Other Wild Attractions:
The Leopards:
Leopard is considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful animals in the jungle, also the most dangerous one. Popularly known as the Prince of Cats, this animal is the most adaptable from the family of predators, one the reason why it occupies a much larger spread of Gujarat forest cover, and in Gir National Park it has been found in all the varied habitats and vegetation types I such as deciduous, thorn scrub, grasslands, riverside forests and village cultivated fields. The approximate population of 210 Leopards resides within the sanctuary area.

Among the lesser-known wildlife of Gir National Park include the most common animal that can be sighted in the sanctuary is the Chital or Spotted Deer. Others main wild attractions are Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox, and Jackal. The three smaller wildcats - the Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat, also inhabit Gir forest, which shows that the forest is not just meant for the protection of Lions, but the whole of the cat family.

Reptiles:
Not leaving the water predators behind, Mash crocodiles are often seen along the Kamleshwar Dam Site. Another major attraction among the reptile population of Gir National Park are the numerous non-venomous Snakes such as the Indian Rock Python along with the four venomous varieties, which are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled Viper, Russell's Viper. The turtles reside in the freshwater ponds and rivers of Gir National Park, and are either hard-shelled or soft-shelled. Commonly found in all major and minor water bodies of Gir are the Soft Shelled Turtle.

The Bird Life:
The forest is also rich in bird life, and an estimated of 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park over the years. Many wildlife experts say that if Gir has not been a Lion sanctuary, it could have easily passed off as a protected area for the incredible diversity of birds that it harbours. The avifauna in here occupies the forest floors, small plants and shrubs and even the canopy of the trees. The Paradise Flycatcher, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Pied Woodpecker, Bonelli's Eagle, Creset Serpant Eagle, Painted Sandgrouse, Bush Quail and Grey Patridge are among the varieties that are commonly found over here.

Some species of birds are permanent residents of Gir, staying in the breeding area round the year even though breeding period is from spring to summer season. Many tropical birds also spend the whole year in the same area; some of these, where seasonality is at a minimum, may nest at almost any time. Still there are many species of birds that migrate to escape the cold climate to warmer places, which mean that they make regular seasonal movements away from and back to the breeding area.

Residents Of Gir National Park:
There are also numerous human settlements of cattle herders called Maldharis residing within the sanctuary with an estimated 20,000 head of livestock (which, incidentally, forms a significant part of the Lion's diet). There are also places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage and Sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. At the edge of the park there are good populations of Indian Gazelle, protected by the religious sentiment of the local people.

Visiting Season:
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited wildlife reserves within India still the period one should visit this park is during the months of Mid October-Mid June, and the best recommended time is December-April.

Access:
By Air: Nearest airport is Keshod 90-km via Veraval. One can catch daily flight from Mumbai to Keshod. Drive to Gir from Keshod or Rajkot (166-kms) airports.
By Rail: Meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad. There is also a railway station at Sasan Gir (1km).
By Road: Distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are also available from Junagadh and Veraval between November and June.

Accommodation And Facilities:
The Gir Lodge has recently been refurbished and upgraded. Nearby is the family-run Maneland Lodge, suitable for small groups. Safaris are by 4-wheel drive motor vehicles.

THE GIR LODGE - GIR NATIONAL PARK

Jungle Lodge The Gir Lodge is located on the edge of Gir Forest. The Lodge has 20 Standard Non A/C rooms, 07 standard A/C rooms. The other facilities includes car park, safe locker conference hall. Taj Group of Hotels manages the Forest Lodge. Each bedroom has private bathroom with bath and/or shower and toilet, telephone, television and a mini bar.