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There are plenty of activity options opened for you within the Indian
Wild life Sanctuaries and they are not just restricted to watching
the animals and birds. |
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Home >> Wildlife National Parks India >> 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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