National Parks in India

Depending on the area and terrain National Parks provide ample opportunities to the visitors to have a close
encounters with the wilds. But what is so exquisite about the Indian National Parks is the variance that they are
equipped with. Whether it comes to the flora, avifauna, and aquafauna, or witnessing various wild forms in their
natural surroundings on an elephant or inside a jeep, wild ventures in are simply amazing!

Some of the best jewels of Indian wilderness include the Great Himalayan National Park, Dachigam National Park
near Srinagar, Corbett National Park in Uttar Pradesh, which is also a famous tiger reserve, Ranthambore
National Park in Rajasthan, and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. Worth visiting in the east indian part
in "The Land of Rhino" Assam is Kaziranga.

Sanctuaries in India
The Indian wildlife heritage has a unique status worldwide. It has the second largest base
of bio diversity in the world, with 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 80 National Parks, which
have become destinations for visitors from all around the world. Accounts of man-eaters of
Kumaon and other wildlife encountered by Jim Corbett, are fascinating and true, and just a
glimpse of many other mysteries and delights of the Indian wildlife that is housed in the
sanctuaries around the country.

Another incredible feature of these amazing conservatories of exotic wildlife is that they
are home to the largest number of tigers and one-horned rhinoceros in the world, as well
as the almost extinct Asiatic Lion, and a large percentage of the total elephant population!
Also, India's wildlife sanctuaries which cover about 90,000 sq km house more than 500
species of mammals, over 2000 species of birds, over 500 species of reptiles and
amphibians and around 30000 species of insects!

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

About Gir Wildlife Sanctaury
In the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat, lies the 116 square-mile Gir sanctuary created to protect the
last wild population of Lion outside the African regions. Since 1913 when the Lion population over here fell
drastically to just 20 animals, the numbers have increased to around 300. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than
its African cousin is and its mane is also smaller.

Flora in Gir National Park

The Gir National Park is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, flame of the forest, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A
distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad,
Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the
area a cool shade and the moisture content.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

In India the Lion population is spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh
and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is
Leopard. Infact, Gir national park 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 animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope,
Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and
numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.

Other Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Jeep Safari : The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and
dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.

Best Time to Visit Gir Forest

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between
the months of November and June.