Gujarat

1.Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 64 km from Junagadh and 32 km from Verawal

Total Coverage Area:1,412.14 sq. km./ Lion sanctuary 141,213 hectares (of which national park 35,948 hectares).
About Sansan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Gir National Park, was established on 18th September, 1965, as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion. The total area under national park status is about 2,450 hectares. It is located in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, about 65 km south-east of Junagadh city, and 90 km east of Keshod Airport, in the Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula. Sasan, with a forest rest-house, is the headquarters of the sanctuary.The Gir is a mixed deciduous type of forest with teak, ber, flame of the forest, jamun, a variety of acacia, particularly babul. It is a hilly tract with plenty of rivers, and offers the visitor long pleasant drives, through the thick forest cover.

Gir National Park is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been confined to this forest, since 1884 ( about 239 lions were reported in 1985 ).The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin, nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold. 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. The Forest Department does arrange lion shows every Sunday, where the spectators can watch prides of lions on the hunt.There are guided trips available, to watch these magnificent animals from a very close range.

The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck, are the other animals, that can be found in this sanctuary. There are over 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 Gir is also home to the marsh crocodile, which can be sighted easily in its rivers, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is also a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan.Wildlife viewing in the Girs is best done, by driving around the forest. The best drives from Sasan are, to Baval Chowk and Kankai, to Chodavdi and Tulsishyam, and to Kamaleshwar dam. Though a sturdy car would do, a jeep is definitely more appropriate.
Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary - home to several water-birds, the Little Rann of Kutch - home of the Indian wild ass, and the fascinating Flamingo Island, render the state of Gujarat a virtual haven for wildlife buffs.
The Topography(Gir National Park ):
The state of Gujarat has some splendid wildlife reserves that are quite out of the ordinary. The Gir National Park is the only home in India of the Asiatic Lion of which there are nearly 300 in the park. This sanctuary lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South West India and is gifted with a terrain that is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is full of mixed deciduous, with stands of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees, interspersed with large patches of grasslands. On the hills of the trees are sparse and stunted.

Climate(Gir National Park )
From the three common seasons of summer, winter and monsoon, summer takes the longest stretch, in which the average minimum and maximum temperature ranges between 10ºC to nearly 45ºC. The hottest months recorded in Gir are April and May. The rains bring some relief from the heat during the monsoons period of, starting from middle of June and September. The maximum recorded during this period in the area is around 1,866 mm and the minimum recorded being 199mm.

Because of less rainfall water always remains a critical factor in the well being of the forest. At times the waterholes are required to be replenished through water tankers from outside and the park staff maintains around 350 of such waterholes.

The Lion King (Gir National Park )
Gir Sanctuary is the last and only home of the critically endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are a smaller more compact version of their African version, and are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. The major difference between the two is that the African Lion appears larger than the Indian Lion because of its large and luxuriant mane.

Extension Of The Sanctuary
In the past Gir had a much bigger coverage area. After Indian government placed a total ban on killing of Lions in 1955, within the time span of three years the area estimation came around 2,560-sq-km and the Lion population was estimated at 287. Since then, the forest area very quickly got reduced in area to 1,452-sq-km. In 1965, the Gujarat government declared Gir forest as a sanctuary and in 1975; part of the sanctuary was declared as a National Park. And with the success of the protection program there is an incredible increase in the Lion population too, from 177 in 1974 to around 300 in 1995.

The main territories of this territorial predator outside Gir in Gujarat include Nagwa Beach in Diu, Sutrapada, Palitana, Mahuva, Savarkundla, Mitiyala, Keshod, Maliya Hatina, and Girnar.

2.Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

The entire Little Rann of Kutch known as the "Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary" is a featureless expanse of flat land - the sea bed - dotted with islands known as "Baits" which form the core for the flora and fauna. This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India.
In India the Indian wild ass represents the horse tribe. In the Little Rann of Kutch, the asses are attracted by the flat grass covered expanses known as bets or islands where coarse grasses spring up In monsoon. With the advent of summer, the asses move to oilier bets in which there is perennial supply of water and grass.
As for speed and stamina, there is no one in the animal kingdom to match the wild ass as they are capable of marathon runs at a pace of about 24 km/h for as long as two hours, reaching a top speed of 70 km/h over short distances. The wild ass is a strong animal and a stallion will fight viciously for the possession of the mare in the mating season. The combatants rear up on their hindlegs, and kick and bite viciously. After mating one fowl is born between July and September.

Besides the wild ass, the wildlife consists of rare and endangered Ghudkhur (Equs hemionus khur) not found anywhere else in the world. Others, such as the Blue-Bull, Chinkara, Hedgehog and carnivores such as the Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and Desert Cats can also be found here in large numbers. A variety of birds - almost three hundred species, can be seen in and around the Rann during winter. Cranes and Flamingos can be seen in thousands. Rare birds such as the Houbara Bustard, Falcons, a large number and species of larks and other arid region birds can be seen. Reptiles such as snakes, tortoises, lizards, are also found. Watch towers, a tourist complex and other tourist related facilities are in place to enhance wildlife viewing in this unique habitat.

Wildlife Safari
Travelling on the vast Rann in an open jeep is a refreshing and exciting experience. The sunrise and sunset are breathtaking, displaying exotic hues. Viewing wildlife is an exciting and thrilling adventure. It is more satisfying to observe animal behaviour than mere sighting. A minimum of three/four day's stay is recommended. There are morning and evening excursions in Jeeps/Mini coaches that seat a comfortable number of persons and are conducted at a leisurely pace.
The safaris, besides wildlife also include visits to ancient monuments and inland salt works and other places of interest. Explanations and anecdotes, during the whole safari will keep one, enthralled.

Excursions and other Activities
Excursions for viewing a typical Saurashtra village, handloom weaving and dyeing units and the village potter are available.

For people interested in birds and photography; special rides and camouflaged boats can be provided.

Trekking and living with seasonally migrating Rabari and Bharwad tribes. Camps on the edge of the Rann are operated between July and September each year.

Camel and Jeep safaris in and across the Rann with tented camps on the Baits, lasting three to seven days can be arranged.
As for speed and stamina, there is no one in the animal kingdom to match the wild ass as they are capable of marathon runs at a pace of about 24 km/h for as long as two hours, reaching a top speed of 70 km/h over short distances. The wild ass is a strong animal and a stallion will fight viciously for the possession of the mare in the mating season. The combatants rear up on their hindlegs, and kick and bite viciously. After mating one fowl is born between July and September.

Besides the wild ass, the wildlife consists of rare and endangered Ghudkhur (Equs hemionus khur) not found anywhere else in the world. Others, such as the Blue-Bull, Chinkara, Hedgehog and carnivores such as the Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and Desert Cats can also be found here in large numbers. A variety of birds - almost three hundred species, can be seen in and around the Rann during winter. Cranes and Flamingos can be seen in thousands. Rare birds such as the Houbara Bustard, Falcons, a large number and species of larks and other arid region birds can be seen. Reptiles such as snakes, tortoises, lizards, are also found. Watch towers, a tourist complex and other tourist related facilities are in place to enhance wildlife viewing in this unique habitat.