Gir Forest National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, western India. It was established to protect Asiatic lions, who frequent the fenced-off Devalia Safari Park, along with leopards and antelopes.
The Gir National Park is easily accessible via roadways, railways and airways. The nearest airport to this national park is the Keshod Airport, at a distance of about 50 to 60 km. The Sasan Gir railway station is the closest railhead, just about a 10-minute walk away. There is also a bus station in Sasan Gir, which is conveniently located to the Gir National Park.
December and March is the best time to visit Gir National Park, during this period that the weather in Gir is pleasant and cool. The protected area of Gir National Park closes every year from 16th June to 15th October. A safari in this national park during the winter season will be a delightful experience as each, and every nook and cranny is open to visit and explore. April and May although a bit hot are considered the best times for wildlife spotting and photography.
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions. Located in Talala Gir in Gujarat, the Sanctuary is a part of Kathiawar- Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year and the best time for wildlife spotting is April and May.
Gir provides you with the unique experience of visiting a place which almost singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a certain species. The preservation of these lions was initiated by the Nawab of Junagadh when these were just about to enter the phase of extinction due to hunting.
The official count said that there were 411 lions in 2010. Also, there are roughly different 2375 species of fauna here with 38 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 species of insects. Other important wildlife forms found here are leopard, chausingha, spotted deer, hyena, sambar deer and chinkara.