The Gir National Park in Gujarat is the sole home of the Asiaic lion and assumes significance for that reason. What’s more, the numbers of this endangered species have slowly risen in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts, making it a must-visit destination for the wildlife-lover. But even if you are not keeping tabs on region’s big cat population, a great break is guaranteed in Gir. October is when the perk opens each year to the public after it close in June.
Once the hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh, Gir was later turned into an area that would protect this rare and majestic species that roamed the expanse from Greece to India before falling prey to the destruction of their habit by humans. Yet, in Gir, you can see up close how certain people, like the Madharis, have co-exist with wild animals and still do. Safari trip with in the national park will let you catch glimpses of an array of wild animals such as sambhar and blackbuck, wild cats and number of reptiles.
Gir is also home to some 300 species of birds and attracts avid birdwatchers for that reason. But it’s to see the lions roaming free that most people go to Gir.
You will need permit, which can be bought at entrance to the National Park at Sinh Sadan Orientation Centre and allows you access to the protected area. It is also recommended that you hire the service of an official guide for your safari tour, both for safety reasons and to get the best sightings of the wildlife.