Gir National Park is a wildlife reserve which harbors the renowned Asiatic Lions and not tigers. You won't find any tigers here but the endangered lions of Asia which were on the brink of extinction.
A Safe Place
It is the haven for Asiatic Lions which you won't find anywhere else in the world. Lions live only in Africa and the Gir National Park of India. The dry, scraggly, brown, and thorny surroundings of Gir encompass the final bastion of Asiatic Lions. The location is beautiful but harsh as well. Teak trees dominate most parts of the region in the Junagadh district of Kathiawar in Gujarat. 'Lush' isn't the word that you can use for Gir.
Vital For India
As mentioned earlier, the vegetation of Gir isn't something which you can describe with the word 'lush.' Naturally, it isn't possible for tigers to survive in such conditions. It is far from what most people would envision as a forest of a tropical region. Nevertheless, the biodiversity of Gir is essential to India because of its preciousness. Rust, beige, and occasional scarlet colors emblazon the semi-arid wilderness of the jungles of Gir. The flame of the forest lights up and brightens the surroundings when the silk-cotton trees bloom. Gir is very much like the faraway lands of Africa, though it lacks the extensive Masai Mara grasslands.
A Feast For The Eyes
If you stay for more than a day in Gir, you will come face to face with the king of the jungle. The size of an Asiatic Lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin. The lions of India have a shaggy appearance with lesser mane and distinctive belly folds and fringes. Still, the sight of this magnificent animal roaming around in the wild is uniquely impressive. You should head out as early as possible to see the lions. Single lions, a pride of them, or pairs go out and patrol their land after dawn. Lions of Gir don't consider human beings as threats so that you can reach as close to them as safely possible.
Other Excitements
The main reason for someone to visit Gir is to see the big cats of the wild in action. Lions are close relatives of tigers, but it isn't the only big cat in the area. Gir is the best place to go if you wish to witness leopards or panthers. These cats are much smaller than lions but much more agile. They can climb trees which allow them to stay out of the way of their big boss. It is also safe to assume that these predatory creatures need prey to survive. The herbivores of Gir include Sambar, nilgai, chital, chinkara, and chowsingha. Other prey animals like langur and wild boars also survive here.
Some Tips
If you're visiting Gir for the first time, then you should know a few things. The summer season here can be quite hot. You must pack light cotton clothes so that you can withstand the heat. In winter, light woolen clothes should prove to be enough. It is mandatory for travelers to explore the wilderness of Gir in Jeeps or other SUVs. The authorities won't allow you to walk around in the park. You should avail SUVs instead of mini-busses because smaller vehicles can pick up trails of lions and follow them. The Park Information Center is where you get the permits to enter the park. Without an entry ticket, you won't be able to enter this wildlife sanctuary.
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