Sasangir National Park

Sasangir National Park was established in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion, on 18th September 1965, as a Forest Reserve with an area of about 2,450 hectares. A principal part of the Junagadh District of Gujarat, it is 90 kms from the Keshod Airport in the Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula. A small town named Sasan with a forest rest house, is the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. A hilly terrain with a dense network of rivers is the distinct feature of Sasangir National Park. Sasangir was declared partially as a Wildlife Sanctuary and partially a National Park in 1975.

The Sasangir National Park boasts of many antique temples like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam. The best way to explore the national park and enjoy the wildlife viewing in the Sasangir wildlife sanctuary is by jeep safari. The best long jeep drives from Sasan are conducted to Baval Chowk and Kankai, Chodavdi, Tulsishyam and to Kamaleshwar dam.

Flora in Sasangir National Park

The Gir is an area with mixed deciduous forests with Teak, Ber, Flame of the forest, Jamun and Babool. A wildlife sanctuary owes a distinct belt of vegetation along the main rivers and streams. The rare tree species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here abundantly. These wide and tall, broad leaved and evergreen trees provide a cool shade and moisture to the area.

Wildlife in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sasangir National Park accommodates the wild animals like chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck and other animals. There are more than 200 bird species including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. The Kamleshwar Dam in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the marsh crocodile commonly seen in the river. There is also the only crocodile-breeding farm in this national park.

Special Attractions in Sasangir National Park

Jeep Safari: Wildlife viewing in the Gir's is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest. The Forest Department organizes the lion shows every Sunday for the tourists. There are also special trips along with the trained guides who give the tourists direction for the sanctuary tour. The best time to observe this ferocious carnivore is to grab his sight during the dawn and dusk when they are on the prowl.

When to Visit Sasangir National Park

The wildlife lovers can visit Sasangir National Park all through the year. The best time to visit the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is between November to June.

How to Reach Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air: Keshod is the nearest airport from Sasangir via Veraval. Daily flights are also available from Mumbai to Keshod.

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Sasangir is Ahmedabad.

By Road: Sasangir is well connected with Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. The state transport buses are also easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir between November to June.