Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary
Highlights: Kankai Mata, Baval Chowk, Nalsarovar Lake, Little Rann of Kutch, Flamingo Island and Tulsishyam
How To Reach:
By Air: Keshod is the nearest airport from Sasangir via Veraval.
By Rail: Sasangir in Ahmedabad is the nearest railway station.
By Bus: Sasangir is well connected with Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. There is a regular bus service.
Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Saurashtra district of Gujarat spreads on an area of about 1412 square kilometers. Also known as Gir, the Sanctuary is well known Lion Sanctuaries in Asia. The Park was established as an Asiatic Lion Conservatory in 1965. There are approximately 300 lions in the Park.
The vegetation of the Park consists primarily of mixed deciduous type forests with teak, ber, flame of the forest, jamun, a variety of acacia, tendu, dhak and babul trees. The region has a hilly terrain but has a number of gushing rivers that add charm to its beauty. Enjoy a pleasant drive through the thick forest cover.
The Forest Department at Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary arranges various guided trips to watch these animals from a very close range. Besides the king of the jungle-Lion, other animals found in this region are wild boar, common langur, chinkara, striped hyena, jackal, porcupine, hare, black buck, chital, leopard, gazelle, nilgai, wild ass, spotted deer and the four-horned antelope. Marsh Crocodile can be spotted easily in lake of the Kamaleshwar dam.
There are over 200 avian species dwelling in the Park. Most popular birds in the region are Bonelli's eagle, peafowl, grey partridge, painted sand grouse, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, common green pigeon and several species of doves.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the early hours of dawn from dawn to dusk. The summer season is unsuitable for visit as it hottest period with average minimum and maximum temperature ranges between 10ºC to nearly 45ºC. Due to scarcity of water and the area being in rain shadow area experiencing less rain, the park staff maintains around 350 artificial water holes and replenishes water through water tankers from time to time.
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