The allure of Gir

Gir is perhaps the best maintained wildlife sanctuary in India. A visit to Gir is fascinating in every season. The changing moods, colours and temperatures, the wilderness is always alive, holding a promise of a great experience. Gir wildlife sanctuary has a mesmerising impact on visitors, often compelling them, to come again and again.

The experience of a lion safari in Gir is unique in several ways. The lion moves around majestically with an aura of superiority and utter disdain to other creatures. Being so completely self centered, he does not regard humans as a threat.

Lions spend almost 80% of their time sleeping, lying or just sitting in the shade, it often gives an excellent photo opportunity to the visitors.

The sight of a lion approaching your safari vehicle is perhaps the most awe inspiring and primitive sight imaginable.

During a lion safari, you may also come across settlement of forest dwellers, who walk freely and fearlessly in the jungle, with just a stick in their hands.

Gir also has a vast population of peacocks, chitals and languors, who depend on each other for their survival. The troupe of languors sit on the trees and drop enough fruits for the chitals and peacocks to survive. When a predator is sighted, the languor cries out a warning to its companions and to the chitals and peacocks. The peacock immediately spread its wings and jumps on a tree sending another warning to its tribe. As the peacocks and languors accent the trees, the chitals seek escape routes for the heard.

During a safari in Gir, you will also spot Sambars, Nilgais and Four Horned Antelopes moving around in large numbers. On the whole, Gir has a sufficient prey base for its approximately 600 lions.

A safari in Gir is never complete without a break at the Kamleshwar Dam, known for its scenic beauty. Their tourists can get down from the safari vehicle and move around.

At the end of the safari, a visit to the souvenir shop at Sinh Sadan, is highly recommended. Their tourists can purchase good quality wildlife related merchandise at reasonable prices.