Sprawling over an area of 1424 sq km, Gir with its dry deciduous forest is home to 30 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, and several species of insects and birds. It forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion, is one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India. Other animal residents of the park are sambar deer, chital, nilgai the four-horned antelope chowsingha, chinkara, wild boar, langur, jackal and hyena. Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc.
When to go : The Sanctuary is open from October 16 to June 15. The best time to visit between late November and early March. Timings 8-11 am, 3-5 pm. |
