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Sasangir National Park
Sasangir National Park Sasangir
National Park was established in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion, on 18th September
1965, as a Forest Reserve with an area of about 2,450 hectares. A principal part
of the Junagadh District of Gujarat, it is 90 kms from the Keshod Airport in the
Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula. A small town named Sasan with a forest rest
house, is the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. A hilly terrain with
a dense network of rivers is the distinct feature of Sasangir National Park. Sasangir
was declared partially as a Wildlife Sanctuary and partially a National Park in
1975.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is one and the only existing habitat of
the Asiatic lion found only in these forests since 1884 whose statistical figures
are around 300 presently. The Asiatic lion differs from the African Lion in its
size, which is slightly smaller than its African cousin. The national park is
made of three adjoining reserves - the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary inhabiting
several water-birds; the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the Indian Wild Ass; and
the captivating Flamingo Island make the Sasangir National Park an ideal place
for wildlife buffs.
The Sasangir National Park boasts of many antique
temples like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam. The best way to explore the national
park and enjoy the wildlife viewing in the Sasangir wildlife sanctuary is by jeep
safari. The best long jeep drives from Sasan are conducted to Baval Chowk and
Kankai, Chodavdi, Tulsishyam and to Kamaleshwar dam.
Flora
in Sasangir National Park
The Gir is an area with mixed deciduous forests
with Teak, Ber, Flame of the forest, Jamun and Babool. A wildlife sanctuary owes
a distinct belt of vegetation along the main rivers and streams. The rare tree
species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found
here abundantly. These wide and tall, broad leaved and evergreen trees provide
a cool shade and moisture to the area.
Wildlife
in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sasangir National Park accommodates
the wild animals like chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur,
porcupine, hare, black buck and other animals. There are more than 200 bird species
including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle,
jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species
of doves. The Kamleshwar Dam in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the marsh
crocodile commonly seen in the river. There is also the only crocodile-breeding
farm in this national park.
Special Attractions
in Sasangir National Park
Jeep Safari
Wildlife viewing
in the Gir's is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest. The Forest Department
organizes the lion shows every Sunday for the tourists. There are also special
trips along with the trained guides who give the tourists direction for the sanctuary
tour. The best time to observe this ferocious carnivore is to grab his sight during
the dawn and dusk when they are on the prowl.
When
to Visit Sasangir National Park
The wildlife lovers can visit Sasangir
National Park all through the year. The best time to visit the Sasangir Wildlife
Sanctuary is between November to June.
How to
Reach Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: Keshod is the nearest
airport from Sasangir via Veraval. Daily flights are also available from Mumbai
to Keshod.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from Sasangir is Ahmedabad.
By Road: Sasangir is well connected with Ahmedabad via Rajkot,
Junagadh and Mendarda. The state transport buses are also easily available from
Junagadh and Veraval to Gir between November to June.
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