SASANGIR,india

Sasan Girn Lion sanctuary lies at the bottom of the Saurasktra peninsula in the western state of Gujurat. The forest is generally of a tropical dry deciduous type with teak as the principal species forming up to 70% of the crop. Climate :- The Gir Forests are usually dry and arid. The greenery in the forests can be seen during the monsoon season. The summers, from April to June, are harsh with temperatures rising to 40°C. the winters, from December to February are cool and comfortable. The tourists need to carry light woolens during the summers and heavy woolens during the winters. Travel Tips for Tourist :- Tourists should not cause any damage floral and faunal life. The flora should not be plucked to take back home. You should not kindle any kind of fire; throw lit matches and cigarette buds. Do not throw or leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags in the forest. Firearms and chemicals should not be taken into the forests as they may cause harm to the wildlife and the vegetation. Never play radio and tape recorders as their frequency and voice might disturb, scare or irritate the animals.

HOW TO REACH By Air :- Sasan is 100 kms from Diu, 160 kms from Porbander and 160 kms from Rajkot. All three points are connected by air. By Rail :- Sasan is the railway station on the meter-gauge line. However the most convenient railhead is Junagadh (65 kms). By Road :- The roads in Gujarat are average and average driving speed is 50 kms/hour for most parts. Sasangir to Ahmedabad 895 km, Rajkot 160 km, Junagadh 65 km and Veraval 43 km. WHEN TO GO The Sanctuary is open to visitors from Mid October to Mid June, While during monsoon months the Sanctuary remains closed. Permission to visit the sanctuary is given by Forest Department, Sasangir on arrival. Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary :- Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is definitely one of India's success stories. From a pitifully small number of around twenty lions at the turn of the century there are now approximately three hundred lions in the park. If we compare this number to the populations of 20 to 30 tigers in most Project Tiger parks we can see that our chance of a lion sighting is good. The Gir lion sanctuary project was initiated in 1972 with one of its main objectives being to remove the local indigenous people from the interior of the park. The reason for the displacement of this devoutly religious pastoral community was their on-going conflict with the Gir Lions. The Gir lion sanctuary project was initiated in 1972 with one of its main objectives being to remove the local indigenous people from the interior of the park. The reason for the displacement of this devoutly religious pastoral community was their on-going conflict with the Gir Lions. Gir is also home to one of the largest leopard populations in any park in India and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges. Other wildlife to look out for are the Four-Horned Antelope,Wild Boar, Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Chinkara, Blue Bull, Marsh Muggers as well as a wonderful variety of bird species. The Gir lion sanctuary project was initiated in 1972 with one of its main objectives being to remove the local indigenous people from the interior of the park. The reason for the displacement of this devoutly religious pastoral community was their on-going conflict with the Gir Lions. Gir is also home to one of the largest leopard populations in any park in India and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges. Other wildlife to look out for are the Four-Horned Antelope,Wild Boar, Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Chinkara, Blue Bull, Marsh Muggers as well as a wonderful variety of bird species. The park is one of the best protected sanctuaries in India with as many as eight hundred guards patrolling the entire park. When they are not looking out for illegal grazers or cutters they are filling up the numerous artificial water holes. These are vital in periods of drought for the lions prey species which have rapidly increased in number under the protection of the park authorities. The lions feeding habits have changed back to a normal pattern with wild ungulates accounting for seventy percent of their kills. Another fascinating aspect of Gir is that it is also home to several Negro families . They only marry within their own community are Muslim and speak the local language which is Gujurati. They have no real knowledge of agriculture but under the Government Assisted Scheme for tribal persons have become landowners in their own right. The park is open from mid October and wildlife viewing is by jeep. The park is best reached by internal flight from Mumbai to Rajkot followed by a relatively comfortable car transfer. There are a number of unique and fascinating cultural sites nearby.