Sightseeing Highlights:
It goes without saying that the primary attraction here is the Sasan Gir National Park itself. Among some of the distinct species of fauna residing here, in addition to the lions, are leopards, jungle cats, jackals, hyenas, mongoose, four-horned antelopes, wild boars, chinkara, sambar, nilgai, porcupines, pangolins. The park also has numerous reptiles such as pythons, lizards and the famous marsh crocodiles, which can be seen at a special crocodile breeding farm within Gir.
The park also hosts the Nalsarovar Lake and Bird Sanctuary, which is home to around 300 species of birds, including kingfishers, pelicans, storks, ibises, fishing eagles, ospreys, jacanas and several wading birds. Boating facilities are also available on the lake. Also within the park are two more reserves 'the Little Rann of Kutch, home of the wild ass, and the captivating Flamingo Island' both well worth visiting. Ancient temples like the Kanaki Mata and Tulsishyam can be found nearby, and are popular pilgrimage stops that feature hot sulphur springs.
Other Activities:
In addition to the many trekking and jeep safari routes on offer at Sasan Gir, visitors can also indulge in drives and excursions to destinations around the park. Just 30 km from Sasan Gir is the fishing village of Chorwad, which has a delightful little beach and is ideal for a quiet getaway. Farther away, at a distance of around 45 km, the Somnath Temple is believed to have been constructed by Somraj, the Moon God, and then subsequently rebuilt by Ravana, Lord Krishna, and Bhimdev.
The drives from Sasan to Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodavdi, Tulsishyam and the Kamaleshwar Dam are extremely popular with tourists, and can even be broken into smaller journeys to suit individual preferences.
Tourism info:
Tourist Information Centre (Govt.)
HK House, Off Ashram Road,
Ahmedabad-380009
Tel: 079-6589172, 6587217, 6589683
Tourist Information Centre (Govt.)
Gujarat Tourism Office,
Nigam Bhawan, Sector-16,
Gandhinagar - 382 016.
Tel: 2712-22523, 22645.
Internationally recognised as the only surviving habitat of the Asiatic Lion, Sasan Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around 65 km southeast of the small city of Junagadh in Gujarat. The reserve was created in 1913, and was designated a sanctuary in 1965 with the sole aim of safeguarding one of the world's most threatened species. Today, it proudly claims to be home to nearly 300 Asiatic Lions.
The sanctuary is spread over an expansive area of around 1,412 sq km, with a protected core area of 258 sq km, which constitutes the national park. In addition to its most protected residents, the reserve is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The terrain here is marked by rocky hills and numerous streams in a deciduous type forest filled with teak, acacia, jamun and dhak trees.
|
.gif){kind=small}
