Lion

⧪      Conservation

For over 150 years, Asiatic lions have remained confined only to Gir after the Nawab of Junagadh took strong conservation measures to protect them, leading to a growth in the lion population. Even today, thanks to the people who live in this area, Gir is one of the best conservation stories in the world. The number of Asiatic lion has increased to 411 in the area according to census conducted in 2010.

Adequate protection and better enforcement of conservation strategies have resulted in the dispersal of lions outside Gir National Park and Sanctuary. The lion's distribution range has expanded to 21 talukas in the 3 districts. It is possible that an increase in the number of male lions might be one of the reasons that lions are migrating in search of new, alternative territories. The government has taken steps to develop and increase more forest areas under the network of protected areas for the lions using the ‘landscape conservation’ approach. Infrastructure, skilled manpower, better communication and patrolling systems, state-of-the-art rescue and treatment facility, people participation, scientific and organized management inputs, and esteemed leadership are the key factors behind the overall biodiversity conservation. 

⧪      Natural tourism

Tourism in Gir had its modest beginning much before the country’s independence. During the last decade, a lot of improvement works have taken place in terms of promoting the ecotourism opportunities in Gir. In tune with the objectives of Wildlife Conservation, ecotourism is allowed on a limited and regulated basis in identified eco-tourism zone near sasan-Gir. The objectives of eco-tourism in the Gir are to minimize the negative impact of tourists on PA and wildlife, to provide economic benefits to the local communities, to maximize peoples’ enjoyment during their stay through education, interpretation and to increase the visitors’ concern for nature and biodiversity conservation. 

⧪      How to reach...

By road: Gir National Park is around 55 km from Junagadh City, the most common base for making a visit, and 348 km from Ahmedabad and 156 kms from Rajkot. The Reception centre is at Sasan Gir, and has a Forest Guest house maintained by the forest department, nearby the railway station.

By rail:One can travel by Rail to Junagadh from Ahmedabad or Rajkot and then take a 55 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir or can come via local trains from Junagadh city.

By Air:Person can come via flight up to Rajkot or Ahemedabad.