Sasangir

Close to being an extinct species, the number of Asiatic lions has been steadily rising since 1980 in this safe haven. The vegetation in the area consists of teak with a mixture of deciduous trees, including sal (Shorea), dhak (Butea frondosa), and thorn forests. The terrain is rugged with steep rocky hillsides. A few springs also exist, but their flow is rather eccentric depending upon the season. Some sixty thousand tourists visited Sasan Gir Forest Reserve in 1999-2000.

Fast Facts
	Area 1412 sq km Languages: Gujarati, Hindi and English Best Time To Visit: December - April

Climate:
The area is usually dry and arid, but with the onset of monsoon greenery returns and the region assumes a fresh and renewed face. Summers (April-June) are harsh with temperatures as high as 40°C while winters (December-February) are cool.

ATTRACTIONS:
The Asiatic Lion alone draws hordes of visitors to the park each year. Sasan Gir is the only place in the world outside the African continent where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African counterpart but is a majestic sight to behold. The forest is also home to species like leopard, chital, chinkara (gazelle), wild boar, wild ass, nilgai, spotted deer, and four-horned antelope. It is also the haunt for monkeys, parrots and India's national bird, the peacock. A crocodile-rearing and research center also flourishes adjacent to Sihn Sadan Lodge, where hatchlings are reared and then consecutively released into their natural habitat.

Safaris are popular, although one needs a permit before embarking on one. Permits are issued on the spot at the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge office. Jeeps and minibuses are freely available for touring the forest. The option of the jeep is a better one as it can travel to areas where the bus cannot, hence makes your outing more meaningful.

The best time to observe lions in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Though the Asiatic lion is an elusive creature, a morning safari awards a good chance of seeing it, in contrast to a hot afternoon safari. With luck on your side, you may spot more than one.

Gir forest area also includes the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, where birds like paradise flycatcher, back-headed cuckoo, pied woodpecker, various species of eagles, painted sand grouse, bush quail, flamingo, partridge, parrot, and peacock may be seen. The park also has a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna near the Tulsi Shyam springs.

Reaching there:
The park is approachable by road from the nearest town of Veraval, which is at a distance of 32 km, and Junagarh, at a distance of 64 km. State transport buses also ply between Junagarh and Veraval on a regular basis throughout the day. Steam trains run to Veraval (twice daily) and Junagarh (once a day) from the nearest rail junction, Sasan Gir, which is about 1 km from the park. The nearest airport is Keshod at a distance of 86 km.

Staying there:
The Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge is not far from the railway station. Gujarat Tourism's Lion Safari Lodge is down by the river, about 200 meters from the Sinh Sadan, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and has good facilities. One can also stay at reasonably priced hotels away from the forest reserve.

Eatables are freely available at both lodges within the forest reserve's precincts.

Links to the outside world:
The forest reserve lodges have workable phone lines. Stamped mail may also be dropped at the lodges. Veraval is the nearest major post office where communication (telegraph and fax facilities) and medical facilities are available.

TRAVEL TIPS:
For summer months, light cotton clothing is advisable. Since winters are not particularly harsh, light woolens are recommended.

Jeeps are available from the lodge office everyday between 7 and 11 AM and 3 and 6.30 PM during winter (October-February) and from 6.30 AM during summer (March-June). No private vehicles are allowed inside the reserve.

For additional information, contact: Conservators of Forests, Sardar Baug, Junagarh, Gujarat, India 362001.

Places nearby:
Junagarh, which is 64 km from Sasan Gir Reserve, is an important heritage sight. Veraval, to which Sasan Gir has direct links, is interlinked to Somnath-a popular place for Hindu pilgrims.