Gir National Park

Apart from the Asiatic lion, other wild attractions in the sanctuary are Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, crocodile, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox and Jackal. The three smaller wildcats - the Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat, also inhabit Gir forest. The forest is also rich in bird life, and an estimated of 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park over the years, the most common is the peafowl.  

There are 6 routes in the park - the longest is 31km. Some of the most popular routes for a drive are the Sasan-Kamaleshwar Dam, the Sasan-Kankai, the Sasan-Chodavdi and the Sasan-Tulsishyam routes. You may occasionally be able to see lions with the help of tracker and guide. The Gir forestry department provides jeeps and guides on a daily basis.

All visitors to Gir are required to obtain entry permits from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. The permits cost Rs 15 for the first day, and Rs 7.50 for every subsequent day. Extra charges are levied for cameras and for hiring vehicles: a jeep ride will cost about Rs 100 per person, and still camera fees range from Rs 50 (for Indians) Guide charges are, respectively, Rs 50.

The Gujarat State Tourism corporation offers a special two day package tour to the Sasan Gir Sanctuary. The trip includes reception at Keshod, the nearest airport (an 80 minute flight from Mumbai, and 90 km (56 miles) from sanctuary), accommodation at the forest Lodge, a sanctuary tour, and a visit to Somnath.

Best Time to Visit
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited wildlife reserves within India still the period one should visit this park is during the months of Mid October-Mid June. November and February is the best time for sighting the lions, who generally retire to the forest's interior during the summer.