SASAN GIR NATIONAL PARK

Mention Gujarat wildlife and everyone talks of the lions at Gir. And indeed this is the world's last refuge of the Asiatic lion. You can see this royal beast at very close range in the arid scrub jungle. Amazingly the lion is not so shy of humans as the tiger or leopard. A number of small rivers cut through the sanctuary and you can also see other wildlife such as the rare cat known as caracal, the little deer called chausingha, the elegant black buck, and the elusive leopard. The Siddhi tribes, descended from the African slaves who were brought to Gujarat, live in this area.

How to get to Gir:
Nearest airport : Ahmedabad (415km 7 hr drive); Rajkot (160km 3 hr drive)
Nearest station:  Junagadh (65 km away).
By road: Smooth highway driving from Ahmedabad.

When to go: Open from Oct 16 to Jun 15 avoid the scorching summers, Nov to March is the best time to visit.

Permits: Dy Conservator Forests, Junagadh. Tel: 02877-285541

LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH SANCTUARY

This remote wildlife sanctuary is as fascinating for its animals as it is for its landscape. For miles around you, you see salt covered flatlands that shine in an eerie white glow at night. These are interspersed with swampy land known as bets. It the home of the highly endangered Asiatic wild ass, known locally as the ghorkhur. These herds move from one bet to another in search of food. You can also see the chinkara, neelgai, caracal and wolves here. In winter an added bonus is the migratory birds such as flamingoes, pelicans, and cranes. Isolated as it is, this area is famous for its handicrafts and textiles made by the local villagers.

How to get there: There are two entry points Dhrangadhra (130km west of Ahmedabad) and Dasada (117km north-west of Ahmedabad).

Best time to go - Oct to March (park is open all year round).

Permits: Forest Office, Dhrangadhra. Tel: 02754-23016.