miss affair in other parts of Gir. Entry Requirements All visitors to Gir are required to obtain entry permits from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. Extra charges are levied for cameras and for hiring vehicles: a jeep ride will cost about Rs 100 per person, and still camera fees range from Rs 50 (for Indians) to $5 (for foreigners). Guide charges are, respectively, Rs 50 or $10. Please note the above quoted prices were valid at the time of writing.
How to get there by AirThe nearest airport is Keshod, at a distance of 90 km from Sasan Gir; the other airport is Rajkot at a distance of 140 kms.
How to get there by RailSasan Gir has a railway station of its own, with train connections to a number of other cities and towns in Gujarat and its neighbouring states. The towns of Junagadh, Veraval and Delwada have daily trains to Sasan Gir, from where the park is only about a km away.
How to get there by BusFairly good roads link the park to the rest of the country. Junagadh itself is only about 60 km from Gir, and there are frequent buses connecting the town to the park.
Best time to VisitGir is open to visitors throughout the year except during the monsoon (between June and October). By far the best time to visit the park is in the winter, from December to March.
Where to StayAccommodation within the national park runs the gamut from budget to luxury, and almost everything in between. The forest department operates two lodges, the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge, while some private lodges also exist. A room at the Sinh Sadan Lodge will cost between Rs 575 ""
Rs 1,000 per night. Rooms at the privately owned lodges cost about Rs 2,000- Rs 3,000 per night, although rates often come down to half during low season. Accommodation is in short supply, so it"s advisable to book well in advance, particularly during the winter months.
Nearby PlacesJunagadh lies some 64 kms away and makes for an interesting visit if you are a history buff. It has an interesting mix of mosques, Hindu temples, Buddhist monuments, Gothic archways and beautiful mansions -not forgetting the splendid Jain Temples on Girnar hill.
Special PermitsAll visitors to Gir are required to obtain entry permits from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. Extra charges are levied for cameras and for hiring vehicles: a jeep ride will cost about Rs 100 per person, and still camera fees range from Rs 50 (for Indians) to $5 (for foreigners). Guide chargesare, respectively, Rs 50 or $10. Please note the above quoted prices were valid at the time of writing.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
budget hotels in Hyderabad India Tour Operators- Soothsayers in their Own Right! Longevity in London Top Attractions to Visit on Kashmir Tour All That Goes in to India Tour Packages Keeping in touch with relatives overseas at Christmas The Quiet Fulfilment of Taj Mahal Tours Adventure holidays in Devbagh,Karnataka ,india Night Life in London Tour to Tawang,Arunachal Pradesh,india Tour to Nepal to Enjoy the Popular Adventure Activities Buoyant Hopes and Fantasies of Golden Triangle Tours Holidays place Pune,Maharashtra,india Christmas in Rome