Sasan Gir (Gir National Park)
(Land of the lion)

To find majestic lions prowling around freely, Gir park is that the only place within the world besides the jungles of Africa. the whole forest of the park is dry and deciduous and is thus the perfect habitat for the Asiatic lion. Besides lions, leopards are the most attraction of the park. Other wildlife one can spot are sambar deer, chowsingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope), jackal, India fox, hyena etc. Moreover, the park invites birdwatchers for its quite 200 species of avifauna. a number of the prominent are the endangered white-backed and long-billed vultures. The forest is additionally home to quite 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. to identify Marsh crocodiles in large numbers, one can visit the Kamleshwar reservoir within the sanctuary. a number of the snakes that reside here are the hamadryad , the saw-scaled viper, the krait and Russell’s viper.

Spread over a neighborhood of 1,412 sq km, the park features a core area of about 258 sq km. it's located about 65 km south-east of Junagadh and was notified as a wildlife sanctuary on September 18, 1965, to conserve the Asiatic lion. While the lions were completely exhausted from other parts of Asia, the indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagadh led to a fall in their numbers in Gir. The Nawabs of Junagadh protected the lions in their hunting grounds, then the Forest Department took over. From a population of about 20 lions in 1913, the numbers rose to about 523 in 2015.

To find majestic lions prowling around freely, Gir park is that the only place within the world besides the jungles of Africa. the whole forest of the park is dry and deciduous and is thus the perfect habitat for the Asiatic lion. Besides lions, leopards are the most attraction of the park. Other wildlife one can spot are sambar deer, chowsingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope), jackal, India fox, hyena etc. Moreover, the park invites birdwatchers for its quite 200 species of avifauna. a number of the prominent are the endangered white-backed and long-billed vultures. The forest is additionally home to quite 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. to identify Marsh crocodiles in large numbers, one can visit the Kamleshwar reservoir within the sanctuary. a number of the snakes that reside here are the hamadryad , the saw-scaled viper, the krait and Russell’s viper.

Spread over a neighborhood of 1,412 sq km, the park features a core area of about 258 sq km. it's located about 65 km south-east of Junagadh and was notified as a wildlife sanctuary on September 18, 1965, to conserve the Asiatic lion. While the lions were completely exhausted from other parts of Asia, the indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagadh led to a fall in their numbers in Gir. The Nawabs of Junagadh protected the lions in their hunting grounds, then the Forest Department took over. From a population of about 20 lions in 1913, the numbers rose to about 523 in 2015.
Visitors to the park can book vehicles and guide services for a jungle safari at Sasan Gir’s reception centre. One can obtain permits to go to the park at Sinh Sadan Orientation Centre at Sasan Gir or catch on online through the Gir Online Permit Booking System. Between mid-June and mid-October, the Gir Jungle Trail Safari remains closed for public.

Dedicated to Kankai Mata, who is believed to be the protector of the shepherds of Gir forest, this temple lies at the guts of the jungle. it’s located amidst wild surroundings and visiting it are often an exciting experience. such a lot in order that one can even hear lions roar at night! From the premises, you’ll see animals gathering at the lake nearby to drink from its depths. Though devotees are allowed to remain at the temple in the dark , the Forest Department prohibits the stay of quite 50 people at a time. The premises of the temple have high walls and are relatively safe. At night, you’ll looked at the star-lit inky black sky through the treetops of the jungle. If you’re both spiritually and naturally inclined, it’s an experience truly worth having.

Situated on the Dhari-Una road amid scenic setting, Tulsishyam Hot Springs are believed to possess curative powers. Pilgrims can often be seen bathing within the waters. The springs also find mention within the Puranas and are mentioned as ‘Taptodak’. Legend has it that Lord Krishna killed a demon, Tul, and thus the place has been named Tuslishyam: Tulsi for tul and shyam for Lord Krishna.
there’s a temple by an equivalent name located within the vicinity that’s dedicated to Lord Krishna. it’s said to be 100 years old and may be a major pilgrim centre. It houses about 200 cows in its gaushala (cow shed). While visiting the springs, rope during a visit to the evening arti (a fire ritual) that’s quite sight. Lunch and dinner are provided liberal to visitors here.