Gir Forest, also known as Sasan Gir, is a national park and wildlife sanctuary that is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, which covers an area of about 1412 sq. km. making it one of the largest and biggest regions of dry deciduous forest in India. Gir Forest is famous for The Asiatic Lions, which are considered an endangered species and are confined only to this region in the world.
Gir Forest has a significant cultural and historical heritage as it has numerous temples and monuments. People from all over the country visit here to see them.
The Gir Forest has tropical and deciduous vegetation. It is primarily built of teak trees, which offers lions and other wildlife animals the ideal environment to thrive.
Here is a list of some of the animals that can be found in Gir forest:
1. Asiatic Lion: Gir forest is the only place in the world where you will find Asiatic Lion in the wild. There are over 600 Asiatic Lions in Gir Forest as of May 2023.
2. Leopard: Leopards are another big cat species that can be sighted in Gir forest. Leopards are elusive and their body spots make it very difficult to sight.
3. Striped Hyena: Striped Hyenas are nocturnal animals which means that they mostly spend their time sleeping during the day and get active once it is night. They are known for their distinctive striped coat and scavenging habits.
4. Indian Wild Dog: The Indian Wild Dog, also called Dhole, even though they are difficult to spot, but if you see one, there are chances you will more as Indian Wild Dog is a social animal that is found in packs.
5. Sambar Deer: Sambar Deer are the largest deer species found in India and are known for their large antlers. It is one of the most commonly sighted animals in Gir Forest.
6. Chital: Chital, is also called as Spotted Deer, is a common deer species found in Gir forest. They have distinctive spots and can be seen commonly grazing around in open grasslands.
7. Nilgai: Nilgai, also known as Blue Bull, is a large antelope species that can be seen around in the Gir Forest. They have a blue grey colored coat.
8. Four-Horned Antelope: The Four-Horned Antelope, also known as Chousingha in Hindi, is an antelope species that has four horns instead of two as commonly seen on them. You can spot them easily during your safaris.
9. Indian Pangolin: The Indian Pangolin is another nocturnal animal apart from stripped hyenas that can be found here in Gir Forest. Indian Pangolins are endangered species and have distinctive armored scales on their body.
10. Indian Porcupine: The Indian Porcupine is a nocturnal rodent species, they stay inside their burrows during the day and become active once the sun sets. They are known for their sharp quills for defense.
These are just some of the many animal species that can be found in Gir forest. The forest is also home to over 300 species of birds and various other reptiles and amphibians.
The months of December through March are the Best time for visiting Gir Forest since the weather is pleasant and wildlife is easy to see. Due to the monsoon season, the forest is usually closed from June to October.
You can engage in a variety of activities in the Gir forest, including vehicle safaris, birdwatching excursions, nature hikes, and camping. Having said that, Jeep safaris are the best way to experience and observe the majestic Asiatic lions in their wild & natural habitat.
The cost of visiting Gir forest varies depending on various factors such as the duration of your stay, the type of accommodation you choose, and the activities you opt for.
Here is a breakdown of some of the costs that you can incur during your visit to Gir forest:
1. Entry Fees: The entry fees for Indian nationals for the Gir Forest is Rs. 800 per person per day, and for foreigners, it is Rs. 4,800 per person per day.
2. Accommodation: There are various stay options available near Gir forest, ranging from budget friendly lodges to luxury resorts. The cost of which depends on your choice and the amenities it offers. Budget accommodations start at around Rs. 1,000 per night, while luxury resorts can cost anywhere between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per night.
3. Safari Costs: Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore Gir forest and see the lions and other animals in their natural habitat. The cost of a jeep safari is INR 1,800 per jeep (up to 6 people) for Indian nationals and INR 7,200 per jeep (up to 6 people) for foreign nationals. There are also other safari options available, such as walking safaris and lion shows, which have different costs associated with them.
4. Guide Fees: If you want to take a guided tour of Gir Forest, then the charges will be in between Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per day. If you are first time traveling to Gir Forest, it is recommended to take a guided tour.
Overall, the cost of visiting Gir forest can range from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs depending on your travel choices & budget.
Gir Forest does offer an unforgettable wildlife experience. With its diverse flora & fauna, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. Who wants to miss a chance to Majestic Asiatic Lions!!
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