Gir National Park

Gir National Park was established in 1965 and is located near the Talala region of Gujarat. It is the only place in the world where critically endangered Asiatic lions are found. Although the primary goal of Gir was to conserve Asiatic lions, it is also home to hundreds of other terrestrial and avian species. This area is home to about 606 plant species, 36 animal species, more than 2000 insect genera, and almost 300 different types of birds. Gir Forest National Park is the perfect example of a balanced environment in today's world of declining ecological equilibrium. The region's moderate climate is a result of the region's diversified and dense vegetation, which helps to preserve the ecological balance. Gir National Park also known as Sasan Gir was once the private hunting ground of the Nawab of Junagarh with an area of 1,414 sq km of which 258 sq km is now a fully protected area (National Park) and 1,153 sq km a wildlife sanctuary. The lion breeding programme, which includes the nearby park, has been successful in producing 128 lion cubs since it began. The Nalsarovar Lake, which is home to a variety of water birds, the Rann of Kutch, which is famed for its mesmerising flamingo island, and the Indian wild Ass are all included in this wildlife reserve. Combining the three reserves broadens the variety of species in the wildlife reserve, attracting more wildlife enthusiasts from across the world.

The sanctuary is located in Gujarat, a peninsula in southwest India, where the landscape is rocky, rough, and home to a variety of deciduous trees. The terrain is rough, with some of the deepest ravines, steep, rocky hills, and rivers everywhere, all of which are dotted by sizable sections of grassland. The Asiatic Lions, the Bird Sanctuary, which has more than 200 species of birds, the Temple of Tulsi Shyam, and the Crocodile Breeding Farm, which is close to Sasan, are the main draws of the area. Crocodiles, Pygmy woodpeckers, Chitals, Leopards, and numerous other species bring this place to life. There are several rivers that flow through the park offering amazing wildlife spotting opportunities. Gir collectively boasts over 2,300 species inclusive of insects, 300 species of birds and 37 species of reptiles. Predators at Gir include leopard, jungle cat, desert car, honey badger, mongoose and lions. Asiatic lions are smaller than their African cousin. The best time to sight such mesmerising creatures is at dawn and dusk when they are on the prowl. Why Gir National Park is famous? Sasan Gir is famous for its Asiatic Lion population as its the only place where these big cats are found in their natural habitat.